Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

Hey football fans! If you’re still buzzing from the thrilling Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers nail-biter that ended in a 23-20 victory for the Commanders in the NFC Wild Card Round on January 12, 2025, you’re not alone. This game was a rollercoaster, packed with clutch plays, dramatic moments, and standout performances that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Whether you’re a die-hard Commanders fan, a Bucs supporter, or just love a good football story, this blog post is your go-to for a detailed yet easy-to-read breakdown of the player stats and key moments from the Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff showdown. Let’s dive in and relive the excitement!

The Game: A Heart-Pounding Wild Card Clash

Picture this: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, packed with 64,614 fans, the air electric with playoff energy. The Washington Commanders, led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels, faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, powered by the gritty Baker Mayfield. This wasn’t just any game—it was a rematch from Week 1, where the Bucs handed the Commanders a 37-20 loss. But this time, Washington came in as a transformed team, riding a 12-5 regular season and a fearless mindset under coach Dan Quinn.

The game was a back-and-forth battle, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the second half. It all came down to the final seconds when Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez nailed a 37-yard field goal that doinked off the upright and went through as time expired. Talk about a finish! Washington secured their first playoff win since 2005, advancing to face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. But what made this victory possible? Let’s break it down by looking at the players who shined and the stats that tell the story.

Why Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats Matters

Before we get to the numbers, let’s set the stage. The Commanders, once a franchise struggling under years of mediocrity, have been revitalized. New ownership, a new GM in Adam Peters, a new coach in Dan Quinn, and a superstar rookie QB in Jayden Daniels have turned Washington into a playoff contender. On the other side, the Buccaneers, NFC South champs with a 10-7 record, leaned on their veteran leadership and offensive firepower, especially the connection between Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. This game was a clash of a young, hungry team against a seasoned squad, and the stats show just how close it was.

Key Storylines

• Jayden Daniels’ Playoff Debut: The rookie QB proved he’s a superstar in the making, leading Washington with poise and clutch plays.

• Mike Evans vs. Marshon Lattimore: This matchup was personal, with Evans dominating his rival cornerback.

• Clutch Kicking: Zane Gonzalez’s game-winning field goal was the stuff of legend, bouncing off the upright for the win.

• Turnovers and Mistakes: A critical fumble by Baker Mayfield shifted momentum, giving Washington a chance to take the lead.

• Fourth-Down Gambles: Coach Dan Quinn’s bold calls on fourth down paid off, with Washington converting three of five attempts.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the player stats that defined this game. Below, you’ll find a detailed table summarizing the key performances, followed by a breakdown of the standout players and what their numbers mean.

Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats (January 12, 2025)

Notes:

• FR = Fumble Recovery

• FG = Field Goals Made/Attempted

• XP = Extra Points Made/Attempted

• Stats compiled from sources including www.commanders.com, www.nfl.com, and www.cbssports.com.

Breaking Down the Standout Performances of Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

Washington Commanders: The Heroes of the Night

1. Jayden Daniels (QB)
   Wow, where do we start with this guy? The rookie quarterback was a rock star in his playoff debut. Completing 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, Daniels showed why he’s a favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. His 68.6% completion rate and zero interceptions were huge, especially under playoff pressure. But it wasn’t just his arm—Daniels led the team with 36 rushing yards on 13 carries, including a critical first down on the game-winning drive. His poise was unreal, especially on the final drive where he went 6-for-6 for 57 yards and set up Gonzalez’s field goal. Daniels is the first rookie QB since Russell Wilson in 2012 to lead a team to a road playoff win, and he’s only the third in the last three years to win a playoff game, joining C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy.

2. Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown (WRs)
   The Commanders’ receiving corps stepped up big time. Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown each hauled in 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. McLaurin’s score came on a clutch fourth-and-2 play in the fourth quarter, giving Washington a 20-17 lead. Brown’s 10-yard touchdown in the second quarter capped a 17-play, 92-yard drive that ate up over nine minutes. These guys were Daniels’ go-to targets, and their ability to make plays in big moments was a game-changer.

3. Zane Gonzalez (K)
   Let’s give a shoutout to the kicker who sealed the deal. Zane Gonzalez went 3-for-3 on field goals, including a 52-yarder in the second quarter (his longest since 2021) and the game-winning 37-yarder that hit the upright and went through. He was also perfect on extra points (2/2). Gonzalez became the first Commanders kicker since Chip Lohmiller in Super Bowl XXVI to make three or more field goals in a playoff game. Talk about clutch!.

4. Bobby Wagner (LB)
   The veteran linebacker was a force on defense. Wagner recorded 6 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a game-changing fumble recovery in the fourth quarter after Baker Mayfield’s botched handoff. That turnover at Tampa’s 13-yard line set up McLaurin’s go-ahead touchdown. Wagner’s leadership and instincts were huge for a Commanders defense that held Tampa to 20 points, their lowest output since Week 10.

5. Dorance Armstrong (DE)
   Armstrong chipped in with 4 tackles and 0.5 sacks, marking his first career postseason sack. His pressure on Mayfield helped disrupt Tampa’s rhythm, especially in key moments.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Fighters Who Fell Short

1. Baker Mayfield (QB)
   Baker Mayfield was nearly flawless, completing 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and a sparkling 146.5 passer rating. He also added 22 rushing yards, including an 18-yard scramble that kept a drive alive. But the one blemish—a fumbled handoff to Jalen McMillan in the fourth quarter—proved costly. That turnover led to Washington’s go-ahead score, and Mayfield didn’t get another chance to respond as the Commanders ran out the clock.

2. Mike Evans (WR)
   Mike Evans owned his matchup with Marshon Lattimore, catching all 7 targets for 92 yards and a 1-yard touchdown. His 23-yard grab in the first quarter set up a field goal, and his score before halftime tied the game at 10-10. Evans’ physicality and route-running were too much for Lattimore, who was flagged for two pass interference penalties. Despite the loss, Evans showed why he’s a future Hall of Famer.

3. Bucky Irving (RB)
   Rookie running back Bucky Irving led the Bucs with 48 rushing yards on 12 carries and scored on a 4-yard touchdown catch. His shifty runs, including gains of 19 and 10 yards, gave Tampa’s offense some spark. However, the Commanders’ defense limited Tampa’s rushing attack to just 82 yards total, keeping Irving in check for most of the game.

4. Chase McLaughlin (K)
   Like Gonzalez, McLaughlin was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals (50, 32, and 29 yards) and 2-for-2 on extra points. His 50-yarder early in the game gave Tampa a 3-0 lead, but the Bucs’ inability to convert in the red zone forced them to rely on his leg too often.

5. Jalen McMillan and Cade Otton (WR/TE)
   Rookie Jalen McMillan had 2 catches for 32 yards, including a 26-yard grab that sparked a late drive. Tight end Cade Otton added 2 receptions for 25 yards. While both contributed, the fumble on the botched handoff involving McMillan was a turning point.

What the Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats Tell Us

• Time of Possession: The Commanders dominated the clock, holding the ball for over 35 minutes compared to Tampa’s 25 minutes. Their 17-play, 92-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter was a masterclass in ball control.

• Fourth-Down Boldness: Washington’s 3-for-5 success on fourth-down conversions was huge. Coach Quinn’s aggressive play-calling, like going for it on fourth-and-2 at the Bucs’ 5, paid off with McLaurin’s touchdown.

• Turnover Battle: The Commanders won here, with Wagner’s fumble recovery being the game’s only turnover. Tampa’s defense forced a turnover on downs, but it wasn’t enough.

• Red Zone Struggles: Both teams settled for field goals in key moments, but Tampa’s failure to convert at Washington’s 12-yard line late in the game (due to a snap miscue) was a killer.

• Daniels’ Efficiency: His 48.6% of passes going beyond the first-down marker and 2.93-second average time to throw show he was pushing the ball downfield while staying quick under pressure.

The Big Picture: What Made the Difference?

This game was won in the trenches and on the margins. Washington’s ability to control the clock and convert on fourth downs kept Tampa’s potent offense off the field. Daniels’ poise in high-pressure situations, especially on the final drive, was the stuff of legends. Meanwhile, Tampa’s mistakes—a fumbled handoff and a mistimed snap—cost them dearly. The Commanders’ defense, led by Wagner, stepped up when it mattered most, and Gonzalez’s kicking was the cherry on top.

Why Fans Loved This Game

If you’re a Commanders fan, this win was pure joy—a franchise reborn, a rookie QB shining, and a playoff victory after 19 years. For Bucs fans, it was a tough pill to swallow, but Mayfield and Evans showed they can still compete at an elite level. For neutral fans, this was the closest, most exciting game of Wild Card Weekend, with drama until the very last second.

What’s Next?

The Commanders are off to Detroit to face the No. 1 seed Lions in the Divisional Round. Can Daniels keep the magic going against Jared Goff’s high-powered offense? For the Buccaneers, it’s back to the drawing board after a strong 10-7 season. With Mayfield, Evans, and young talents like Irving, they’ll be back in the hunt next year.

Final Thoughts

This game was a testament to the heart and hustle of both teams. Jayden Daniels proved he’s a star, Zane Gonzalez delivered under pressure, and Bobby Wagner showed why he’s a future Hall of Famer. On the other side, Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans fought valiantly, but small mistakes made the difference. Whether you’re breaking down the stats or just reliving the thrill of that final field goal, this matchup was one for the ages.

What did you think of the game? Are you rooting for the Commanders to keep their Cinderella run going, or do you think the Bucs will bounce back next season? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the football fever alive!