The top two rookie quarterbacks taken in the 2024 draft Caleb Williams, first overall to the Bears, and Jayden Daniels, second overall to the Commanders, faced off against each other for the first time this season.
Both teams entered the game above .500 with the Commanders in control of the NFC East, a division that has been dominated by the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles in recent years. It was a purely defensive game through the first two quarters; the Commanders entered the second half with a 9-0 lead and would add another Austin Seibert field goal to make it 12-0 midway through the third quarter. Desperately needing a big play, Bears running back D’andre Swift broke out for a 56-yard touchdown to pull Chicago within five. Late in the fourth quarter, Caleb Williams showcased his talent on a 22-yard completion to veteran receiver Keenan Allen, ultimately setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Roschon Johnson to give Chicago their first lead of the game.
With 25 seconds on the clock, Jayden Daniels needed a field goal to tie or a touchdown to win. This season, Daniels is currently on a Rookie of the Year pace and is ranked 5th in the NFL in QBR (quarterback rating). He has also established himself as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL. The Commanders, in need of a miracle, asked Daniels to pull off the unthinkable: a Hail Mary for the win. With just a few seconds on the clock and the ball placed at their own 48-yard line, Jayden Daniels launched the ball into the endzone; the ball was tipped by Tyrique Stevenson just in front of the endzone and ricocheted right into the outstretched arms of Noah Brown, who was stationed perfectly in the endzone.
The Bears dropped to 4-3 and are currently last in the NFC North; whereas the Commanders improved to 6-2 and are in firm control of the NFC East. In regards to individual stats for the rookie quarterbacks: Williams only threw for 131 yards, however, he did rush for an additional 47 yards. Daniels, on the other hand, threw for 326 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for an additional 52 yards.
Ultimately, round one was won by Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders; however, it is apparent that both quarterbacks have the talent and discipline to carry long, and perhaps illustrious, careers in the NFL. The legacy of the next generation has just begun.
