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John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer
NEW ORLEANS — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels reminded fans in Louisiana that he can still do what he once did for two years in this state: make big plays.
Daniels capped Washington’s first drive vs. the New Orleans Saints with a 16-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin — two plays after Daniels fumbled at the 2-yard line. It was McLaurin’s career-best 10th touchdown reception of the season and gave Washington a 7-0 lead.
YEAH 17 @budlight | #EasytoCelebrate pic.twitter.com/mfJyanocUZ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 15, 2024
But the play was reminiscent of what Daniels did up the road at Louisiana State a year ago en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He extended the play for 8.04 seconds before connecting with McLaurin.
On second-and-goal from the 16-yard line, Daniels dropped back but was pressured from the right side, forcing him to run to his left. He then turned back to his right — at one point touching the ball on the ground to regain his balance at the 25-yard line — and then started upfield, where he saw McLaurin breaking free.
Daniels then unloaded a strike to McLaurin, who initially had started on the right side of the field.
The pass had a 16.1% chance of being completed, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, as McLaurin had only 0.7 yards of separation.
Daniels now has thrown 18 touchdown passes this season. The Commanders’ drive was extended thanks to an unnecessary roughness on a successful 45-yard field goal by Greg Joseph.