Commanders’ Dan Quinn: Jayden Daniels ‘Became a Heavy Hitter’ in Comeback Win Over Eagles
LANDOVER, Md. – Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn praised quarterback Jayden Daniels for his performance in the team’s thrilling 32-21 comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Daniels, who was making his second NFL start, struggled early in the game. He threw an interception on his first drive and was sacked three times in the first half. However, he rallied in the second half, leading the Commanders on three consecutive scoring drives to erase a 14-point deficit.
“Jayden became a heavy hitter,” Quinn said after the game. “He took some shots early, but he kept fighting. He showed a lot of toughness and resilience.”
Daniels finished the game 22-of-34 passing for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 40 yards, including a key 15-yard run on the Commanders’ game-winning drive.
The Commanders’ offense struggled to get going in the first half, but they came alive in the second half behind Daniels’ leadership. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught six passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
“We knew we had to make some adjustments at halftime,” Daniels said. “We were able to get the ball moving in the second half, and we never gave up.
The Eagles took a 14-0 lead in the first half on touchdowns by running back Miles Sanders and wide receiver A.J. Brown. However, the Commanders defense tightened up in the second half, holding the Eagles to just seven points.
“Our defense played great in the second half,” Quinn said. “They forced some turnovers and gave our offense a chance to get back in the game.”
The Commanders’ victory was their first of the season, and it snapped a three-game losing streak. The Eagles, who were previously undefeated, dropped to 3-1.
The Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday in a key NFC East matchup. The Eagles will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars.
Key stats:
- Jayden Daniels: 22-of-34 passing, 225 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 40 rushing yards
- Brian Robinson Jr.: 26 carries, 105 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Terry McLaurin: 6 receptions, 113 receiving yards, 1 TD
- Miles Sanders: 17 carries, 79 rushing yards, 1 TD
- A.J. Brown: 5 receptions, 85 receiving yards, 1 TD
Player quotes:
- “I’m just glad I could help the team win,” Daniels said. “We needed this win, and we’re going to build on it.”
- “Jayden played a great game,” Robinson said. “He made some big throws and runs, and he kept us in the game.”
- “Our defense played lights out in the second half,” McLaurin said. “They gave us a chance to come back and win.”