SportsWashington Commanders triumph over Buccaneers in wild-card game

Washington Commanders triumph over Buccaneers in wild-card game

In a thrilling prime-time wild card showdown, the Washington Commanders secured their first playoff win since 2005 on Sunday, squeaking past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. “They didn’t worry about what all the analysts said, all the people said, and the right quarterback,” said NBA legend and one of the owners of the Commanders Magic Johnson, who was in Tampa to witness the matchup live. This also marked Washington’s first road playoff win since 2005, also accomplished against Tampa Bay. The game featured a star quarterback duel between Heisman Trophy winners Jayden Daniels and Baker Mayfield, both competing for a spot in the NFC divisional round. 
With the playoff future on the line, Daniels delivered in his postseason debut, rushing for 4 yards that set up kicker Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard game-winning field goal.
Terry McLaurin celebrates after Washington’s 23-20 wild-card playoff win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 12. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)“I don’t know, I don’t even think I smiled,” said Daniels. I think I was looking at Charlie and he was like, ‘We got some interviews,’ I don’t know, I couldn’t tell you,” said Daniels.  However, the key play that set the drive of events in motion came from veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who recovered a Tampa Bay fumble at the Buccaneers 12-yard line putting Washington in significant scoring position. Although the Buccaneers tied the game 20-20 with a fourth-quarter kick, Daniels’ poise and Gonzalez’s heroic field goal capped an unforgettable moment in the Washington franchise, sealing Daniels’ first career playoff win and Gonzalez’s first playoff game-winner. “You may not play the perfect game but if you have the ball that go down there and have the chance to win the game, we trust our preparation and the moments that we’ve been in this year,” said wide receiver Terry McLaurin. “To see Jayden continue to just get us in the right calls, execute what Kliff is calling, showing some poise, you know just taking complete ‘Command’ of the game, complete command of the huddle. I’m fortunate to play with him this year and see how much he’s grown, but that’s who he is.”    
After the big win, Johnson and primary owner Josh Harris weighed in on what it takes for an NFL team to be in a playoff position.  “New vision, new owner, new strategy, picking the right people first, our coach — Coach [Dan] Quinn — and then Adam Peters, and then we all step out of the way and let them do their job,” said Johnson.Harris, as managing partner, agreed with Johnson, adding “talent, culture, people,” as key ingredients to build a playoff team.“So that’s it. Don’t make this about us, make it about those guys,” said Johnson. Franchise fans note the “glory days” are back, as Washington set an impressive 7-4 all-time record in the wild card round and pushed their all-time playoff road record to 8-12. The win also brought Washington’s all-time postseason record against Tampa Bay to 2-2 and 2-1 on the road in the playoffs. 
In the striking feat, the Commanders became the fourth team since 2015 to record zero punts in a playoff game, marking the first time the franchise has done so since 1945. With their playoff dream alive and well, a new chapter unfolds in the postseason for Washington. The Commanders have set a campaign for an intense playoff run filled with excitement and composure that hasn’t been seen by fans in the decade. Washington will now travel to Michigan to face the Detroit Lions in the division round since the Philadelphia Eagles secured their spot with a 22-11 win against the Green Bay Packers. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m.

Source: Washington Informer

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