Commanders QB Game-Winning Play: A Virtual Reality Breakdown on ESPN

A virtual reality breakdown on ESPN reveals how Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a clutch game-winning touchdown with precision.
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Jayden Daniels delivered a moment that reinforced his status as a rising star in the NFL during the Washington Commanders latest playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the game on the line, the rookie quarterback executed a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin that not helped the Commanders seal the victory, but showcased his exceptional decision-making and poise under pressure.

On ESPN’s NFL Live, analysts Dan Orlovsky and Andrew Hawkins broke down the play using the StatusPro Visualizer, a virtual reality tool that recreates the quarterback’s perspective on the field. The detailed analysis offered insight into the Washington quarterback's thought process and skill in navigating a critical moment.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels
Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

“If you remember the scouting report: elite processor, wiry frame, but a big arm, and the kid never rattled,” Hawkins said, comparing analyst Dan Orlovsky as a draft prospect to Jayden Daniels. “This Jayden Daniels guy is elite too.”

Using the StatusPro Visualizer, Orlovsky stepped into Daniels’ shoes to analyze the sequence as it unfolded. He began by highlighting Daniels’ initial pre-snap read. Through the virtual reality recreation, it was clear that Daniels first scanned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive alignment, recognizing no immediate blitz threat from their four-man front. Confident he had time to make the play, Daniels turned his attention to the coverage.

Through the VR perspective, Orlovsky showed how McLaurin, isolated on the outside, appeared to be an appealing option. However, with safety Antoine Winfield Jr. positioned nearby and another safety over the top, Daniels ruled out the direct throw to McLaurin. Instead, he identified the back quadrant of the end zone as the most vulnerable spot in the Buccaneers zone coverage.

“The virtual reality lets you see exactly what Daniels saw,” Orlovsky explained. “He processes the absence of a blitz, the positioning of the safeties, and knows where the opportunity lies. This is elite-level processing, happening in seconds.”

The play design revolved around two key elements: McLaurin’s route to the back of the end zone and Austin Ekeler’s quick checkdown release to influence the inside linebacker. Orlovsky demonstrated how Daniels’ use of eye manipulation, shown through the VR recreation, held the linebacker just long enough to clear the passing lane.

“Daniels uses his eyes to sell the checkdown to Ekeler,” Orlovsky said. “The VR shows how he manipulates that linebacker’s vision, pulling him forward and creating the space needed for McLaurin to break open in the end zone.”

Daniels’ execution was flawless. Through the StatusPro Visualizer, viewers could see how he released a perfectly placed throw to McLaurin—high enough to avoid defenders, low enough for McLaurin to secure it. “We tell quarterbacks to aim for belt or lower, face mask or higher,” Orlovsky noted. “Daniels put it right on McLaurin’s face mask. The ball placement was perfect, and McLaurin didn’t have to adjust.”

The touchdown marked Daniels’ fifth go-ahead passing score in the fourth quarter or overtime this season, tying an NFL rookie record. His chemistry with McLaurin has become one of the Commanders’ most reliable weapons, and their connection will be vital as Washington sets its sights on the next round of playoffs against the Detroit Lions.

“Jayden Daniels is special,” Orlovsky concluded. “He’s going to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Lions are a great team, but stopping the Daniels-McLaurin duo will be their biggest challenge.”

With performances like this, Daniels continues to exceed expectations, proving that the Commanders have not only a quarterback they can trust but one capable of thriving in the game’s most pressure-packed moments. Washington fans have every reason to be excited about the future with Daniels as quarterback.


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

• Washington Commanders Reveal First Injury Report Before Lions Playoff Game

• After Playoff Win, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Isn't Satisfied

• Commanders Share Thoughts as Game-Winning Field Goal Doinked In

• Dan Quinn Reveals Emotion During Final Kick in Commanders-Buccaneers


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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.