On January 13, 2024, the Washington Commanders stunned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a dramatic 23-20 win, marking their first playoff victory since 2005. The nail-biting finish at Raymond James Stadium saw Zane Gonzalez's field goal ricochet off the right upright as time expired, setting the stage for the Commanders to advance to the divisional round against the top-seeded Detroit Lions.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the charge for Washington, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers. His poise under pressure was evident throughout the game, especially during key third and fourth down situations. "It means a lot. You can see all the fans over here, they're waiting for us. They waited a long time for this moment and this feeling and I'm just so happy for them," Daniels expressed after the game, highlighting the emotional weight of the victory for the Commanders’ long-suffering fan base.
Throughout the contest, Daniels showcased his dual-threat capability, contributing significantly to both the passing and rushing game. He became the first rookie quarterback since Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh to lead his team to victory in the postseason. Daniels also joined the company of notable quarterbacks such as Ben Roethlisberger and Dak Prescott, who similarly found success during their rookie seasons.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, who entered the game as the higher seed, couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. Baker Mayfield, who completed 15 of his 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, suffered from self-inflicted wounds, most glaringly his fumble during the fourth quarter. This blunder was pivotal, as it allowed the Commanders to regain momentum and take the lead with a touchdown shortly thereafter. Mayfield acknowledged the mistake, tapping his chest as he sat on the sidelines, indicating it was his fault.
Despite the setback, the Buccaneers put up a commendable fight. Wide receiver Mike Evans had standout moments, particularly with his first-half touchdown against Marshon Lattimore. Evans finished the game with seven catches for 92 yards and played a central role until the Commanders adjusted their defense to limit his production. "It was frustrating to watch our offense get stifled at times, especially after starting strong," Mayfield admitted post-game.
The game witnessed strategic coaching decisions from both sidelines, with Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn making bold calls on fourth down. The Commanders converted on three of five attempts, including one for the decisive touchdown from Daniels to Terry McLaurin, underscoring the shift in game dynamics. This aggressiveness paid dividends, with Quinn's faith in his squad helping to keep their playoff hopes alive.
On the other hand, Todd Bowles, coach of the Buccaneers, praised Daniels, stating, "He’s done it all year. He has no conscience. I’m not surprised because we’ve seen him do it all year." Bowles' assessment speaks to the maturity and resilience Daniels exhibited, especially for someone playing his first postseason game.
The tension heightened as the match approached its conclusion, with both teams exchanging blows. After the Commanders scored to take the lead at 20-17, the Buccaneers managed to tie the game with minimal time remaining. Yet, with just under five minutes left, the game-changing fumble by Mayfield occurred, leading to the Commanders' winning score just as the clock ticked down.
With this victory, the Commanders invoked memories of their glorious past, reminiscent of their last playoff win against the same Buccaneers back on January 7, 2006. Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Commanders, celebrated the historic win, stating, "First of all, give Coach Quinn a lot of credit and then the players, because it's all about them. But they pulled it out. I'm just happy for all Commanders fans around the world." His words sum up the joyous occasion for the team and its supporters.
Now, as they prepare to face the Lions, the Commanders are ready to embrace their underdog status. Many are curious to see how this rookie-heavy squad will perform against one of the league's top teams. But as fans and analysts have seen throughout the season, to count out Jayden Daniels is unwise.
With the excitement of the playoffs just beginning, the Commanders’ first postseason victory since 2005 is more than just a win. It serves as hope and rejuvenation for the franchise moving forward.