LANDOVER, Maryland — At one point during the game-winning drive, Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found himself laughing. He was making good plays, moments away from earning his first NFL win, and just having fun.

“These are the moments you live for,” said Daniels. “That’s when names are made in the league.”

Daniels got plenty of help in Washington’s last-second 21-18 victory over the 0-2 New York Giants to tie the game at 1-1. Kicker Austin Seibert, who was signed on Tuesday, kicked a franchise-record seven field goals, including the game-winning 30-yard kick on the final buzzer, and running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combined for 218 yards from the offensive zone.

But Daniels’ poise – and his great plays – helped secure the win. He was sacked five times and faced a few pressures, but he still completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards and ran another 10 times for 44 yards. It was also Dan Quinn’s first win as Washington coach.

On his final two drives, with Washington trailing 18-15, Daniels, who was selected second overall in the draft in April, completed seven of nine passes for 91 yards and ran twice for another 15 yards.

“He just continues to show composure through the ups and downs of the game and being a young quarterback,” Washington receiver Olamide Zaccheaus said. “He actually laughed. I love that; just being himself.”

Daniels ran seven more times in the season-opening 37-20 loss at Tampa Bay, thanks in part to the Bucs’ pass rush and strong man coverage. And during the week, he and others in the organization talked about lessons he could learn from just one game.

Sometimes, coach Dan Quinn said, a read on a play would have allowed him to stay in the pocket longer. Other times, it was about building chemistry with receiver Terry McLaurin — once he threw over him on a slot fade when a back-shoulder throw would have been a better option. Other times, Tampa Bay deceived him with their coverage, sometimes causing him to anticipate his reads — and potentially miss out on big gains.

But they also pointed to his composure during a game in which he had to avoid numerous pressure situations. Daniels showed this again on Sunday.

“He hasn’t let anything bother him,” running back Brian Robinson said. “Not once has anything negative happened to him. I haven’t seen his energy drop or anything. He’s as positive as anyone on his team. Even in the most critical moments or when everything’s going down. He’s a great leader in those situations. He’s able to fight through as our quarterback and get us in a better situation.”

Daniels has not yet thrown a touchdown pass, but he has not thrown an interception either.

“He has a real feel for the ball,” Quinn said. “That was one of the things that made him so unique coming out of college. He has an attitude about it.”

But coaches also call Daniels a quick learner. Early in the fourth quarter on Sunday, he connected with Noah Brown for a 15-yard gain on the right side. On the final drive, Washington returned to a similar route concept with Brown. Daniels looked left, then returned right and connected for 34 yards to the Giants’ 43, which started the drive.

“I knew he could win on that track if I could get the time he needed,” said Daniels, who swapped jerseys with former LSU teammate Malik Nabers after the game.

Daniels also converted a third-and-13 attempt, running 14 yards. The only problem: Daniels was ejected from the game after that play when he ran out of air. As Daniels ran up the field, he looked to his right and saw the first-down marker, then ran between two defenders – and was punched in the stomach by corner Dru Phillips.

“He’s a tough guy,” Robinson said. “As time goes on, he’ll continue to show what kind of player he is. What more could I ask for from a quarterback who is willing to put his body on the line at a critical moment?”

“It’s not the first time, so it’s nothing new for me,” Daniels said of the ability to maintain his composure despite numerous blows.

Seibert was the fifth kicker that Washington had signed since March. After the win, he received a game ball from Quinn.

“It’s a great way to welcome myself,” Seibert said. “So I’m happy with it… You have to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.”

Seibert made six kicks from 33 yards or more, and one from 45 yards. In the end, he was just one touchdown away from setting the NFL record.

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner. “It’s just a special performance.”