Jayden Daniels' Hail Mary to Noah Brown lifts Commanders past ...

By Ben Standig, Kevin Fishbain and Cale Clinton

The matchup between 2024 No. 1 and No. 2 draft pick quarterbacks will go down in history, with two lead changes and a Hail Mary in the final 30 seconds. The Washington Commanders (6-2) took home the 18-15 win over the Chicago Bears (4-3) after Jayden Daniels connected with Noah Brown on a tipped 52-yard Hail Mary with no time left on the clock.

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JAYDEN DANIELS HAIL MARY! @COMMANDERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/BsQ0Z84Rko

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Daniels did not look inhibited by the rib injury he suffered in the first quarter of last week’s 40-7 win over the Carolina Panthers. Despite not practicing Wednesday or Thursday and partially participating in practice on Friday, the rookie finished with 326 passing yards and 52 rushing yards, the first 300-yard passing game of his young career.

The Commanders actually avoided throwing a similar Hail Mary pass at halftime, trying to stop the Bears from getting a free shot at Daniels’ ribs. With the game on the line and seconds left on the clock, that was no longer a concern.

POV: You're on the field with the @Commanders when the clock hits zero!!! ???????? pic.twitter.com/kRCCriHnSx

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

The playing status for Daniels was unclear throughout the week before positive reports of his injured rib emerged 24-48 hours before kickoff. Cleared after a pre-game workout with the training staff, the heralded rookie played his typical dual-threat style. Daniels displayed cleverness when defenders chased him from the pocket and accuracy on a 61-yard bomb to Terry McLaurin.

No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, meanwhile, finished the afternoon with 10-of-24 passing with 131 yards, the fewest passing yards since his rookie debut and the lowest completion percentage of his career. The Bears lost left tackle Braxton Jones in the game, forcing rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie into the spotlight. The lack of consistency on the offensive line stifled the Bears offense.

Williams came alive in the fourth quarter, though. Ninety-five of his 131 passing yards came on the final two drives of the game. Chicago’s comeback efforts were nearly thwarted after the Bears drew up a dive run near the goal line for backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer that resulted in a fumble recovered by the Commanders. Chicago stopped the ensuing drive, worked its way back to the 1-yard-line and scored on a Roschon Johnson run to take its first lead of the game with fewer than 30 seconds left.

Running back D’Andre Swift had his best game in a Bears uniform. His 129 rushing yards on 18 carries was his highest rushing total since September 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles. His 56-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter is the third-longest touchdown run of his career.

Washington’s offense could have been even better

The missing piece was red-zone efficiency. Three drives stalling after reaching at least the Chicago 12 explains a 9-0 halftime lead despite a decisive edge in numerous statistics, including net yards. As the game continued and Daniels took more hits, the offense quieted. Austin Seibert attempted field goals four and five. One was blocked. The lack of end zone appearances allowed the Bears to rally for the lead.

Then Daniels solved the scoring riddle with a blessed throw. This team is riding the rookie quarterback, a try-hard defense and nothing but good vibes. — Ben Standig, Commanders beat reporter

Commanders defense holds its own against Williams

Washington’s defense had the upper hand for much of the game. The pass rush sped up Williams’ process, sometimes making the rookie appear confused in the pocket. After Swift’s touchdown run, Williams delivered several impressive throws. Some came with Mahomes-ian flair. The Commanders were fortunate that the Bears lost a fumble near Washington’s goal line the drive before the go-ahead TD run. Overall, the energetic group played hard and then some. Holding any team to 15 points should be plenty most weeks. The miracle in Maryland made sure it was. — Standig

Bears defense was nearly good enough

The Bears’ defense had made critical stops all afternoon. The Commanders were 0-for-3 in the red zone. They had a missed field goal. The defense kept them in it and gave an anemic offense a chance, only to have the biggest gaffe they could have on the final play of the game. It’s stunning that a team that focuses so much on the details and situations could allow a Hail Mary to beat them in that spot. They had stolen the game away, only to have it taken back in the most heartbreaking fashion. — Kevin Fishbain, Bears beat reporter

Required reading

(Photo: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)