The Commanders are turning heads with their thrilling last-second victory over the Buccaneers, shaking up the narrative that they might be underdogs. This squad just captured their first playoff win since their 2005 wild-card success, and they’re riding high on this newfound momentum.
Yet, there’s an element of risk to their strategy. Sunday’s win marked their sixth victory when tied or trailing in the final 10 seconds this season, the most any team has achieved since 2000. With four consecutive nail-biting wins clinched in the final seconds of regulation or overtime, Washington is proving that they thrive under pressure, even when the odds seem slim.
At the heart of it all is Jayden Daniels, who is on track to deliver one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history. Keeping his incredible run going, Daniels threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, leading a comeback from a fourth-quarter deficit on the road. His poise and performance under pressure are nothing short of remarkable.
While it’s tempting to elevate the Commanders to favorite status, relying on last-second heroics isn’t sustainable. As they gear up to face the Lions, a team that’s had its share of battles this season, Washington can’t rely solely on miraculous endings. On a short week, they’ll need to bring their A-game from the first whistle to secure another victory—a feat entirely within their grasp if they channel the full potential they’ve shown in these late-game heroics.
