This game will always be known as the “Divisional Doink” for the Washington Commanders, as Zane González’s field goal to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, 23-20, got a little help from the goal post. the goal
Getting the ball with 4:41 left in the fourth quarter after the Bucs tied it with a field goal at 20 apiece, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders offense were methodical with their drive, knowing that burning the right amount of time could end. on a game-winning field goal at the buzzer.
There were some crucial plays on the drive to keep it alive, including Daniels finding Dyami Brown, who scored the first touchdown of the game, for a 21-yard run on 3rd and 6 to still own the ball. Then, with 55 seconds left, Daniels was able to run four yards on third-and-2 from the Tampa Bay 19-yard line, icing the chance to end the game.
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Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez, right, is congratulated by his teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of a wild card playoff football game of the NFL in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, January 12. 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
When Gonzalez launched that kick from 37 yards, he immediately started going right, and every Bucs fan at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay hoped he didn’t split the uprights. But when it hit the right post, he achieved the three points and the victory to advance to the Divisional Round.
This is Washington’s first playoff win since 2005, and it came thanks to another gritty performance from the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Daniels has solidified his role as the team’s franchise quarterback with a tremendous regular season, but he didn’t give up on playoff pressure on the road against a Bucs team that demolished the Philadelphia Eagles on their own turf just a season ago. in the same round.
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Daniels, however, was calm and collected, going 24 of 35 for 268 yards with two touchdown passes, including one to Terry McLaurin that came easily after the game’s most crucial moment.
The Bucs defense came up with a fantastic fourth stop and goal to turn it around for the Commanders at their own three yard line. But just four plays later, Baker Mayfield botched what appeared to be a fake handoff to rookie receiver Jalen McMillan. The ball hit McMillan’s arm and he fell to the ground.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, left, fumbles the ball, which was recovered by Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, during the second half of a NFL wild-card playoff football game. NFL in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, January 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
It was the Commanders who recovered at the Tampa Bay 11-yard line, and Daniels made the Bucs pay with a five-yard pass to McLaurin on fourth-and-2 to take the lead.
The Bucs were unable to capitalize on another trip to the red zone on the ensuing drive, opting to kick a game-tying field goal on fourth-and-3 from the Washington 14-yard line. But they wouldn’t see the ball again thanks to Daniels and his offense.
Mayfield was just 15 of 18 for 185 yards with two touchdowns, while Bucky Irving ran for 77 yards on 17 carries. Mike Evans had the team’s first touchdown as part of his seven-catch, 92-yard day.
Meanwhile, Brown and McLaurin each had 89 yards receiving that night.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game in Tampa, Florida, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 . (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
The Commanders will have a tough task in the Divisional Round as they head to Detroit to face the No. 1-seeded Lions, as their No. 6 seed is lower than the No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, already the No. 5 Minnesota Vikings, who will play the final wild card game on Monday night.
