The Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats off in an electrifying NFC Wild Card playoff game on January 12, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Commanders emerged victorious with a nail-biting 23-20 win, marking their first playoff victory in nearly 7,000 days. This game was a showcase of individual brilliance, strategic plays, and clutch performances that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the player stats, key moments, and standout performances from this unforgettable matchup, breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard football enthusiast or just tuning in, let’s explore what made this game so special.
Game Overview: A Battle Down to the Wire
The Commanders, with a 12-5 regular-season record, traveled to Tampa to take on the 10-7 Buccaneers in a game that lived up to its playoff billing. The final score of 23-20 came down to a dramatic 37-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez as time expired, sealing Washington’s victory. Both teams displayed a mix of offensive firepower and defensive grit, with the stats reflecting a closely contested battle. The Commanders held the ball for 35:26, compared to Tampa Bay’s 24:34, which played a big role in their ability to control the game’s tempo.
Let’s break down the team stats first before zooming in on the players who stole the show.
Team Stats at a Glance
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Total Yards: Commanders (350) vs. Buccaneers (284)
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Passing Yards: Commanders (268) vs. Buccaneers (183)
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Rushing Yards: Commanders (82) vs. Buccaneers (101)
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First Downs: Commanders (22) vs. Buccaneers (19)
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Third-Down Efficiency: Commanders (8-15) vs. Buccaneers (5-9)
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Turnovers: Commanders (0) vs. Buccaneers (1)
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Penalties: Commanders (5-39 yards) vs. Buccaneers (7-65 yards)
The Commanders’ ability to convert 8 of 15 third downs and avoid turnovers gave them a slight edge, while Tampa Bay’s defense made key stops in the red zone to keep the game close. Now, let’s look at the players who made this game unforgettable.
Washington Commanders: Key Player Performances
The Commanders’ success was driven by a combination of rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, a stout defense, and timely contributions from their supporting cast. Here’s a closer look at the standout performers.
Jayden Daniels (QB): The Rookie Phenom
Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, proved why he’s a rising star. In his first playoff game, Daniels delivered a performance that earned him a place among elite rookie quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy, who also won playoff games in recent years. Despite taking a hit that left his face bloodied (he returned with a bandage and kept playing), Daniels showed poise and versatility.
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Passing: 24/35 (68.6%), 268 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
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Rushing: 13 carries, 36 yards, 0 TDs, longest run of 8 yards
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Fantasy Points: 25 (per CBS Sports)
Daniels’ ability to extend plays with his legs was crucial, especially on a critical third-and-2 scramble late in the game that set up the game-winning field goal. His two touchdown passes included a 10-yard strike to Dyami Brown in the first quarter and a 5-yard toss to Terry McLaurin in the fourth, giving Washington a 20-17 lead. Daniels’ calm under pressure and dual-threat ability were key to the Commanders’ success.
Terry McLaurin (WR): The Go-To Target
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was Daniels’ favorite target, hauling in a team-high seven receptions. His clutch performance in the fourth quarter was a game-changer.
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Receiving: 7 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD, longest catch of 35 yards
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Targets: 10
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Fantasy Points: 21
McLaurin’s touchdown catch in the back of the end zone on fourth-and-2 from the 5-yard line was a pivotal moment, giving the Commanders the lead with just minutes remaining. His ability to find open space against Tampa Bay’s secondary made him a constant threat.
Dyami Brown (WR): Stepping Up
Dyami Brown had a breakout game, showing his potential as a deep threat and reliable option in the passing game.
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Receiving: 5 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD, longest catch of 30 yards
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Targets: 5
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Fantasy Points: 19
Brown’s 10-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter, with Daniels’ face still bloodied, gave Washington an early 7-3 lead. His perfect catch rate (5-for-5) highlighted his chemistry with Daniels and his growing role in the offense.
Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. (RBs): Grinding It Out
The Commanders’ running game wasn’t dominant, but Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. provided balance to keep Tampa Bay’s defense honest.
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Austin Ekeler:
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Rushing: 8 carries, 27 yards, 0 TDs, longest run of 12 yards
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Receiving: 3 receptions, 26 yards, 0 TDs, longest catch of 18 yards
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Fantasy Points: 7
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Brian Robinson Jr.:
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Rushing: 10 carries, 16 yards, 0 TDs, longest run of 5 yards
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Receiving: 4 receptions, 22 yards, 0 TDs, longest catch of 13 yards
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Fantasy Points: 7
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Ekeler’s versatility as a pass-catcher and Robinson’s tough running between the tackles helped sustain drives, especially in the first half.
Zane Gonzalez (K): The Hero of the Night
Kicker Zane Gonzalez deserves a shoutout for his clutch performance. His 37-yard field goal as time expired sealed the victory, and he also connected on a 50-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 22-yarder in the third.
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Field Goals: 3/3 (longest: 50 yards)
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Extra Points: 2/2
Gonzalez’s accuracy under pressure was a difference-maker, especially on the final kick that clanged off the upright but went through.
Defensive Standouts
The Commanders’ defense, led by veterans like Bobby Wagner, played a crucial role in limiting Tampa Bay’s explosive offense. Wagner led the team with 10 tackles, including three for loss, showcasing his leadership and instincts. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell added a sack, while the unit as a whole held Tampa Bay to 5-of-9 third-down conversions and forced a critical fumble by Baker Mayfield in the fourth quarter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Player Performances
The Buccaneers fought hard but came up just short, with Baker Mayfield and his weapons keeping the game competitive until the final second. Here’s a look at their top performers.
Baker Mayfield (QB): A Mixed Bag
Baker Mayfield had an efficient game but was undone by a costly fumble in the fourth quarter that led to Washington’s go-ahead touchdown.
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Passing: 15/18 (83.3%), 185 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
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Rushing: 7 carries, 23 yards, 0 TDs, longest run of 18 yards
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Fantasy Points: 19
Mayfield’s touchdown passes included a 1-yard throw to Mike Evans in the second quarter and a 4-yard pass to Bucky Irving in the third, giving Tampa Bay a 17-13 lead. His 83.3% completion rate showed his accuracy, but the fumble on a handoff to Jalen McMillan at the Commanders’ 13-yard line was a turning point.
Bucky Irving (RB): A Breakout Performance
Rookie running back Bucky Irving was a bright spot for Tampa Bay, leading the team in rushing and adding a receiving touchdown.
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Rushing: 17 carries, 77 yards, 0 TDs, longest run of 19 yards
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Receiving: 2 receptions, 6 yards, 1 TD, longest catch of 4 yards
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Fantasy Points: 15
Irving’s 4-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter gave the Buccaneers a lead, and his 77 rushing yards helped balance their offense against Washington’s stout front.
Mike Evans (WR): The Reliable Star
Mike Evans was Mayfield’s top target, delivering a strong performance despite tight coverage from Washington’s secondary.
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Receiving: 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD, longest catch of 23 yards
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Targets: 7
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Fantasy Points: 22
Evans’ 1-yard touchdown catch late in the first half tied the game at 10-10, and his ability to win one-on-one matchups kept Tampa Bay’s passing game alive.
Chase McLaughlin (K): Keeping It Close
Kicker Chase McLaughlin was perfect on his attempts, including a 50-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 32-yarder in the fourth to tie the game at 20-20.
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Field Goals: 2/2 (longest: 50 yards)
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Extra Points: 2/2
McLaughlin’s accuracy gave Tampa Bay a chance to stay in the game, but the offense couldn’t get the ball back for a final drive.
Defensive Standouts
The Buccaneers’ defense made key stops, particularly in the red zone, where they held Washington to 2-of-5 conversions. Vita Vea, all 350 pounds of him, was a force up front, though he was sacked on a trick play when lined up as a receiver. The secondary, despite injuries to Jamel Dean and Calijah Kancey, limited Daniels’ deep passes, but they couldn’t stop the Commanders’ final drive.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
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Daniels’ Bloody-Faced TD Pass: In the first quarter, after taking a hit that bloodied his face, Daniels threw a 10-yard touchdown to Dyami Brown for a 7-3 lead, showing his toughness.
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Mayfield’s Fumble: Early in the fourth quarter, Mayfield’s fumbled handoff at the Commanders’ 13-yard line led to Washington’s go-ahead touchdown, a 5-yard pass to McLaurin.
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Gonzalez’s Game-Winner: With the game tied at 20-20, Daniels’ third-and-2 scramble set up Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal as time expired, clinching the 23-20 victory.
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Tampa Bay’s Red-Zone Defense: The Buccaneers stopped Washington at the 4-yard line early in the fourth and at the 3-yard line in the third, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns.
Historical Context: Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats Rivalry
This game added another chapter to a storied rivalry, with the Commanders now leading the all-time series 14-13, including a 2-2 record in playoff matchups. The teams have split their last 26 meetings evenly, with Washington’s 506 points slightly trailing Tampa Bay’s 535. The Commanders’ last playoff win against the Buccaneers came in 2006 (17-10), and this victory echoed that grit and determination.
Why This Game Matters
For the Commanders, this win was a milestone. Under new ownership (led by Josh Harris), a new GM (Adam Peters), and a new coach (Dan Quinn), the franchise turned a 4-13 record in 2023 into a 12-5 season and a playoff victory. Jayden Daniels, named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, proved he’s the quarterback of the future. For the Buccaneers, the loss was a bitter end to a solid 10-7 season, with Baker Mayfield expressing frustration over his costly mistake.
What’s Next?
The Commanders advance to face the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions in the divisional round, where Daniels will match up against Jared Goff in a battle of high-powered offenses. The Buccaneers head into the offseason, with Mayfield vowing to learn from his mistakes and return stronger.
Conclusion: A Game for the Ages
The Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats on January 12, 2025, was a showcase of heart, hustle, and heroics. Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat brilliance, Terry McLaurin’s clutch catches, and Zane Gonzalez’s game-winning kick powered Washington to a historic victory. On the other side, Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving kept Tampa Bay in the fight until the final second. The player stats tell the story of a game where every yard mattered, and the Commanders’ resilience shone through.