NFL roundup: Chiefs remain undefeated while Commanders secure a victory with "Hail Mary" play
Washington rookie Jayden Daniels executed a remarkable 52-yard touchdown pass on the final play of Sunday’s game, leading the Commanders to a surprising 18-15 victory over Chicago, while the NFL champion Kansas City Chiefs maintained their undefeated status.
Daniels, who was uncertain to play due to a rib injury, maneuvered to avoid defenders before launching the ball nearly the entire length of the field toward the end zone.
Bears defender Tyrique Stevenson managed to deflect the ball amidst a crowd of players, allowing Noah Brown to catch it in the end zone for an incredible "Hail Mary" touchdown that secured the win.
"I was definitely energized. It was thrilling," Daniels remarked. "That’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for me. It was my first experience like that.
"I just threw it up without seeing much. I could only hear the crowd and our sideline rushing onto the field, which indicated to me what had happened."
Daniels, who completed 21 of 38 passes for 326 yards, described the play as miraculous.
"All credit to God, man," Daniels stated. "Without Him, I doubt I would have even been able to play this week."
In Las Vegas, Patrick Mahomes threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, leading the unbeaten Chiefs to a 27-20 victory over the Raiders.
The Chiefs became the seventh reigning Super Bowl champion to start the following season with a 7-0 record, the first since New England in 2019. Only Denver in 1998 has gone on to win another title after such a start.
"We played a solid game," Mahomes commented. "We are progressing and moving in the right direction."
The standout moment of the NFL season was delivered by Daniels, who experienced rib discomfort as the game approached its conclusion.
"It is challenging to throw the ball and rotate while in pain," Daniels remarked. "I initiated the game and was determined to see it through. Nothing was going to force me out."
The Commanders established an early 12-0 advantage, but Chicago took the lead with a touchdown just 23 seconds before the end, only to lose in a remarkable turn of events.
"That is a difficult way to lose," stated Bears coach Matt Eberflus. "I need to review it thoroughly and ensure we improve for the next opportunity."
The Commanders maintained their position at the top of the NFC East with a record of 6-2, while Chicago's record fell to 4-3.
Brown expressed his excitement after catching the NFL's first go-ahead "Hail Mary" touchdown pass in the final 10 seconds of a game since 2020.
"We have a team full of fighters," Brown noted. "We do not give up until the final whistle."
"We just aimed to get downfield quickly, secure a good position, and hope Jayden could deliver the ball."
"The skills he possesses are exceptional, especially on that last play, maintaining his composure and fighting hard to get the throw off, delivering an outstanding pass."
In another game, the Browns surprised the Ravens as Jameis Winston threw his third touchdown pass, a 38-yarder to Cedric Tillman, with just 59 seconds left, leading to a 29-24 victory for the 2-6 Browns.
Winston, who stepped into the starting role following Deshaun Watson's torn Achilles tendon last week, completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards. The Ravens' record now stands at 5-3.
Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was taken off the field on a cart in the third quarter due to a neck injury. He was hospitalized for evaluation but exhibited movement in all extremities and signaled a "thumbs up" as he was transported.
In Miami, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his return after missing four games due to a concussion, but the Dolphins fell to Arizona 28-27 on Chad Ryland's 34-yard field goal as time expired.
"It was a tough loss," Tagovailoa commented. "I felt like myself... It felt normal to be out there."
AFC East leader Buffalo enhanced their record to 6-2 following a decisive 31-10 victory against Seattle, with Josh Allen passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns.
Kirk Cousins of Atlanta successfully completed 23 of 29 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Falcons to a 31-26 win over Tampa Bay.
C.J. Stroud of Houston recorded 285 passing yards and one touchdown, while Joe Mixon contributed with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping the Texans (6-2) secure a 23-20 victory against Indianapolis.
Jared Goff propelled the Detroit Lions (6-1) to a commanding 52-14 win over Tennessee with three touchdown passes.
The Green Bay Packers (6-2) triumphed over Jacksonville with a last-second 24-yard field goal by Brandon McManus, concluding the game at 30-27.
Jalen Hurts of Philadelphia showcased his skills by rushing for three touchdowns and completing 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and one touchdown, leading the Eagles to a 37-17 win at Cincinnati.
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