LANDOVER, Md. — Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had a play in mind. He spotted an open receiver, stepped up in the pocket, and prepared to throw.
Then the NFL’s two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year had other plans.
“I tried to step up. I saw Van [Jefferson] on the corner. I was trying to throw it, and then Myles Garrett happened,” Daniels said after Washington’s 20-13 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) causes Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) to fumble in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. AP Photo/Nick Wass
Three words perfectly captured the Commanders’ dismal outing.
“Myles Garrett happened.”
Back after missing seven straight games following knee surgery, Garrett made an immediate impact, posting three sacks and a forced fumble in his first game since Week 1.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) walks off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Rams in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. AP Photo/Nick Wass
Garrett’s first sack arrived late in the second quarter, when he stripped the ball from Daniels. Linebacker Omar Speights recovered the fumble, ending Washington’s chance to build on its 10-3 lead.
Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 274 yards and one touchdown, while adding 16 rushing yards on four carries. However, the Commanders managed only 60 rushing yards as a team and converted just three of 12 third-down attempts.
Garrett recorded his second sack early in the fourth quarter and his third with 2:31 remaining, forcing Washington to punt as its comeback hopes faded.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (95) greets Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) in Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. AP Photo/Nick Wass
“It’s tough, and you’re asking a lot of people to hold up and block Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett,” Daniels said when asked about his offensive line’s performance. “You can’t really stop them, but you can slow them down.”
Following the game, Garrett boldly declared himself the Rams’ new defensive closer.
“I am that closer,” Garrett said. “So we don’t need to look any further.”
Daniels had no argument.
Also Read
- Gotham FC and Seattle Reign Raise Alarms Over ‘Atrocious’ Pitch in NWSL Playoff Clash
- Matt Hardy Details Abandoned Edge Feud and Broken Promise from Vince McMahon
- NASCAR Cup Series concludes at Homestead as Ryan Blaney wins finale and Kyle Larson claims historic third championship
- Four Critical Errors Expose Manchester United’s Defensive Fragility Against Aston Villa