Cincinnati Bengals reporter James Rapien (left). Jayden Daniels (right) looking on.James Rapien and Jayden Daniels (Photos via Twitter and Getty Images)
NFL fans are teeing off on a Cincinnati Bengals reporter over his ridiculous comment on Jayden Daniels after the rookie quarterback led his Washington Commanders to a stunning victory at Paycor Stadium on Monday night.

Jayden Daniels moved Washington to 2-1 on the year with a near-flawless performance in Cincinnati, completing 21-of-23 pass attempts for 254 yards, two touchdowns, 39 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Daniels’ phenomenal outing also dropped the Bengals to 0-3 on the season, putting a major dent in their postseason hopes.

Bengals reporters James Rapien and Elise Jesse recapped Cincinnati’s 38-33 loss from Paycor Stadium. During their post-game report, Rapien criticized the Bengals’ defense and boldly claimed that Jayden Daniels is “not that good.”

As you’d expect, social media ripped on Rapien for his hot take on Daniels:

The Bengals usually field one of football’s top defenses under Lou Anarumo, but they currently rank 26th in scoring (26.7 points allowed per game) through the first three weeks of 2024.

Excluding kneel downs, Jayden Daniels and the Commander scored on all of their drives Monday night. Obviously, this is not the look of a championship-caliber defense for a Cincy team that entered 2024 with Super Bowl aspirations.

The Commanders will try and improve to 3-1 on the season when they visit Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. As for the Bengals, they’ll try to bounce back in Carolina when they visit old friend Andy Dalton and the Panthers.

Jayden Daniels Is Already Living Up To The Hype

It’s early, yes, but it’s hard not to be excited about Daniels’ performances as a rookie. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has overwhelmed opposing defenses with his dual-threat ability and accuracy, boasting an insane 80.3 completion percentage with two touchdowns and zero picks over his first three games.

Washington has been in QB purgatory for much of the 21st century, but they haven’t had a QB with Daniels’ skill set. And judging by the early returns, it looks like this long-suffering franchise finally has its solution.

Superstar Rookies Jayden Daniels & Malik Nabers Wasted No Time Violating NFL’s Gambling Policy, And Now They’re Being Punished For It

Photos of Jayden Daniels and Malik NabersJayden Daniels and Malik Nabers (Photos via Getty Images)
Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers were put through some extra work this offseason as they’ve already managed to upset the NFL regarding the league’s gambling policy.

The former LSU teammates are among the favorites to be selected as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and had bet on themselves (literally) before the start of their debut campaigns.

According to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, the rookies were ordered to take additional gambling education courses following a $10,000 bet between them on who would win said award.

Nabers ill-advisedly revealed the bet while speaking as a guest on ‘The Pivot Podcast,’ sharing the details of their friendly wager.

“We got a bet going for rookie of the year. Whoever lose gotta pay I think it’s $10,000 cash,” Nabers said.

 

Jayden Daniels Did Not Appreciate Malik Nabers Being Such A Blabbermouth

Daniels, meanwhile, wasn’t so happy to find out that his former target ratted on their arrangement.

“Man, he wasn’t supposed to tell nobody. It’s supposed to be — we got a little something going on,” he said to Keyshawn Johnson in an interview.

They called it off after discovering they had violated league policy, but that wasn’t enough for Roger Goodell and Co.

“The league addressed the matter directly with the NFL Players Association, with the two teams, and the two players, to ensure that they understood the policy,” NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller revealed to the Washington Post. “They received multiple education training sessions since that time, and I think we’re in a — as a result of all the work that went into it we’re comfortable with the resolution.”

While Nabers is an elite-level receiver, it doesn’t appear he can keep a secret.