Jayden Daniels Leads Commanders to OT Playoff Victory

30 Dec 2024

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Jayden Daniels playoff win/ Commanders beat Falcons/ NFL rookie records/ Commanders playoff berth/ Falcons playoff hopes/ LANDOVER/ Md./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jayden Daniels delivered an electrifying performance, passing for three touchdowns and rushing for 127 yards, to lead the Washington Commanders to a 30-24 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The win clinches a playoff spot for the Commanders, with Daniels setting records in his standout rookie season.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) carries on a keeper during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jayden Daniels Dominates as Commanders Secure Playoff Spot: Quick Looks

Game-Winning Play: Daniels connected with Zach Ertz for a 2-yard touchdown in overtime.
Impressive Stats: Daniels threw for 227 yards, rushed for 127 yards, and scored three TDs.
Comeback Victory: Overcame a 10-point halftime deficit and a late Falcons rally.
Falcons’ Struggles: Atlanta’s playoff hopes now hinge on beating Carolina and a Buccaneers loss.
Rookie Records: Daniels surpassed Robert Griffin III for most rushing yards by a rookie QB (864).

Jayden Daniels Leads Commanders to OT Playoff Victory

Deep Look: Jayden Daniels Propels Commanders to Playoffs with OT Win Over Falcons

Rookie sensation Jayden Daniels delivered yet another dazzling performance to lead the Washington Commanders to a hard-fought 30-24 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. Daniels’ clutch play, both in the air and on the ground, secured a playoff spot for Washington and added to his impressive debut season.

Daniels’ Electrifying Performance

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft, showcased his dual-threat abilities throughout the game. He threw for 227 yards on 24-of-36 passing, including three touchdowns—two to tight end Zach Ertz and another to Olamide Zaccheaus. His 127 rushing yards were a season-high, with 42 coming in overtime, culminating in a game-winning 2-yard touchdown pass to Ertz.

“The fan base waited a long time for this,” Daniels said postgame. “I can’t put into words how much it means to lead this franchise to opportunities like this.”

Commanders Overcome Halftime Deficit

Trailing 17-7 at halftime, Washington turned the tide in the second half. Daniels orchestrated a balanced offense while the defense tightened up, shutting down Atlanta’s potent rushing attack.

Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner praised Daniels’ poise, saying, “Him getting hit and making big plays, his confidence, his demeanor never changes. You know that he knows he’s going to make a play.”

Falcons’ Missed Opportunities

Atlanta started strong, with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. finding Kyle Pitts for a late game-tying touchdown and driving the Falcons into field-goal range in the closing seconds of regulation. However, kicker Riley Patterson’s 56-yard attempt fell short, forcing overtime.

Running back Bijan Robinson, who tallied 82 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first half, was limited to just 8 yards in the second half. “We just went back to our technique and fundamentals,” Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu said of the defensive adjustments.