The Washington Commanders secured their first playoff victory since 2005 on Sunday evening, edging out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an exciting 23-20 win on the highway. The sport got here all the way down to a dramatic last-second discipline purpose by Zane Gonzalez, who watched as his 37-yard try struck the upright earlier than falling by way of as time expired. It was a nail-biting end, however the Commanders emerged victorious, snapping their prolonged playoff drought.
Jayden Daniels makes historical past
The highlight of the win shone brightly on Jayden Daniels, the Commanders‘ rookie quarterback, who delivered one other excellent efficiency.
Daniels threw for 268 yards, recording two touchdowns and no interceptions, whereas additionally main the workforce in dashing with 36 yards on 13 carries.
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His efforts had been a continuation of his spectacular NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr marketing campaign, additional solidifying his standing as one of many league’s most promising younger quarterbacks.
Daniels’ efficiency on Sunday evening was historic. He grew to become the primary quarterback apart from Peyton Manning to guide an offense to a playoff win with none punts or turnovers on the highway.
The achievement, identified by Evan Abrams, was one thing Manning completed again in 2004. That yr, the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-31, with Manning throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. The Colts didn’t punt as soon as through the recreation, a feat Daniels replicated on Sunday evening.
For Daniels, having his identify related to Manning’s is an honor, as Manning is extensively thought to be probably the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the sport. In truth, Manning’s 2004 efficiency was thought of probably the greatest highway playoff video games by a quarterback in NFL historical past.
The win has the Commanders feeling assured as they put together for his or her subsequent problem: a highway playoff matchup with the Detroit Lions, the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The sport will happen on Saturday, January 18, and can take a look at the Commanders’ resolve as they appear to proceed their postseason journey.
