Sometimes football feels like a rollercoaster, doesn’t it? One minute you’re soaring with your arms in the air, and the next, you’re gripping the safety bar for dear life. That’s what watching Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 felt like. Thrilling highs, gut-wrenching lows, and a whole lot of drama.
Daniels, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, delivered one of his most statistically impressive performances to date. He threw a jaw-dropping five touchdowns, a season-high, leading the Commanders to a critical victory over their NFC East rivals. But—and there’s always a but, isn’t there?—he also tossed two absolutely head-scratching interceptions. The kind where you scream at the TV, “What were you thinking?!”
CBS Sports Weighs In
After the dust settled, CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso gave Daniels a grade of “C” for his performance. A “C”! For five touchdowns! But Trapasso didn’t pull any punches in his assessment.
“What a comeback by the Commanders in a monstrous divisional showdown with the Eagles,” Trapasso wrote. “I have seen Daniels play better, more efficient games in his rookie season. Four of his five touchdowns were of the wide-open variety, and his interceptions were clearly on him.”
Ouch. But he didn’t stop there. Trapasso did acknowledge some bright spots, highlighting Daniels’ ability to execute the short, quick-game strategy effectively and his athletic flashes that kept the Eagles’ defense on their toes. Still, the interceptions cast a long shadow over what could’ve been a career-defining night.
A Game of Two Halves
Let’s unpack that a bit. The Commanders started sluggishly, trailing early as Daniels struggled to find his rhythm. The first interception was downright bizarre—he threw directly into double coverage, apparently not noticing the lurking Eagles safety. The second? A miscommunication with his receiver that ended with the ball landing right in the arms of an Eagles linebacker.
But then, like a switch flipped, Daniels turned into a touchdown machine. He connected on deep throws, short routes, and everything in between. Four of those touchdown passes were, as Trapasso noted, to wide-open receivers, but hey, points are points, right?
The game-winning drive was the stuff of legend—or, at least, it could’ve been if not for the earlier blunders. Daniels scrambled out of trouble, completed a critical third-down pass, and capped it off with a perfectly placed touchdown throw to seal the deal. If nothing else, the guy knows how to deliver when it counts.
Playoff Implications
This win didn’t just pad the Commanders’ record—it brought them one step closer to a playoff berth. The NFC East is a meat grinder of a division, and every victory counts. Daniels may have his critics, but his ability to pull out a win in a high-pressure situation is something you just can’t teach.
Looking Ahead: A Rookie Duel Awaits
The story doesn’t end here. Daniels and the Commanders are set to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, where he’ll go head-to-head with another rookie quarterback, Michael Penix Jr. It’s a matchup that promises to be just as dramatic, if not more so. Both rookies have something to prove, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Kickoff is set for Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET, and you can catch the action on NBC or stream it on Peacock. Circle your calendar, folks—this one’s going to be a show.
Key Takeaways:
- Mixed Performance: Jayden Daniels threw five touchdowns but also two costly interceptions.
- Analyst’s Grade: CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso gave Daniels a “C” for his efforts.
- Playoff Push: The Commanders’ win moves them closer to a postseason spot.
- Next Challenge: Daniels will face rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.
Why did Daniels receive a “C” grade despite five touchdowns?
The interceptions and lack of efficiency in some parts of the game plan weighed down his overall performance.
What’s next for Daniels and the Commanders?
The team faces the Falcons in Week 17, a critical matchup for playoff positioning.
Where can I watch the next game?
The Commanders vs. Falcons game will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.