Gonzalez’s Game-Winning Field Goal Earns Washington’s First Playoff Victory In 19 Years (1-12-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Darrell Owens-Bowie TV
TAMPA, FL – The Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-20 Sunday evening at Raymond James Stadium advancing to the divisional round against the Detroit Lions.
Washington ended nearly a 20-year drought, with their last victory coming against the Bucs back in the 2005 NFC Wild Card Game.
Rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels was once again called upon by his team to lead a game-winning drive as he has done many times this season. Daniels completed two key passes that helped sustain the drive. First, Daniels found wide receiver Dyami Brown on 3rd-and-6 down the deep middle for a 21-yard gain. Two plays later Daniels found Austin Ekeler for an 18-yard gain with a short check-down pass, past the outstretched hand of Tampa Bay linebacker Yaya Diaby. Both of these passes helped set up Washington in the red zone.
The play of the game came on third-and-2 from the Tampa Bay 19-yard line. Daniels faked a handoff to Brian Robinson Jr. and ran to the right side, diving for a first down with 40 seconds remaining. On the run, Daniels was able to avoid Tampa’s Calijah Kancey with a stiff arm, who broke through the middle of the line, grabbing Daniels’ towel and trailing him with it in hand.
The big conversion set up kicker Zane Gonzalez for a 37-yard field goal attempt. Gonzalez lined up from the left hash, sending the kick off the right crossbar and down the back for a game-winning strike.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin talked after the game about what it’s like to be in this new era of Washington football “It’s unbelievably real, and unbelievable to be a part of it. Since May, since DQ, AP, and everyone has gotten here the message has been clear. We just came out here and tried to execute the plan. It’s a great group of brotherhood we got here and we have a lot of love for each other.”
Washington Player Of The Game
QB Jayden Daniels: 24/35 completed passes, 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a QB rating of 80.3.
Daniels continues to shine this season, stepping up to the plate when his team needs him the most. Tampa Bay tried its best to slow down Daniels, but he had an answer for every shot thrown at him and his offense. The young quarterback’s calm, cool collective demeanor makes people forget that he’s a rookie and not a veteran who has “been there and done it already.”
Key Stats
Washington
● WR Terry McLaurin: 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 touchdown, and longest catch 30 yards.
● WR Dyami Brown: 5 catches, 89 yards, 1 touchdown, and 17.8 yards per catch.
● LB Bobby Wagner: 8 total tackles (5 solo), 0.5 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 1 fumble recovery.
● K Zane Gonzalez: 3/3 on field goals and 2/2 on extra points.
Tampa Bay
● QB Baker Mayfield: 15/18 completed passes with 185 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and a fumble.
● RB Bucky Irving: 17 carries, 77 rushing yards, and 4.5 yards per carry.
● WR Mike Evans: 7 receptions on 7 targets, 92 yards and 1 touchdown. Evans won the battle between him and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore had a tough time covering Evans when lined up man-to-man on him. Lattimore gave Evans too much room for easy routes that allowed Evans to stop on a dime. Lattimore appeared to be frustrated at times, especially on a pass interference call in the second quarter that resulted in the ball being placed on the one and Evans securing a touchdown grab on a slant route.
Team Comparison Stats
WAS 69 total plays – TB 44 total plays
WAS 350 total yards – TB 284 passing yards
WAS 5 penalties (39 yards) – TB 7 penalties ( 65 yards)
WAS (35:26 TOP) – TB (24:34 TOP)
Up Next
Washington earned themselves a trip to Ford Field, to play the #1 seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday at 8 p.m. on FOX.
