NEW ORLEANS — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels reminded fans in Louisiana that he can still do in this state what he once did for two years: make big plays.

Daniels capped Washington’s first drive against the New Orleans Saints with a 16-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin – two plays after Daniels fumbled at the 2-yard line. It was McLaurin’s best 10th touchdown reception of the season and gave Washington a 7-0 lead.

YES 17 @budlight | #EasytoCelebrate pic.twitter.com/mfJyanocUZ

– Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 15, 2024

But the play was reminiscent of what Daniels played a year ago at Louisiana State en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. He added 8.04 seconds to the play before connecting with McLaurin.

On second-and-goal from the 16-yard line, Daniels dropped back but was pressured from the right side, forcing him to run left. He then turned right again – touching the ball on the ground once to regain his balance at the 25-yard line – and then started downfield, where he saw McLaurin break free.

Daniels then fired a shot at McLaurin, who had initially started on the right side of the field.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the pass had a 16.1% chance of being completed as McLaurin was just 0.7 yards away.

Daniels has now thrown 18 touchdown passes this season. The Commanders’ push was extended by some unnecessary roughness on a successful 45-yard field goal by Greg Joseph.