Daniels, Commanders Continue Late-Game Heroics in Win Over Bucs
The Washington Commanders have proven they are ahead of schedule this season, especially when it comes to winning tight games. After improving by eight wins from last season, Washington secured another dramatic victory, edging out Tampa Bay 23-20 in the wild-card round with a 37-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez. This victory marked the Commanders’ first playoff win since 2005.
Known for their focus on “winning moments,” the team has built a reputation for excelling in clutch situations. Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized late-game scenarios in practice more than ever before, contributing to their success. Washington closed the regular season with five consecutive wins, three of which came down to the final play, including one where they stopped a two-point conversion attempt.
In earlier weeks, Washington had impressive wins, such as a buzzer-beating 52-yard Hail Mary against Chicago in Week 8 and a last-second field goal to beat the New York Giants in Week 2. With a 12-5 record in Quinn’s first season, a vast improvement from last year’s 4-13 finish, the Commanders’ attention to detail and late-game resilience has been a key factor. Quarterback Jayden Daniels played a pivotal role in Sunday’s victory, while the defense limited the Bucs’ explosive offense to just 284 yards.
A critical moment came when Washington went for it on fourth down for the fourth time in the game, this time at the Tampa 5-yard line with just under 10 minutes remaining. Despite a previous failure on fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line, Daniels connected with receiver Terry McLaurin for a touchdown, giving Washington a 20-17 lead. McLaurin’s 11th red zone touchdown catch of the season was a standout, as he had only 11 in his first five years combined. The drive was set up by linebacker Bobby Wagner’s fumble recovery at the Tampa 13.
Daniels, showing maturity beyond his years, completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, adding 36 yards on the ground. He demonstrated a key improvement over the season-opening loss to Tampa by keeping his eyes downfield while scrambling, leading to critical completions like a 9-yard pass to tight end Zach Ertz on a third-and-6 from Washington’s 12-yard line.
However, cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s struggles have raised concerns. Since joining the team from New Orleans at the trade deadline, Lattimore has struggled against top receivers, including being flagged for three pass interference penalties against Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown in late December. On Sunday, he was also beaten by Mike Evans, who got open despite Lattimore’s injuries and limited playtime since October.
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