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Jayden Daniels' homecoming resulted in a Commanders win – and a 'spark'
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- Jayden Daniels' homecoming resulted in a Commanders win – and a 'spark'
INGLEWOOD, CA — Sunday's game was poetic for Jayden Daniels .
After missing the past two games due to a sprained knee, Daniels returned Sunday to his native area and was instrumental to the Washington Commanders ' 27-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers .
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"It was gonna be hard to keep him out tonight," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. "Coming back to this area where he grew up, not too far from here. Where his football career began."
Daniels grew up roughly 70 miles from SoFi Stadium in San Bernardino, California. He had a large contingent of family and friends at the venue for Sunday's contest. They witnessed the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year pass for 231 and one touchdown, plus run for 39 yards on the ground.
Most importantly, he helped the Commanders get back in the winner's column and earn their first victory of the year against a team over .500.
"It means a lot. I've dreamt of moments like this to be able to play in front of my family back in my hometown," Daniels said postgame. "Whether that was here or wherever else I was blessed to get drafted to. So for my first return game back to be at home means a lot."
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The game didn't start pretty for Daniels and the Commanders. They were down 10-0 in the second quarter. Momentum swung in Washington's direction when safety Quan Martin jarred the football loose from Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston and cornerback Marshon Lattimore recovered.
Daniels led the Commanders on a nine-play, 74-yard touchdown after the change of possession in the second quarter. The score was part of a string of an astounding 27-unanswered points by the Commanders against a mistake riddled Chargers club that had 10 total penalties and two turnovers.
"That's a really good offense over there with a really great quarterback (and) good running back. So, to be able to keep them under wraps in that second half, I think was big for us," Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner , who had a game-high 14 tackles, told USA TODAY Sports.
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Washington's scoring barrage was bookended with a rainbow pass by Daniels to wide receiver Deebo Samuel that resulted in Chargers fans headed toward the exits late in the fourth quarter.
Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt tallied career-highs in rushing yards (111) and touchdowns (2) in the win. Washington's defense held the Chargers scoreless for the final three quarters. It was a total team effort by the Commanders.
Week 5 was about the Commanders getting their MVP back, and resembling the squad that advanced to the NFC championship game last season.
"It meant everything. He was able to give us a spark," Wagner said. "He had some really good plays, and that touchdown on the last play was money."
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Sunday was Daniels' 20th career regular-season game. His performance in Week 5 put him at 4,232 passing yards and 1,015 rushing yards in his first 20 career NFL games. He's first player in NFL history to have at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his first 20 career games.
Daniels returned, sparked a Commanders victory and made history in the process – a Hollywood script homecoming game for the Southern California native.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon .
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jayden Daniels took down the Chargers, and gave Commanders a 'spark'
