{"id":584471,"date":"2024-12-15T23:43:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T03:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-hogs.net\/blogs\/?p=584471"},"modified":"2025-06-22T12:49:07","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T16:49:07","slug":"commanders-week-15-versus-saints-daniels-mclaurin-edge-new-orleans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-hogs.net\/blogs\/2024\/12\/15\/commanders-week-15-versus-saints-daniels-mclaurin-edge-new-orleans\/","title":{"rendered":"Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints: Daniels, McLaurin Edge New Orleans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEW ORLEANS \u2014<\/strong> In Commanders Week 15 versus Saints<\/em>, Jayden Daniels returned to the Superdome and led the Washington Commanders to a narrow 20\u201319 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIt feels good to win by one point,\u201d Daniels said. \u201cLife comes full circle.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The victory improves Washington to 9-5 and keeps the Commanders firmly in the NFC playoff hunt with just three games remaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Daniels, McLaurin Shine in Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s lead to 17\u20130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s one of them backyard football-type cats,\u201d said Saints DL Khalen Saunders. \u201cAnd I say that with the utmost respect.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 most reliable target down the stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rattler Nearly Steals It Late for Saints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With starter Jake Haener struggling (4-of-10, 49 yards, 1 INT), New Orleans turned to rookie Spencer Rattler \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rattler threw a 1-yard touchdown to Foster Moreau as time expired, cutting the Commanders’ lead to 20\u201319. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi opted to go for the win with a 2-point conversion, but Rattler\u2019s pass to Juwan Johnson fell incomplete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t think the players regret it,\u201d Rizzi said. \u201cThey were all in favor of it. I just thought it was the right thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Clock Controversy and Missed Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Saints\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dan Quinn, while pleased with the win, was frustrated. The team committed nine penalties for 84 yards and had several missed scoring chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe have lots to clean up,\u201d Quinn said. \u201cBut we\u2019ve been battle-hardened.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

? View Full Box Score: Commanders vs. Saints \u2013 Week 15<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defense in Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Washington\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Next After Commanders Week 15 Versus Saints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n