Let the record show that Jayden Daniels has no problem with cold temperatures.
Let the record also show that the Washington Commanders’ offense hasn’t completely fallen off.
It’s also the first time that Washington’s rookie quarterback — who grew up in Southern California and rarely played in sub-50-degree temperatures in college — threw three touchdown passes in an NFL game, appearing unfazed by the 41-degree conditions at kickoff.
“I didn’t want to go into the bye with an ‘L,’” Daniels said. “That would’ve been four straight. Obviously, winning always makes everything better.”
Daniels finished 25 for 30 for 206 yards with three touchdowns, one interception and a 114.7 passer rating. He also had nine carries for 34 yards and a rushing score, bolstering a ground game led by Brian Robinson Jr., who had 103 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
“Just loved the way the guys started, and I felt that from Brian,” Coach Dan Quinn said. “He’s a difference-maker in terms of being downhill. … The guys really dug in. I thought they had a good plan, and [Daniels] felt electric tonight in terms of connecting, making plays, being decisive. All those things, when it all comes together, it’s a big deal.”
The Commanders amassed 463 yards and scored six offensive touchdowns, including four straight to start the game. Robinson ran through the line untouched for a 40-yard touchdown on the Commanders’ opening drive; after a Titans punt, Daniels capped an 11-play drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Terry McLaurin followed with a pair of first-half touchdown catches, and tight end Zach Ertz and running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. sealed the win with scores in the fourth quarter.
Throughout the season, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has preached the need for takeaways — a hallmark of his and Quinn’s defenses over the years. On Sunday, the unit came through; on the Titans’ third possession, cornerback Mike Sainristil ripped the ball from running back Tony Pollard to force and recover a fumble at the Tennessee 24-yard line. Washington turned it into points when Daniels found McLaurin on a deep crosser from the right side — not the left — for a 16-yard touchdown catch.
Over the previous three weeks, as Washington’s offense struggled after its prolific start, part of the criticism centered on McLaurin’s usage. In the first five years of his career, he had been used all over: outside; left and right; the slot; and sometimes even the backfield. But offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury had McLaurin line up almost exclusively on the left side for the first 12 weeks, and during the team’s losing streak, the Commanders struggled to get McLaurin the ball.
Be the first to comment