Jayden Daniels narrowly escaped a blitz from Cleveland Browns’ cornerback Greg Newsome II and safety Grant Delpit on a crucial third-and-13. As he rolled to his right, he faced a choice: scramble for the first down or keep scanning the field for an open receiver.
He opted for the latter, trusting wide receiver Terry McLaurin to make the play. With a flick of his wrist, Daniels launched a 52-yard pass downfield, where McLaurin had beaten Denzel Ward in coverage. McLaurin made the catch and advanced the ball to the Browns’ 2-yard line, completing a 66-yard gain.
“It was just a scramble drill,” McLaurin said after the Washington Commanders’ 34-13 victory. “We’ve been working on it, and it paid off in a big moment.”
Despite it not being Daniels’ standout performance, his 320 total yards and a touchdown helped power Washington’s offense. The throw to McLaurin reflected the growth Daniels has shown throughout the season, something coach Dan Quinn praised. Earlier in the year, Daniels might have relied on his legs in that situation, but now he was making plays through the air.
Washington’s game against the Browns marked a test for Daniels after his season debut against Tampa Bay, a defense known for pressuring young quarterbacks. While the Browns’ blitz rate ranks third in the league, Daniels showed improvement, choosing when to run (11 carries for 82 yards) and when to stay patient and pass. His decision-making on the throw to McLaurin, with a defender closing in, highlighted his growing maturity.
McLaurin noted the improvement: “Jayden’s keeping his eyes downfield more every week, and as receivers, we just try to get open and make plays.”
