Commanders 34-13 Browns (Oct. 6, 2024) Game Recap

LANDOVER, Md. — Jayden Daniels recovered from an early interception with the longest touchdown pass of his young NFL career, rushing for 82 yards, and the Washington Commanders turned in their best defensive performance of the season, defeating the Cleveland Browns 34-34 . 13 on Sunday for their fourth straight win.

Washington is 4-1 for the first time since 2008. Cleveland has lost three straight and is now 1-4.

Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols ran for the Browns and combined for 211 yards on 31 carries. Robinson ran for two touchdowns and McNichols had one in a game so one-sided that the fans went wild with four minutes left in the third quarter.

The Commander's defense played a big part in this, forcing Deshaun Watson to fumble, sacking him seven times and allowing 212 total yards. After Washington fielded the league's worst third-down defense, Cleveland went 1 of 13 in a sloppy, disjointed attempt, with its only touchdown coming in garbage time.

Watson was 15 of 28 for 125 yards and the late TD throw to tight end Jordan Akins. He has never thrown for 200 yards in a game this season.

Daniels, the No. 2 pick who quickly became the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, wasn't at his best, completing 82.5% of his passes in his first four pro games. He completed 14 of 25 passing for 238 yards, with the interception and highlight reel throws of 66 yards to Terry McLaurin and 41 for a TD to Dyami Brown among his best plays of the day.

Marcus Mariota replaced Daniels with 12:50 left and the result was already determined.

McLaurin made four catches for a season-high 125 yards. Ekeler had a 57-yard run, which was Washington's longest since Derrius Guice ran for 60 yards in 2019.

JOK is A-OK

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was Cleveland's most impactful player before he cramped in the third quarter, picking off Daniels at his team's 1-yard line, sacking him once and forcing McLaurin to fumble.

Injuries

Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) and long snapper Charley Hughlett (rib) were out early in the second half. … Safety Grant Delpit was evaluated for a head injury after a fall in the third quarter. … C Ethan Pocic went straight to the locker room after leaving the field in the fourth period. … Tight end David Njoku had a 14-yard catch in his return from a three-game absence due to a high ankle sprain.

Next

Browns: Visit the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.

Commanders: Visit the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday.

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