Last Sunday, the Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 to move on to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs for the first time since defeating the Buccaneers in the 2005 wild card.
Before the game started, it was announced that the Commanders were underdogs and the Buccaneers were 3-point favorite according to the Sportsline Consensus. When asked about how this may affect the team, Washington’s head coach Dan Quinn addressed the situation, stating, “This team has earned the right to be here.” He continued, “These guys have earned the right to battle.”
Washington’s rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, made his playoff debut and he completed 24 of his 35 passes for 268 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also led the team in rushing yards, gaining 36 yards on 13 carries (2.8 avg). His total quarterback rating (QBR) of 80.4 outperformed Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, who accumulated a QBR of 62.7.
The Commanders pulled off a game-winning drive led by their star quarterback, who earned a game sealing first down which put their kicker, Zane Gonzalez, in prime position to kick a 37-yard field goal to send the Washington Commanders to the Divisional Round. Commanders fans all around DeMatha like junior Dylan Kivett are celebrating the stressful experience. “I thought [the kick] was going to go wide right, but I was relieved when it went in,” Kivett said when asked about the game-winning kick.
The Commanders play the Number 1 seeded Detroit Lions this Sunday at 8:00. The Lions are 9.5-point favorites to win according to the Sportsline Consensus. Can Washington defy the odds once again and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive?
