NEW ORLEANS — In Commanders Week 15 versus Saints, Jayden Daniels returned to the Superdome and led the Washington Commanders to a narrow 20–19 win over the New Orleans Saints. Daniels threw two first-half touchdowns to Terry McLaurin and ran for 66 yards as Washington held off a late comeback attempt sparked by fellow rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
“It feels good to win by one point,” Daniels said. “Life comes full circle.”
The victory improves Washington to 9-5 and keeps the Commanders firmly in the NFC playoff hunt with just three games remaining.
Daniels, McLaurin Shine in Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints
Daniels completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns, both to McLaurin. He added a key third-and-14 scramble in the third quarter that helped set up a Greg Joseph field goal, extending Washington’s lead to 17–0.
Though Daniels took eight sacks and missed on a couple deep shots to McLaurin, his ability to extend plays and keep drives alive was critical.
“He’s one of them backyard football-type cats,” said Saints DL Khalen Saunders. “And I say that with the utmost respect.”
McLaurin finished with seven catches for 73 yards and hauled in two contested touchdown grabs in the first half. He has now scored in back-to-back games and continues to be Daniels’ most reliable target down the stretch.
Rattler Nearly Steals It Late for Saints
With starter Jake Haener struggling (4-of-10, 49 yards, 1 INT), New Orleans turned to rookie Spencer Rattler — and he nearly played hero. Rattler led four scoring drives, including a 56-yard march in the final two minutes after Joseph missed a 54-yard field goal.
Rattler threw a 1-yard touchdown to Foster Moreau as time expired, cutting the Commanders’ lead to 20–19. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi opted to go for the win with a 2-point conversion, but Rattler’s pass to Juwan Johnson fell incomplete.
“I don’t think the players regret it,” Rizzi said. “They were all in favor of it. I just thought it was the right thing.”
Clock Controversy and Missed Opportunities
The Saints’ final drive benefitted from a controversial moment. Officials mistakenly stopped the clock with 9 seconds remaining. A decision referee Shawn Hochuli later admitted was in error but not reviewable.
Dan Quinn, while pleased with the win, was frustrated. The team committed nine penalties for 84 yards and had several missed scoring chances.
“We have lots to clean up,” Quinn said. “But we’ve been battle-hardened.”
? View Full Box Score: Commanders vs. Saints – Week 15
Defense in Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints
Washington’s defense held up late despite the Saints’ rally, intercepting Haener early and limiting Alvin Kamara to short gains. The Saints ran a trick play for their first touchdown. Cedrick Wilson Jr. threw to Kamara for a 21-yard score.
What’s Next After Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints
- Commanders (9-5): Host the Philadelphia Eagles next Sunday.
- Saints (5-9): Visit the Green Bay Packers on Monday, Dec. 23.