Washington continues to prove one thing this season: It's ahead of schedule. And it knows how to win close games.
John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keimJenna Laine covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for ESPN.
It has mattered all season. Few teams are as tested in late-game situations as Washington. The Commanders ended the regular season with five straight wins -- three occurred on the last play from scrimmage and a fourth ended with Washington stopping a two-point conversion on the final play.The season represents a quick turnaround for a team that went 4-13 last season. But the Commanders' late-game success enabled them to go 12-5 in the regular season in Quinn's first season.
For the fourth time in the game, Washington went for it on fourth down. This time it was from the Tampa 5-yard line with 9:46 left. The Commanders had just failed on a fourth-and-goal from the 3, but this time Daniels connected with receiverfor the touchdown and 20-17 lead. It was McLaurin's 11th red zone touchdown catch of the season; he had 11 in his first five years combined. The drive was set up by linebackerDaniels did not look like a rookie playing his first playoff game.
After the Bucs tied it up, Washington strung together chunk pass plays of 21, 18 and 8 yards while eating up valuable clock time, setting up the Commanders' 37-yard game-winning field goal., Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an in-route to retake the lead 20-17 with 9:46 to go. It was the first time in six games that the Bucs had allowed a second-half touchdown.The Bucs' defense could not get off the field.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Washington Commanders Add Help for Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin in Mock DraftESPN took a crack at mocking what might happen next April and sent receiver help to the Washington Commanders.
Read more »
Watch: Washington Nationals' Dylan Crews, Commanders' Jayden Daniels MeetThe future of the Washington Nationals franchise in Dylan Crews got to swap jerseys with the present of the Washington Commanders in Jayden Daniels.
Read more »
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Reflects on Return to LouisianaFormer LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to victory in his return to Louisiana.
Read more »
Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Ties NFL Record For Rookie of the Week AwardsJayden Daniels has tied Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger for most Rookie of the Week awards with his performance against the New Orleans Saints.
Read more »
Jayden Daniels Making His Mark For Washington CommandersJayden Daniels has exceeded expectations in his rookie season for the Washington Commanders.
Read more »
Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels Inspired by USC Trojans Legend Reggie BushWhile appearing on 'Boardroom,' Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels called former USC Trojans running back Reggie Bush an inspiration to him. Daniels credited Bush as the reason he wears the number five.
Read more »