The primary upset of the postseason has arrived.
The sixth-seeded Washington Commanders went on the highway to stun the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 due to a last-second subject objective that doinked off the best submit and in.
The primary half concluded with an excellent 10-10 rating, as ought to’ve been anticipated. Tampa Bay went after Jayden Daniels early however the No. 2 general choose held his floor and recorded the primary landing of the sport, a 10-yarder to Dyami Brown.
Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving had a gradual begin, however the former led a two-minute drill that resulted in a brief landing to the evergreen Mike Evans to tie the sport simply earlier than the break.
Within the second half, Daniels stepped it up much more regardless of a lackluster complimentary run recreation. Mayfield and Irving confirmed up a tad bit, however an early fumble by the sign caller within the fourth modified the tide in Washington’s favor for good.
Let’s analyze the sport additional with takeaways for each side:
Jayden Daniels is legit
After Denver Broncos rookie Bo Nix bowed out within the first recreation of the day, Daniels made certain a first-year quarterback can be represented within the divisional spherical. The No. 2 general choose accomplished 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns and no picks whereas speeding for 36 yards on 13 makes an attempt.
He did not have one of the best run assist on this one, with Austin Ekeler logging 27 yards on eight carries and Brian Robinson Jr. simply 16 on 10 makes an attempt. Brown and Terry McLaurin introduced in each scores thrown by Daniels.
Daniels’ efficiency additionally led Washington to its first playoff win since 2005. If the Commanders can construct round him correctly sooner or later, they could have one thing brewing.
Baker Mayfield disappoints…once more
After being given a beneficiant rating getting into the playoffs amid a profession common season, Mayfield as soon as once more confirmed why he is not a correct QB1. He could also be ok to elevate a Tampa Bay aspect in a weak NFC South into the playoffs, however when it is time to step up within the crunch, he hasn’t delivered sufficient.
Mayfield accomplished 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards, two scores and no picks. These aren’t essentially unhealthy numbers and Washington ensured it chewed up the clock late, however Mayfield was additionally at hand for the game-changing fumble. Tampa Bay appeared on observe to win earlier than that decisive play.
Tampa Bay will carry him again because the QB1 subsequent season, however dropping to a rookie in his playoff debut will not assist enhance his fame if the Bucs expect to be severe contenders.
Washington faces greatest take a look at but
Washington’s reward for advancing previous the wild card is a visit to Detroit, the place the top-seeded Lions await. The Lions might have a banged up protection, however the Commanders do not essentially have sufficient weapons to deal severe injury with Detroit’s offense being among the many league’s finest. The 2 groups didn’t meet within the common season.
It feels paying homage to Jordan Love and the Inexperienced Bay Packers giving the San Francisco 49ers a run for his or her cash final season however finally falling brief. Washington might not have the ability to win, however the expertise could possibly be simply as pivotal in the event that they be taught from it.
The Arizona Cardinals will not be within the playoffs however that did not cease them from stepping up in a time of want.
