The Comeback Commanders

The comeback Commanders did it again! For the fifth game in a row, Washington has pulled off a win at the end of the game. This game will be remembered as the doink that won the divisional.

First

The first playoff win in almost 20 years for Washington! For the first time in 33 years, Washington has won 12 games! Dan Quinn is now the first head coach in franchise history to win a playoff game in his first season since the Super Bowl Era. Unless you have lived the last two decades of Washington embarrassment, you’ll never be able to understand how huge of a comeback this has been. Last year, the Commanders only won four games. For the first time, in a long time you can be proud to cheer for the burgundy and gold.

Wild Card

The best game of the wild card weekend was hands-down the Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. The game was competitive with Heisman vs Heisman. (Baker Mayfield vs Jayden Daniels.) This season, Baker has resurrected his career and he seems to have found a permanent home in Tampa after stints with three different teams.

While Baker had a costly turnover in the 4th, Jayden Daniels continued to show why he is easily the rookie of the year. His ability to stay cool under pressure is wild! It’s a reflection of his trust in his teammates and belief in himself. Daniels became the first rookie to lead his team in passing and rushing in a playoff victory, per NFL Research. Another wild stat; In the history of the NFL, there has been three games where a team had zero turnovers and zero punts in a game with a rookie starting QB (regular or post season). All three of those games were by the Commanders and Jayden Daniels. (Week 2, week 3 and wild card game.)

With blood dripping down his face, Jayden Daniels used both his arm and legs to set up a game-winning doink of a walk-off field goal by Zane Gonzalez. A 23-20 victory! Weather forecast in Washington; HAIL!

Doink

Controversy on the final play call. I love the energy and excitement; this is the Washington broadcast crew. (I do miss Julie Donaldson.) They are supposed to be hyped, but if you were just listening to them and not watching, they doinked the call. I’ve been spoiled by Vin Scully and Joe Davis in the booth. Vin gave you a clear picture of what was happening while saying less and letting the moment live. Vin and Joe would have mentioned the doink.

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A New Era

Most people will say horrible things about the Snyder era. After years of working with them, they were good to me and I’m grateful for those contracts. But their era as a fan was not great. The turnaround in the last 19 months for a franchise and fanbase has been simply incredible. Magical. Unbelievable. It’s amazing what this era new owners, a new GM, a new coaching staff, roster changes, and a QB will do for your win/loss record. It only took 19 months to win their first playoff game in almost 20 years. All with a rookie QB. The future is bright for the Washington Commander!

Washington will play Detroit on Saturday at 8:00 PM EST in Detroit for the NFC Divisional Playoffs on Fox.

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