Daniels, Commanders continue late-game magic in win over Bucs - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — The Washington Commanders continue to prove one thing this season: They're ahead of schedule. They also know how to win close games.

Washington, which won eight more games this season than a year ago, emerged victorious yet again with a dramatic finish. Zane Gonzalez hit a 37-yard field goal to beat Tampa Bay 23-20 in the wild-card round — providing Washington with its first playoff win since the 2005 postseason.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games! Be there in Orlando, Florida, as your favorite NFL players show off their talents at Camping World Stadium on Feb. 2. BUY TICKETS

It has become a habit this season for a team that loves talking about «winning moments,» and coach Dan Quinn said he focused more on late-game situations in practice than he had at any point in his career.

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 2-point conversion on the final play.

In Week 8, Washington beat Chicago on a 52-yard Hail Mary pass at the buzzer and, in Week 2, defeated the New York Giants a last-second field goal.

The Commanders, who went 4-13 last season, have won by paying attention to detail. Late-game success enabled them to post a 12-5 record in Quinn's first season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was a huge key in Sunday's win, but the Washington defense allowed 284 yards, slowing the Bucs' high-powered offense.

Here are the most important things to know from Sunday night for both teams:

Pivotal play: 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 failed on a fourth-and-goal from the