Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys in the course of the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Tim Heitman-Imagn Photos Jayden Daniels’ rookie season goes so effectively that it is smart that he sees Sunday night time’s playoff contest as “simply one other sport.”
Maybe Daniels will really feel in another way as soon as the ball is kicked off as he makes an attempt to steer the sixth-seeded Commanders previous the third-seeded Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC wild-card sport at Tampa, Fla.
The Commanders (12-5) enter the postseason with a five-game successful streak and gained 12 regular-season video games — simply the fourth time in franchise historical past that Washington has gained a minimum of a dozen contests.
That success primarily is as a result of multi-faceted quarterback who was drafted second general. Daniels handed for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns in opposition to 9 interceptions and likewise rushed for 891 yards and 6 scores.
“It is thrilling, however you bought to cope with these feelings,” Daniels instructed reporters. “On the finish of the day, you bought to go on the market and play ball. Lots of people are going to place a whole lot of emphasis on it as a result of at this level, it is actually win or go house.”
The Washington franchise hasn’t gained a playoff sport for the reason that 2005 season when Corridor of Fame member Joe Gibbs was its head coach. Coincidentally, that triumph got here at Tampa Bay, 17-10 within the wild-card spherical.
The next week, Washington misplaced to the Seattle Seahawks within the divisional spherical to start out a five-game postseason dropping streak.
The latest playoff loss got here within the 2020 season — once more versus the Bucs. Tampa Bay gained that wild-card matchup 31-23 at Washington.
The 2 groups met in September in Daniels’ NFL debut. Daniels rushed for 2 touchdowns however did not throw for any in a 37-20 highway loss. The Buccaneers had the warmer quarterback as Baker Mayfield accomplished 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn hasn’t forgotten the way in which Tampa Bay moved the ball at will. He is additionally conscious the Buccaneers (10-7) enter the postseason with six victories of their previous seven video games.
“I believe they’ve simply had a implausible yr,” Quinn mentioned. “I believe (Mayfield) has at all times been capable of rip it and been aggressive in and out of doors the pocket. Having the run sport steadiness for them, I believe that is what units their offense aside this yr.
“The addition of (Bucky) Irving, their run sport, the play go that goes with it that’s a powerful factor.”
Mayfield established profession highs of 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns this season whereas being intercepted 16 instances.
Irving, a rookie, has excelled for the Buccaneers. The fourth-round draft choose has rushed for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns.
Tampa Bay is within the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season and second time underneath Mayfield. The Buccaneers beat the Philadelphia Eagles within the wild-card spherical final season earlier than dropping to the Detroit Lions within the divisional spherical.
“You are excited to get to the playoffs and also you’re excited for the subsequent alternative and attending to play with this group assured for yet another time,” Mayfield instructed reporters. “That is the mentality going into it however apart from that, preparation-wise you do not wish to psych all people out. You wish to deal with it one of the best ways you possibly can however just a bit bit extra consideration to element and guaranteeing the truth that all people is on the identical web page and may deal with issues accurately.”
The sport might change into an offensive showcase as Tampa Bay ranks fourth in scoring at 29.5 factors per sport and Washington stands fifth at 28.5.
“It is (about) mentality for us, discover any approach to win, whether or not the sport is a shootout, whether or not it is low scoring,” Mayfield mentioned. “Make the performs that matter when it counts.”
Tampa Bay standout security Antoine Winfield Jr. (knee) was a full observe participant Wednesday and is anticipated to return after a four-game absence. Tight finish Cade Otton (knee) was restricted and will return after lacking three video games.
Washington hopes to have cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) again after a two-game absence. He was restricted Wednesday, as was middle Tyler Biadasz (ankle), who missed the regular-season finale in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys.
–Discipline Degree Media
