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NFL Wild-Card Recap: Washington Commanders 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
2S4K09T Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, left, forces Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
By
PFF Editorial Team
•
Washington Commanders
•
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Washington Commanders will advance to the divisional round of the playoffs after a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was excellent in his playoff debut, finishing with over 250 passing yards in addition to leading Washington on the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Daniels was about to connect with receivers Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown in big spots throughout the contest, as both receivers finished with at least five receptions, 89 receiving yards and a touchdown.
PFF’s dedicated team of graders was hard at work, analyzing every player on every play in real time. The grades and data will be available after a thorough review tomorrow at noon ET.
In the meantime, we’ve gathered some high-level data and snap counts from the game to give you an early look. Our expert graders have also nominated the standout player of the game, highlighting exceptional performance on the field.
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HIGHEST-GRADED PLAYERS
- QB Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (85.1)
Note: Follow along with PFF’s in-game grading as our analysts evaluate every player on every play in real time! Grades will then be relocked 90 minutes after the final whistle as our first-run analysis is reviewed.
Click here to see PFF’s initial grades from this game!
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Jayden Daniels played like a 10-year veteran in his rookie debut, finishing 24 of 35 for 268 passing yards, two touchdowns. and a big-time throw.
Daniels continually pushed the ball beyond this sticks, as 48.6 percent of his passes went beyond the first-down marker. Moreover, despite only being sacked once, Daniels finished with a 2.93-second average time to throw.
He was also an effective runner, forcing three missed tackles in addition to picking up 36 rushing yards and two first downs. Twenty-nine of Daniels’ rushing yards came after contact.
ADVANCED BOX SCORE
| Commanders | Buccaneers | |
| Total points | 23 | 20 |
| Total offensive plays | 69 | 44 |
| Average EPA per play | 0.129 | 0.104 |
| Total net yards | 350 | 297 |
| Avg yards per play | 5.1 | 6.8 |
| Total first downs | 22 | 19 |
| Rushing first downs | 4 | 3 |
| Passing first downs | 14 | 13 |
| Penalty first downs | 4 | 3 |
| Third-down efficiency | 67% | 56% |
| Fourth-down efficiency | 43% | 0% |
| Possessions | 8 | 7 |
| Avg plays per drive | 8.8 | 6.9 |
| Avg yards per drive | 38.9 | 37.1 |
| Avg points per drive | 2.6 | 2.5 |
| Red-zone possessions | 6 | 3 |
| Red-zone plays | 22 | 11 |
| Red-zone TDs | 2 | 2 |
| Red-zone FGs | 2 | 1 |
| Red-zone scoring efficiency | 67% | 100% |
