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An overtime showdown between the two standout rookies grabbed the attention of the fans as Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders emerged victorious in a 30-24 victory over Michael Penix Jr. and the Atlanta Falcons.
Daniels completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns and one interception, improving his team's record to 11-5 while clinching a playoff berth.
Penix Jr. and the Falcons suffered a heartbreaker, falling to 8-8. Penix Jr. did his best, finishing 19-of-35 for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
In addition to the win, Daniels outpointed Robert Griffin III by most rushing yards by the rookie quarterback during the team's game against the Atlanta Falcons, amassing a total of 820 this season,
Daniels and the Commanders received plenty of fanfare on social media as fans reacted to the thrilling overtime win:
SportsCenter @SportsCenter
JAYDEN DANIELS WINS FOR COMMANDERS IN PRODUCTION 🔥
WASHINGTON IS BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2020 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kNjEcJ58Pc
Olamide Zaccheaus opened the scoring with a seven-yard catch from Daniels on the Commanders' first possession, capitalizing on Quan Martin's interception on a Penix throw.
The Kommandir's opening drive was not enough, as they held only seven points until the end of the half. Two touchdowns by Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, along with a 39-yard field goal by Riley Patterson, extended the Falcons' lead to 17-7 heading into halftime.
After halftime, Zach Hertz scored on a 10-yard pass from Daniels, followed by Chris Rodriquez Jr.'s rushing touchdown. and Zane Gonzalez's 31-yard field goal to put the Commanders back in the game and take a 24-17 lead.
The Falcons tied it after Kyle Pitts caught a 13-yard pass from Penix, tying the game with 1:19 left. Patterson had a chance to win it with a 56-yard field goal as time expired, but his attempt fell short, sending the game into overtime.
Washington won the coin toss and held possession 7:18 into overtime, capping the drive with a two-yard pass from Daniels to Hertz to seal the victory.
Bleacher Report @Bleacher Report
THE COMMANDERS WIN THE PRODUCTION AND THE PLAYOFF IS TIED ‼️
ANOTHER GAME WINNER FOR JAYDEN DANIELS 🔥
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/zqn3EhHfGI
With another win in the books, the Commanders clinched a playoff berth in their final game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys.
