| Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates following an NFL wild-card playoff victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken) |
Jayden Daniels secured a pivotal first down with a run, setting the stage for Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal, which bounced off the right upright and went through as the clock hit zero. The Washington Commanders edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in an NFC wild-card matchup, earning the franchise its first playoff victory in 6,945 days.
Jayden Daniels scrambled for a crucial first down to set up Zane Gonzalez’s dramatic 37-yard field goal, which bounced off the right upright and went through as time expired, lifting the Washington Commanders to a thrilling 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday night’s NFC wild-card game. The win marked Washington’s first postseason triumph in 6,945 days.
Daniels, sporting a bandage under his right eye after a bloody hit earlier in the game, became the third rookie quarterback in as many seasons to notch a playoff win. The Commanders (13-5) will now advance to face the top-seeded Detroit Lions (15-2) in the divisional round.
The Buccaneers (10-8) missed key opportunities throughout the game, with veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield committing a costly turnover in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay’s offense stalled late, settling for a field goal after failing to convert on two attempts from Washington’s 12-yard line, tying the game and paving the way for the Commanders’ game-winning drive.
Daniels delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns, joining C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy as rookie quarterbacks to secure playoff victories in the past three seasons. Washington hadn’t won a playoff game since defeating the Buccaneers 17-10 in Tampa Bay on January 7, 2006.
The Buccaneers had opened the season with a commanding 37-20 win over Washington in Daniels’ debut game. However, the rookie quarterback rebounded with a stellar season, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the Commanders to an impressive turnaround from a 4-13 record last year to 12-5 this season.
Now, Daniels has Washington set to take on Jared Goff and the Lions’ explosive offense in the divisional round.
In the fourth quarter, Tampa Bay’s defense made a critical stop inside the 5-yard line to maintain a 17-13 lead, but Mayfield’s fumbled handoff to Jalen McMillan on the ensuing possession gave Washington the ball at the Buccaneers’ 13-yard line. On fourth-and-2 from the 5, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin in the back of the end zone, giving the Commanders a 20-17 lead and setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared poised to regain momentum late in the fourth quarter, reaching second-and-1 at the Commanders’ 12-yard line. However, they were forced to settle for a 32-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin, tying the game at 20-20 with 4:41 remaining.
The Buccaneers never saw the ball again. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels orchestrated a calm, methodical drive, capped by a critical third-and-2 scramble. Hit behind the line of scrimmage, Daniels fought forward for 4 yards, securing a fresh set of downs that allowed him to kneel and position Zane Gonzalez for the game-winning 37-yard field goal.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn faced criticism earlier in the game for bypassing short field goal attempts on two fourth-down situations. The offense failed to capitalize until Terry McLaurin’s go-ahead touchdown reception later in the fourth quarter.
In the opening moments of the fourth quarter, Daniels was pressured and missed a pass on fourth-and-goal from the Buccaneers’ 4-yard line. A similar outcome occurred on the Commanders’ first possession when Daniels was forced to throw incomplete on fourth-and-2 from Tampa Bay’s 20.
The Buccaneers had taken a 17-13 lead in the third quarter on Baker Mayfield’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Bucky Irving. The play followed a moment of creativity, as defensive tackle Vita Vea was briefly used as a receiver, only for Mayfield to be sacked for a 2-yard loss.
Mayfield also connected with Mike Evans for a 1-yard touchdown just before halftime, tying the score at 10-10.
Washington briefly regained the lead early in the second half, as Gonzalez’s 22-yard field goal made it 13-10. However, the Commanders’ offense struggled inside the red zone, failing to convert after a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line.
Daniels showcased his resilience on a pivotal first-quarter drive. Despite suffering a facial injury that required immediate attention, he led the Commanders 92 yards downfield, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown for a 7-3 lead.
Penalties played a significant role in Washington’s success. A holding call on Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum negated a third-down sack by Yaya Diaby, allowing the Commanders to extend a drive that ended with Gonzalez drilling a 50-yard field goal for a 10-3 advantage.
McLaughlin opened the game with a 50-yard field goal, giving Tampa Bay an early lead. The Buccaneers entered the game with a 9-1 record when scoring first during the regular season.
Injuries
Commanders: DT Daron Payne (finger), TE Ben Sinnott (shoulder), and LB Jordan Magee (hamstring) exited the game. Daniels, despite a gash on his face, had it treated and returned to play.
Buccaneers: DT Calijah Kancey was evaluated for a concussion but returned. CB Jamel Dean suffered a knee injury and did not return in the second half.
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