The Washington Commanders needed a spark against their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. Trailing 21-7 in the second quarter, they turned to their dynamic quarterback-receiver duo of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin to deliver a game-changing play.
Daniels Drops a Dime to McLaurin
Facing a 3rd-and-8 from their own 32-yard line, Daniels took the snap and launched a deep pass down the left sideline. McLaurin, Washington’s star wideout, beat Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and made a spectacular over-the-shoulder grab, tapping both feet down just inside the pylon for a touchdown.
The 32-yard scoring strike, set up by a 50-yard bomb to Dyami Brown on the drive’s first play, pulled the Commanders within 21-14. It marked the 12th touchdown connection between Daniels and McLaurin on the season, further cementing their status as one of the NFL’s most lethal QB-WR combos.
JAYDEN DANIELS DIME TO TERRY MCLAURIN.
– NFL’s official Twitter account
Milestone Moment for McLaurin
The touchdown grab was extra special for McLaurin, as it pushed him over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive year. No other receiver in Washington’s storied franchise history had ever achieved that feat.
McLaurin’s 12 TD catches this season also represent a new career high, nearly matching his total from the previous three years combined. His incredible chemistry with Daniels, the Commanders’ second-year signal caller, has elevated Washington’s passing attack to new heights.
Commanders Clinging to Playoff Hopes
While an inspiring effort against a tough Philadelphia team, the Commanders still face an uphill battle to secure an NFC playoff berth. But if Daniels and McLaurin can keep connecting for splash plays, anything remains possible for this resurgent Washington squad.
With Daniels’ rocket arm and McLaurin’s sticky hands, the Commanders boast one of the most exciting young offensive duos in football. As they continue to grow together, Washington fans can look forward to many more highlight-reel touchdowns in the years to come.
For now though, Ron Rivera’s team must take things one game at a time, starting with an enormous matchup in Philly. Thanks to the Daniels-to-McLaurin magic, the Commanders live to fight another day, their flickering playoff dreams still very much alive heading into the regular season’s final weeks.
