#EasytoCelebrate pic.twitter.com/mfJyanocUZ — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 15, 2024 For fans in Louisiana, the play was a flashback to Daniels’ time at LSU, where he dazzled for two seasons and won the Heisman Trophy just a year ago. This particular touchdown was vintage Daniels, showcasing his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Daniels kept the play alive for an incredible 8.04 seconds before firing a strike to McLaurin. That’s the kind of improvisation that made him a college football legend and is now turning heads in the NFL. Breaking Down the Play Here’s how it all unfolded: On second-and-goal from the 16-yard line, Daniels dropped back to pass but quickly found himself under pressure. Forced to scramble, he initially rolled to his right before cutting back to his left. At one point, Daniels even touched the ball to the ground to regain his balance at the 25-yard line—a moment that could have spelled disaster for most quarterbacks. But not for Daniels. As he started moving upfield, he spotted McLaurin breaking free and unleashed a perfectly placed pass. McLaurin, who had started the play on the right side of the field, made the catch despite having just 0.7 yards of separation from the nearest defender. The pass had only a 16.1% chance of being completed, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, making it all the more impressive. “That’s just Jayden being Jayden,” one fan tweeted after the play. “He’s a magician out there.” Key Stats and Milestones Jayden Daniels now has 18 touchdown passes this season. Terry McLaurin’s 10th touchdown reception of the year is a career high. The Commanders’ drive was extended by an unnecessary roughness penalty on a successful 45-yard field goal attempt by Greg Joseph. It’s moments like these that show why Daniels is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. His ability to turn broken plays into highlight-reel touchdowns is a rare skill, and it’s one that Washington fans are learning to appreciate. For McLaurin, the touchdown was yet another example of his reliability and chemistry with Daniels, as the two continue to build a strong connection. What’s Next for Daniels and the Commanders? With this win, the Commanders are looking to build momentum as they push toward the postseason. Daniels’ growth as a quarterback has been a key storyline this season, and performances like this one only add to the excitement surrounding his future. For Saints fans, it was a bittersweet reminder of what Daniels used to do just up the road in Baton Rouge. But for Commanders fans, it’s a glimpse of what could be a very bright future. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Daniels to see if he can continue to deliver these kinds of magical moments. If Sunday’s game is any indication, he’s just getting started.