5 major observations from Jayden Daniels' performance at the Bengals

Jayden Daniels' sensational first half

Some players have a hard time producing the goods in road games with the primetime microscope looming large. That wasn't the case for Jayden Daniels during a sensational first half from the quarterback.

Daniels was clinical throughout. Kliff Kingsbury opened things up to provide the signal-caller with enough freedom to flourish. It didn't come with a passing touchdown, but his contribution played a leading role in Washington going into the interval with an eight-point lead.

Perhaps more encouraging was Daniels finally getting the football downfield with urgency with opportunities arose. His deep connection to Terry McLaurin was an undoubted highlight, which was desperately needed considering the Pro Bowler's lack of usage over the opening two contests.

Want further proof? Check out Daniels' stats from the opening two quarters at Paycor Stadium.

• 87.5 percent completion
• 139 passing yards
• 0 passing touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 1 sack against
• 19 rushing yards (1 rushing touchdown)
• 118.8 passer rating (ESPN)

This was better than even the brightest optimist anticipated. Daniels formally announced himself on the national NFL stage. And he did it all with a smile on his face.

Jayden Daniels' elusiveness

The Commanders got another decent performance from their revamped offensive line overall on Monday Night Football. This unit is coming along nicely and providing first-year signal-caller Jayden Daniels with the time needed to make a difference. It also helps that the quarterback's elusiveness is already up there with the NFL's best.

Daniels must be so frustrating to play against, which is a joy to watch for any Washington fan. Just when it feels like you have him contained or perhaps even in touching distance of a sack, he'll make a move and the chance is gone. It was one of his standout features in college and shows no signs of diminishing in the pros.

He's fearless sitting in the pocket and boasts the instincts needed to evade oncoming defenders almost at will. It's been a long time since the Commanders had anything like this under center. And it's helping this team grow quicker than most anticipated through the opening three weeks of the campaign.