Commanders’ Jayden Daniels connects with Terry McLaurin for 16-yard TD

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  • John Keim, ESPN staff writerDecember 15, 2024, 1:44 PM ET

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      John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint at the Washington Post. He began covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has written/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’ which airs on ESPN Richmond radio and follow him on Twitter @john_keim

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 ended Washington’s first drive vs. 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.

But the play was reminiscent of what Daniels did on the road at Louisiana State a year ago en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He extended the game for 8.04 seconds before connecting with McLaurin.

On second and goal from the 16-yard line, Daniels dropped back but was pushed to his right, forcing him to run left. He then returned to his right side — at one point touching the ball to the ground to regain his balance at the 25-yard line — and then started upfield, where he saw McLaurin break free.

Daniels then unloaded a strike to McLaurin, who had initially started on the right side of the field.

The pass had a 16.1% chance of completion according to NFL Next Gen Stats as McLaurin only had 0.7 yards of separation.

Daniels has now 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.