Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pick & Prediction JANUARY 12th 2025
Preview and Prediction
Jayden Daniels' first year in the NFL has been a huge success, leading him to view Sunday night's playoff game as just another regular game. However, once the game begins, he may have a different perspective as he leads the sixth-seeded Commanders against the third-seeded Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC wild-card matchup in Tampa, Florida.
The Commanders (12-5) have entered the playoffs on a five-game winning streak and have won 12 games in the regular season, a feat that has only been achieved four times in the franchise's history. This success can be attributed to their versatile quarterback, who was drafted second overall. Daniels has thrown for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only nine interceptions, and has also rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns.
In an interview with reporters, Daniels expressed his excitement for the playoffs, but also acknowledged the need to control his emotions and focus on the game. He understands the importance of this game, as it is a do-or-die situation for both teams.
See also:
Tom Clements, Quarterback Coach for the Packers, Announces Retirement
See also:
'Leaders' Bobby Wagner Injured, Lions' David Montgomery Nearing Comeback'
The Washington franchise has not won a playoff game since 2005, when Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs was at the helm. Interestingly, that victory was also against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round, with a score of 17-10. However, they were unable to continue their success and lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, starting a five-game losing streak in the postseason.
The most recent playoff loss for Washington was in the 2020 season, once again against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay emerged victorious with a score of 31-23. The two teams also faced each other in September, during Daniels' NFL debut. He managed to score two rushing touchdowns, but the Buccaneers' quarterback, Baker Mayfield, outshone him with four touchdown passes and a total of 289 passing yards.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn has not forgotten the way Tampa Bay dominated the game and is well aware of their strong performance in the past few weeks. The Buccaneers have won six out of their last seven games and have established a strong offense, ranking fourth in scoring with an average of 29.5 points per game.
Mayfield, who has been with the Buccaneers for five consecutive seasons, has had a career-best year, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions. The addition of rookie running back Bucky Irving has also been a major factor in Tampa Bay's success, with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
Mayfield expressed his excitement for the playoffs and the opportunity to play with his team once again. He emphasized the importance of preparation and attention to detail in order to handle the game correctly.
Both teams have strong offenses, with Washington ranking fifth in scoring with an average of 28.5 points per game. The game could potentially turn into an offensive showcase, with both teams determined to make the plays that matter.
Tampa Bay's standout safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is expected to return after a four-game absence due to a knee injury, while tight end Cade Otton may also make a comeback after missing three games with a knee injury. Washington is hoping to have cornerback Marshon Lattimore back after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury, and center Tyler Biadasz may also return after missing the regular-season finale.
See also:
Steelers' Trade Offers Unappealing to Mike Tomlin
See also:
"Former Dolphins Quarterback Skylar Thompson Joins Steelers After Signing with Agent"
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Recap JAN 12TH 2025
Zane Gonzalez caromed a 37-yard field goal off the inside of the right upright and through the goal posts as time expired to give the Washington Commanders a 23-20 victory over the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night in an NFC wild-card game.
Jayden Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns for the sixth-seeded Commanders, who will face the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday in the divisional round.
The postseason victory is Washington's first since the 2005 season when Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs was head coach. That win also came against the Buccaneers.
Gonzalez kicked field goals of 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game and was set up for the game-winning attempt. His kick started to fade right before making the dreaded doink sound, but it went through to sink the third-seeded Buccaneers.
Terry McLaurin caught seven passes for 89 yards and a touchdown and Dyami Brown had five receptions for 89 yards and a score for Washington. Bobby Wagner had a key fumble recovery in the fourth quarter.
Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns for Tampa Bay, which ran just 44 plays and was dominated in time of possession by nearly 11. The Commanders ran 69 plays.
Mike Evans had seven receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown for the Buccaneers. Bucky Irving rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries and caught a scoring pass for Tampa Bay.
Washington had the ball first in the second half and cashed in on Gonzalez's 22-yard field goal for a 13-10 lead.
The Buccaneers went ahead nearly six minutes later when Mayfield hit Irving with a 4-yard scoring pass.
The Commanders had a chance to regain the lead when they had first-and-goal from the Tampa Bay 1-yard line in the first minute of the final quarter. They ended up with fourth down from the 3, and Daniels' pass to Zach Ertz was incomplete.
Tampa Bay, though, gave the ball right back to the Commanders. The timing was off as Jalen McMillan came across the backfield in motion, and as Mayfield attempted a handoff to him, the ball bounced off McMillan's hip and was recovered by Wagner at the Buccaneers' 13.
The Commanders cashed in -- this time converting on fourth-and-2 -- as Daniels tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to McLaurin for a 20-17 advantage with 9:46 left in the game.
Mayfield tossed a 1-yard pass to Evans with 10 seconds left in the first half to knot the score at 10.
Tampa Bay scored on the first drive of the game when Chase McLaughlin booted a 50-yard field goal.
The Commanders scored the next 10 points, starting with a 17-play, 92-yard drive that took 9:08. Daniels threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Brown to cap it. Gonzalez kicked a 52-yard field goal with 1:52 left in the half.