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Commanders Make History with Miracle Hail Mary

With just seconds left on the clock, Jayden Daniels and Noah Brown connected for a 52-yard game-winning touchdown, making NFL history with a Miracle Hail Mary.

Joanne Coley

Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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In Week 8, the Washington Commanders went hunting and caught more than just a Bear. With the last two seconds of the game, wide receiver Noah Brown got behind a pile of defenders and caught a 52-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to seal a dramatic "Hail Mary" win over the Chicago Bears.

The play wasn't just a game-winner for the Commanders; it marked only the seventh time in NFL history that a game-winning touchdown pass of at least 50 yards was completed as time ran out.

"I just heard the crowd erupt and saw our sideline flooding the field. That's when I knew," Daniels reflected in a news release. And while Hail Mary passes have become synonymous with unforgettable moments, the connection between Daniels and Brown has now been referred to as the Miracle in Maryland. It's a moment that Washington fans and Daniels will never forget.

"That's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Daniels said. "Not too many people get to experience stuff like that."

The gloves Brown wore during that moment, along with the end zone pylon signed by him and Daniels, are now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Daniels became the second rookie quarterback since 1970 to throw a 50-yard, game-winning touchdown pass as time expired, joining Cleveland's Tim Couch, who pulled off the same act in Week 8 of the 1999 season.

When it comes to these jaw-dropping, game-winning Hail Marys, they don't happen often. To put it in perspective, this 52-yard strike from Daniels to Brown joins a very exclusive club: It's one of only seven game-winning 50-yard touchdowns completed as time expired in NFL history.

From the Lions' Jim Gibbons catching a 65-yard pass from Earl Morrall in 1960 to Kenyon Drake's 69-yard catch from Ryan Tannehill in 2018, this play ranks right up there with other unforgettable plays.

And now, that moment is forever enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where Brown's gloves and the signed pylon will serve as a reminder of one of the most incredible plays in NFL history.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders' Second Injury Report vs. Steelers Released

• Commanders' QB Jayden Daniels Closing In On History After 7th Rookie of the Week Honor

• New Commanders’ CB Marshon Lattimore Discusses His Injury Following Trade

• Commanders Named Trade Deadline Winner

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Joane Coley
JOANNE COLEY

Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.

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