The Washington Commanders clinched their playoff spot with a thrilling 23-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, courtesy of quarterback Marcus Mariota's stunning late-game play. The win marks Washington's sixth seed for the upcoming NFC playoffs.
With rookie Jayden Daniels sidelined due to mild leg soreness, Mariota stepped up to lead the Commanders to victory, throwing a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin with just two seconds left on the clock. This game showcased the resilience of the Commanders, who have built momentum heading toward the playoffs.
“Man, this is amazing,” McLaurin exclaimed after his game-winning catch, which marked his 13th touchdown of the season, setting a franchise record. “This is why you work so hard in the offseason. Going to the playoffs with a chance to win it all.”
The Commanders entered halftime trailing 6-3, struggling significantly on offense with Daniels at the helm. The first half saw the team generate only 64 net yards and produce minimal scoring opportunities, leading to the decision by Coach Dan Quinn to replace Daniels with Mariota at the start of the third quarter.
After taking over, Mariota made the most of his opportunity. He completed 15 of 18 passes for 161 yards, achieving two touchdowns and boasting a passer rating of 141.0. His leadership was evident as he rushed for 56 yards, making key plays to give Washington the edge.
The turning point came after the Commanders rallied from their lackluster first half, scoring three touchdowns and posting over 200 yards of offense in the second half. Alongside Mariota’s pivotal plays, Washington's defense stepped up, though they allowed the Cowboys to gain 378 yards of total offense.
The final quarter saw the Cowboys’ offense threatening to score, but the Commanders' defense held firm, with cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and rookie Mike Sainristil making key contributions. Sainristil emerged as one of the standout players, recording 10 tackles, and proving his place as one of the team’s key defensive assets.
While the rushing game was woeful, yielding only 22 yards from running backs, Mariota’s ability to improvise and execute under pressure was the difference maker for the Commanders, showcasing their depth and resilience. Despite their struggles, the Commanders found ways to latch onto victory at the end, as they have done multiple times this season.
The Commanders’ win also alters the playoff picture. They'll be facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, marking their first playoff appearance since their 2020 run. The Buccaneers secured the NFC’s No. 3 seed after beating the New Orleans Saints, and Washington will need to bring their A-game if they hope to defeat Tom Brady and the Bucs, who previously handed them a 37-20 loss back in Week 1 of this season.
Now, the focus shifts to Tampa Bay, where the Commanders will look to right the ship against the team they faced earlier this season. With the stakes high and the momentum on their side, Washington will seek to become playoff contenders, aiming for their first postseason win since 2005. This matchup will be one to watch as both teams head to the clash, having displayed resilience and areas of improvement throughout the season.