Brief

Donovan McNabb sympathizes with Jayden Daniels after Commanders’ overtime tie

McNabb said the quarterback’s mistake felt deflating but urged moving past adversity.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:47:15 GMT

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb expressed sympathy for rookie Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels after the team’s late‑game error led to a 27‑27 overtime tie with the New York Giants, according to an interview with The Athletic’s Rustin Dodd reported by Bleacher Report.

What happened

In the overtime period, the Commanders reached field‑goal range but, with no timeouts left, Daniels snapped the ball and ran for a loss instead of spiking or throwing it out of bounds. The play consumed the remaining seconds, ending the game in a tie. Daniels later said the team needed better communication, adding, “It starts with me, communicating to the whole offense in the huddle.”

What the reports add

McNabb recalled his own unfamiliarity with NFL tie rules after a 2008 Eagles‑Bengals game ended 13‑13, noting, “I’ve never been a part of a tie. I never even knew that was in the rule book.” He linked that past experience to the current situation, saying the scrutiny felt “deflated.” McNabb also observed that the Commanders’ offense appeared disorganized, noting that the line and receivers seemed unaware of the clock, and that the huddle occurred with “50‑something seconds left.”

What was said

McNabb told Dodd, “You feel deflated; you just feel deflated… but still, you know you’ve got a job to do… The quarterback is supposed to know the rules.” He added that criticism of quarterbacks is common and that responsibility also falls on the head coach and offensive coordinator. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, referenced in the same article, said the mistake ultimately rested on him for not ensuring Daniels knew to spike or throw the ball away.

How it came about

Daniels had returned from a left‑elbow injury earlier in the season, a setback documented in several Felo News pieces on his 2025‑2026 injury history. The overtime tie follows a dramatic finish in which Giants safety Cam Skattebo fumbled in the red zone, as covered by Felo’s earlier report on 2026‑10‑11. McNabb’s comments echo his own past experience with a tie and illustrate the pressure rookie quarterbacks face when high‑stakes decisions go wrong.

Key facts

The Washington Commanders tied the New York Giants 27‑27 in overtime. (bleacherreport.com)
Jayden Daniels chose to run the ball with no timeouts left, ending the game. (bleacherreport.com)
Donovan McNabb said the situation felt "deflated" and urged moving past adversity. (bleacherreport.com)
McNabb recalled not knowing ties were part of NFL rules after a 2008 Eagles‑Bengals tie. (bleacherreport.com)
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said the mistake ultimately fell on him. (bleacherreport.com)

Timeline

2026-10-11 — Giants and Commanders finished 27‑27 after overtime, with a fumble by Cam Skattebo sealing the tie.
2025-09-20 — Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow in a Cowboys game, missing the remainder of the 2025 season.
2008-12-14 — Eagles vs. Bengals ended 13‑13, a tie that McNabb later said he was unaware of.