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Back-Up Plan: Commanders Beat Cowboys, Clinch 6th Seed Behind Mariota

The Washington Commanders didn’t save their best for last but still managed a 23-19 comeback road win over Dallas behind back-up quarterback Marcus Mariota who came in for Jayden Daniels in the second half. The Commanders end their season 12-5 clinching the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs.

Nell’s Super Six Pack

  1. Protect Jayden Daniels at all cost –  According to Fox sideline reporter Kristina Pink, Daniels entered the blue medical tent and had a heat wrap placed on his left knee/thigh area. Marcus Mariota started the 2nd half, ending Daniels’ day. He finished 6/12 for 38 yards and was sacked 4 times. I doubt what Daniels is dealing with is severe. Get him back to 100% for the playoffs.

  2. For a group that preached “going for it” they sure came out flat – The Commanders entered Sunday with the ability to lock themselves into the six seed in the NFC playoffs with a win. Head coach Dan Quinn preached all week that the team was “going for it all” against Dallas and not resting any players. They wanted to win. Ultimately they did 23-19, but it was not the type of performance you want to see heading into the playoffs. All three phases were wildly inconsistent. Next up, playoffs.

  3. Terry McLaurin makes history – After not being targeted much in the 1st half, Terry came alive when it mattered most. With 3 seconds left in regulation McLaurin came down with a touchdown catch that would win the game for Washington. In thrilling fashion, McLaurin also became Washington’s leader for most touchdowns in a single season with 14. For a stand up individual like Terry who has endured so much in his career, he deserved everything that came his way in 2024.

  4. Uninspired defensive effort – The Cowboys announced shortly before kickoff that backup Trey Lance would start at QB. Almost certainly good news for Washington right? Wrong. Lance was not very sharp on the day but still managed to lead Dallas to nearly 400 yards of total offense. Lance himself was 20 of 34 for 244 yards. The run defense remains a problem as the team gets geared up for the playoffs. What adjustments will be made for the postseason?

  5. Playoff football is back in our nation’s capital – Despite Sunday’s mixed bag performance from Washington, the team has clinched a postseason spot and secured a 12-win season, the most since 1991 (14-2). As a lifelong fan of this football team, I can’t begin to describe how excited I am for the playoffs! We’ve been providing coverage of this team since the spring. There have been many ups and downs, but through it all, the 2024 Washington Commanders are playoff bound.

  6. Game Balls – Marcus Mariota, Mike Sainristill

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