Daniels Outduels Penix To Help Washington Clinch Playoff Berth (12-29-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD – The Washington Commanders defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 30-24 overtime Sunday evening at Northwest Stadium.
Washington (11-5) has now secured a spot in the playoffs, moving up to the sixth seed in the NFC after the Green Bay Packers lost to its NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings 27-25. The Commanders clinched their first playoff berth since the 2020 season and will finish the season with 11 wins or more for the first time since the 1991 Super Bowl-winning season.
Atlanta (8-8) loses a key matchup that affects their playoff hopes going into the final week of the regular season. The Falcons must beat the Carolina Panthers next week and hope for a Saints victory against the Buccaneers to secure the NFC South division.
Leading candidate for Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels had another terrific showing, throwing for 227 yards, and three touchdowns while also gaining 127 yards on the ground. Daniels broke the previous record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback, previously held by Robert Griffin III in 2012.
Washington Player Of The Game
QB Jayden Daniels: Daniels rallied the team behind him and helped the offense turn it around in the second half to secure an important victory. His ability to use his legs, escape the pocket, and stretch out plays was key to the long-sustaining scoring drives in the third quarter.
Mistakes and Penalties, Penalties ….
The Commanders once again started off the game on a bad note that made it seem like Atlanta could’ve potentially run away with the game. In the first half, Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson had his way with the Washington defense. He was gashing the defensive line inside and outside the edges and took multiple players to take him down. Robinson scored two first-half touchdowns and almost had three but Penix overthrew him on a wheel route that saw him get behind defensive back Quan Martin.
On Atlanta’s second drive, the Commanders’ defense forced a three-and-out resulting in a 46-yard field goal on 4th-and-four. Unfortunately, defensive back Mike Sainristil jumped offside automatically giving Atlanta a first down, and extending a drive that was capped off with a touchdown.
Switching to the offensive side of things, the Commanders’ offensive line struggled with containing the different pressures Atlanta was sending on Daniels, confusing him and the O-line. Matthew Judon and Arnold Ebiketie took advantage of the openings provided by the disguises. This led to Daniels being sacked five times and having a rough time moving the ball after the opening touchdown drive in the first half. Right guard Sam Comsi had two holding calls called on him for using a tomahawk chop block that resulted in negative yards on early downs.
Atlanta’s Close Opportunity Before OT
With the game tied 24-24, after Penix found tight end Kyle Pitts on fourth-and-goal, the Commanders had a chance to win the game with 1:19 remaining. However, Washington used 19 seconds of the clock to go three-and-out quickly.
Atlanta made it to their own 47 with seven seconds remaining. On 3rd-and-5, Penix took a shot deep right to Darnell Mooney who drew a defensive pass interference call on cornerback Michael Davis who grabbed him before he broke out his route. This crucial call set up a potential game-winning field goal for Riley Patterson from 56 yards out. Patterson came up short, not having enough distance as the time expired.
Key Drive Of The Game
In the third quarter trailing 17-7, Washington was at their own 24 facing a 1st-and-20. Daniels shook off an Atlanta defender, stepped up in the pocket, and connected with tight end Zach Ertz for a 37-yard gain. Daniels later converted two fourth-downs with his legs keeping the drive and ultimately throwing a touchdown pass on third-down to Ertz making it a 17-14 game.
This drive helped cut the game to a one-score and allowed Washington to control nearly eight minutes of the clock.
Up Next:
Washington travels to Dallas in a NFC East matchup with their division rivals.
Atlanta returns home to host the Bryce Young-led Carolina Panthers.
