Jayden Daniels, the dynamic rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, was under pressure Sunday evening. The clock was ticking, and the Commanders needed more than a miracle to overcome the formidable Chicago Bears. His game plan? "Buy some time and don't throw the ball out of bounds," Daniels said afterwards.
With the clock against him, Daniels danced around the field for nearly 13 long seconds, finally launching the ball from the Washington 35-yard line as time ran out. What happened next was beyond anyone's imagination. Tyrique Stevenson tipped the ball just shy of the goal line, and Noah Brown, alone in the end zone, caught it for a stunning 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown.
This unbelievable play sealed an 18-15 victory for the Commanders, setting ablaze a wave of exhilaration among players, coaches, and fans. It was the fifth go-ahead Hail Mary TD in the final 10 seconds since ESPN started tracking such statistics in 2006. At 52 yards, it was the second-longest of all, only behind the Rodgers-to-Rodgers Miracle in Motown against the Detroit Lions in 2015.
"That was wild," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said following the game, "and what I love about the team is that we're never out of the fight."
"I just heard people screaming and our sideline rushing the field. That's how I knew," said Daniels.
Daniels' unforgettable play came after the Commanders (6-2) fell behind with only 25 seconds left due to a touchdown by Roschon Johnson. With just 19 seconds remaining post kickoff return to the 24, Daniels displayed his prowess with three completions, cementing his status as one of the most electrifying NFL players and a strong contender for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
"We're blessed to have '5' leading this team: The things he can do is special," praised teammate Noah Brown. Echoing the sentiment, offensive lineman Sam Cosmi said it was "like a movie," adding, "This will always stick in my head forever. What a moment."
It was a game that will be remembered for a long time, with each team scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the final 30 seconds - a feat that hadn't been achieved since November 13, 1977. Daniels pulled through and proved his mettle, throwing for 326 yards and running for 52. "He just showed us today what he's capable of and how tough he is," summed up running back Brian Robinson Jr.
