Jayden Daniels sprinted for an important first down, paving the way for Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal try, which hit the right upright and went in, securing Washington’s first playoff victory in 6,945 days.
Daniels passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns, becoming one of the rookie QBs, alongside C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy, to achieve playoff victories in the last three seasons, as Washington secured their first postseason win since 2006.Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (10-8) squandered multiple chances, and the experienced quarterback made a significant mistake in the fourth quarter. The Bucs attempted to gain one yard on two occasions from the Commanders’ 12-yard line but had to settle for a field goal to equalize the score before Washington’s decisive drive.
This victory was especially significant — it marked the Commanders’ first playoff win since 2005. The team has officially ended the NFL’s third-longest drought without a playoff win, reestablishing their presence in the postseason. And the cherry on top? The Commanders showcased their top-notch trolling skills. They commemorated their win by sharing a clip from the beloved film Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story on their social media accounts.
“I’m not sure,” Daniels mentioned regarding his feelings as he observed the field goal attempt. He believes he was focused on Commanders PR staffer Charlie Mule since interviews were about to follow a victory. “I can’t really explain it,” the rookie stated. The joy after the game told the story. This victory marked the fifth straight game for Washington that concluded on the last play from scrimmage. Like the previous moments, the Commanders emerged triumphant.
Mayfield guided the Buccaneers to a second-and-one at the Commanders’ 12-yard line, but they opted for a 32-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin, tying the game at 20-20 with 4:41 remaining.
The Bucs never regained possession, thanks to Daniels, who skillfully drove his team down the field. With less than a minute to go, he was pressured and tackled behind the line of scrimmage but managed to scramble for four yards on third-and-two, allowing him to take a knee to prepare for Gonzalez’s game-winning kick.
