Tell us if you’ve heard this before: the Washington Commanders came from behind to win a game in the last minute. DC’s cardiac kids pulled out another dramatic, comeback win – this time in the playoffs – beating the favored Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 on the road on a last second kick by Zane Gonzalez in an NFC Wild Card game.
The franchise’s last playoff win came in 2006 in the same stadium.
🚨🚨THE @Commanders WIN THEIR FIRST PLAYOFF GAME SINCE 2005 23-20 winners OVER @Buccaneers
Jayden Daniels managed the game to PERFECTION 🏈
DEFENSE WITH ONE OF THIER BEST EFFORTS OF THE SEASON 🏈@mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/9t5ql5g2iL
— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) January 13, 2025
What can Brown do for you? – Commanders 4th year wideout Dyami Brown was far from a lock to make the roster back in training camp. The former UNC Tar Heel came up HUGE Sunday Night in Washington’s first playoff win since 2006. Brown finished the night with 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. Sunday’s playoff game was the second most yards Brown has ever accumulated in a single game.
Capital Defense! – The major talking point all week long leading up to Sunday’s playoff game was, how will Washington’s defense hold up versus a red hot Buccaneers offense? They responded by putting forth one of their best efforts of the 2024 season limiting the Buccaneers to 284 yards of offense. The front seven, which has been often criticized, took the matchup personally and played a huge part in winning this football game. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner came up with a huge fumble recovery in the 4th quarter that really changed the momentum of the football game. For a group that has been under the microscope all year long, they played their best ball when it mattered.
Commander Daniels – Jayden Daniels rookie season has been one like no other. Heart-capturing moments, growth, humility and faith. All words/phrases to describe the new football savior in our nation’s capital. Sunday night, Daniels managed the game to perfection. When you make all the highlight plays that Daniels makes, it’s easy to get bored with making the routine play. Daniels made those plays time in and time out all game long. He saved his best for last, converting a huge 3rd down run where he broke a tackle 3 yards in the backfield. Commander Daniels, the one the DMV trusts.
Special Teams lead Special Finish – Zane Gonzalez. A name that will forever be remembered in the DMV. In a season where the Commanders have switched kickers like many people switch their socks, Zane came up big when he was needed most. Gonzalez deserves a ton of credit for staying ready and confident after Dan Quinn decided to go for it several times instead of relying on Gonzalez’s leg.
Party like its 2006 – The Commanders broke the 3rd longest playoff win drought in the NFL with their 23-20 win over Tampa Bay. Ironically enough, the last postseason win for the Commanders came in the exact same building! You can’t make this stuff up. We’ve been telling you since the spring this group was special, the Cinderella story continues next weekend in Detroit!
Game Balls– Jayden Daniels, Dyami Brown, Bobby Wagner, entire Front 7 and Terry McLaurin
