In their first win in the NFL Playoffs in two decades, the Washington Commanders beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Our Commanders vs Buccaneers Wild Card recap looks at how it happened, including Tampa quarterback Baker Mayfield’s botched handoff that opened the door for Washington to walk through and advance.
Before the game, Tampa Bay was favored by 3 points at home. Washington now travels to play top-seeded Detroit in the Divisional Round.
Washington’s Magic Ride Continues
Jayden Daniels might have been the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he has far outperformed the quarterback taken directly ahead of him, Caleb Williams. Showing the poise of a five-year veteran, Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for two touchdowns. He also engineered the final drive of the game leading to the game-winning field goal.
On that drive, Daniels drove his team to Tampa’s 19-yard-line setting up Zane Gonzalez’s admittedly adventurous kick, hitting the right upright with a GONK and squirting through the uprights for the win.
Daniels functioned without a strong rushing attack. Tampa’s defense was fourth in the league against the run in 2024 and limited Commanders running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson to a combined 43 yards on the ground. Daniels ran for 36 yards on 13 carries.
Washington did its damage through the air with Daniels hitting Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin for TDs. Bobby Wagner and Marshon Lattimore anchored Washington’s secondary. Wagner had five solo tackles and Lattimore contributed hard hits.
Mayfield-McMillan Missed Handoff Costs Tampa
Tampa led 17-13 when Washington, from the Bucs’ 3-yard-line, stopped the Commanders’ drive after a fourth-down incomplete pass to Zach Ertz. Tampa took possession near their goal line. They led by four and had momentum on their side. A long drive and as little as a field goal could have iced the game. On first down from their 15, Mayfield tried a timing handoff to wide receiver Jalen McMillan, running around his QB for a sweep. The ball fell to the ground and Wagner recovered for the Commanders.
Four plays later, Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for the lead TD.
Mayfield did drive the Bucs down the field for a game-tying field goal but then came Daniels’ final drive and Gonzalez’s carom kick.
Apart from that gaffe, Mayfield was solid and efficient with a 15 for 18 performance and two touchdowns. Bucky Irving ran for 77 yards in 17 carries. Mike Evans caught seven passes for 92 yards. With their defense and Mayfield’s flair, Tampa was a legitimate threat to beat Philadelphia and Detroit. Now, they’re going home because of one mistake. Such is the nature of playoff football.
Detroit is Heavily Favored Over Washington
The Lions have been established as 9.5-point favorites over the Commanders. It’s understandable given Detroit’s experience and status as a 15-2 team heading into the playoffs. Still, as our Commanders vs Buccaneers Wild Card recap shows, one play can turn the tide. Washington is playing with nothing to lose and could shock the Lions and the world with a run to the NFC Championship Game and a chance at the Super Bowl one year after going 4-13.
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment