Jayden Daniels was aiming to right a wrong on Thursday Night Football against the New York Giants. The Washington Commanders completely botched their first meeting with these fierce NFC East rivals this season, and the quarterback doesn't forget easily.
Daniels has a point to prove. He's got a chip on his shoulder after getting some unfair criticism through the first half of 2026. The Commanders had their backs against the wall, and it was arguably the last do-or-die chance to salvage their hopes of winning the division.
There is no doubt Daniels has enjoyed tremendous success against the Giants throughout his career. Despite the incredible overtime flop and fourth-quarter collapse in Week 5, the signal-caller played pretty well overall.
Jayden Daniels came through when the Commanders needed him most
But with less-than-ideal weather at MetLife Stadium, the Commanders needed more magic from the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As it turned out, it was an ugly game with a thrilling conclusion. But for once, the Commanders managed things effectively down the stretch to triumph.
Daniels started the game well enough. The Commanders struggled to get anything going, but when the signal-caller was allowed to speed up the tempo, things started to click.
For all the talk of Daniels being more comfortable in a pro-style offense, his strengths are clear. His mobility is exceptional, and you only have to look at how effective he was when rolling out of the pocket to see the difference it can make.
When Washington slowed things down, it became easier for the Giants to manage. Daniels was still making plays, but the tempo was critical.
The former Arizona State star is supremely accurate. Daniels has been accused of taking fewer risks, but he is still a convincing passer. He's also working without second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin, so he's picking his spots rather than being reckless.
And it's working, to a point.
Daniels is seeing the field really well, too.
Jayden Daniels exorcised the Week 5 demons to sppearhead Commanders' success
In the second half, when things needed a little extra urgency, Daniels took it upon himself to make things happen. He ran more designed plays to move the chains, and instead of focusing on one or two primary pass-catchers, he distributed the wealth almost evenly to keep the Giants guessing.
There were some timing issues. But against such a young, dynamic defense capable of turning any game on its head, that was also expected.
Then came crunch time.
And for once, Daniels was found wanting.
He'd not thrown an interception this season coming into this one. That changed at the worst possible moment, with Daniels throwing two picks on consecutive drives in the fourth quarter with everything at stake.
The Giants saw what was coming on Daniels' fourth-down try a mile away. Blough had called the same play several times, and Ar'Darius Washington sniffed it out. Just a disastrous sequence all around, but there was still time.
Daniels got another go-around, and he wasn't going to waste it. After a defensive pass interference penalty put them in good field position, he delivered a clinical pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who went in for the game-winning score.
And the defense held firm to give the Commanders a vital triumph.
The relief was palpable. Everyone needed this, least of all Daniels. The ghosts of earlier this season have been exorcised, and now, the Commanders have some real positivity to take into some winnable upcoming contests.
It was a solid if unspectacular performance from Daniels. But when the Commanders needed him to deliver in the clutch, he finally came through.
Jayden Daniels' performance grade: B+
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