LANDOVER, Md. – Jayden Daniels had two clear thoughts when the Washington Commanders needed a long-distance throw to win over the Chicago Bears: “Buy time and don’t throw out of bounds.”
Daniels scrambled for nearly 13 seconds, launching the ball from Washington’s 35-yard line with no time left. His pass, tipped off Tyrique Stevenson’s hands near the goal line, landed with Noah Brown, standing alone in the end zone, for an astonishing 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown. This play granted the Commanders an unexpected 18-15 victory on Sunday, igniting excitement among players, coaches, and fans.
This 52-yard Hail Mary was the fifth go-ahead touchdown in the last 10 seconds since ESPN began tracking in 2006, and it ranked second in distance, following the 2015 Rodgers-to-Rodgers play against the Detroit Lions.
“Inside the Commanders’ thrilling Hail Mary against the Bears,” said Coach Dan Quinn, “It was wild! What I love about this team is that we never give up.”
Rookie quarterback Daniels didn’t see Brown’s catch firsthand but felt the victory through the cheers. “I heard people screaming and saw our sideline rushing the field. It was surreal,” Daniels noted, having played despite a rib injury that made his status uncertain until kickoff.
Daniels’ thrilling pass followed a go-ahead touchdown by the Bears (4-3), scored by Roschon Johnson with just 25 seconds remaining, thanks to a pass-interference penalty that positioned the ball on the 1-yard line. Starting from their 24 after the kickoff, Daniels completed three passes, setting up his season’s highlight and bolstering his status as a top contender for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“We’re blessed to have number 5 leading,” said Brown. “His skills are unmatched, and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.”
Commanders’ offensive lineman Sam Cosmi described the experience as “like a movie.” “It’s unforgettable, a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
The game was also notable as the first since 1977 where both teams scored a go-ahead touchdown within the final 30 seconds. For Daniels, who recorded 326 passing yards and ran for 52, the game was a testament to his resilience, despite a rib injury that impacted his performance after last week’s win.
On the Bears’ side, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams started rough, completing only 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards. Williams, who was back in his hometown as a pro for the first time, reflected, “It’s about focus, and I missed passes I typically make. But we stayed in the game.”
Daniels took several hits on Sunday but showed his toughness in the game’s crucial moments. “He’s tough, and he showed us all what he can do,” commented running back Brian Robinson Jr.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – In a challenging moment for the New York Jets, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich took the podium with visible frustration. Following their fifth straight loss in a tight 25-22 defeat to the New England Patriots, the Jets find themselves at a low point. “We’re all hurting,” said Ulbrich, describing the team’s current state as “a moment of darkness.”
Once competing for the top of the AFC East, the Jets now sit tied for last with the Patriots, who managed a victory despite losing quarterback Drake Maye to a concussion in the second quarter.
“A five-game losing streak is tough,” said Jets’ tight end Tyler Conklin. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with a touch of humor, commented, “I’ve been in darkness. You’ve got to make peace with it.”
The Jets, who hadn’t had a win in weeks, faced setbacks against a Patriots team breaking a six-game losing streak. Despite a valiant effort, they became the first team since 2012 to lose while giving up zero turnovers and allowing fewer than 250 yards.
In the face of multiple challenges – from slow play calls to missed field goals – the Jets couldn’t secure the win. Kicker Greg Zuerlein’s struggles continued, with missed field goals further frustrating the team.
Rodgers completed 17 of 28 passes for 233 yards, scoring two short touchdowns but facing his third five-game losing streak. Reflecting on the season, he noted, “The NFL is hard, and it’s even tougher when you make it difficult on yourself.”
Ulbrich, who’s overseen a defense allowing 85 points in three games, said he’d consider changes to improve the team’s performance.