The Washington Commanders pulled off a thrilling, last-second wild-card victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a doinked-in field goal, clinching the game as time expired in one of the most dramatic finishes of the postseason. The game, played in Tampa, saw the Commanders rally in the final moments, overcoming adversity and a resilient Buccaneers team led by veteran quarterback Tom Brady.
From the very beginning, the game was a back-and-forth affair. Tampa Bay took an early lead with a field goal and a touchdown, showcasing Brady’s signature poise and precision. The Commanders, however, weren’t intimidated. Quarterback Sam Howell, making his first playoff start, kept his composure and responded with pinpoint passes, including a 30-yard touchdown strike to Terry McLaurin, tying the game at 10-10 in the second quarter. Both teams exchanged blows, and by the fourth quarter, the score was deadlocked at 20-20, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
In the waning moments of the game, with the score tied and the clock ticking down, Washington mounted a methodical drive down the field. Howell, showing remarkable poise under pressure, connected with tight end Logan Thomas and running back Antonio Gibson on key completions to move the ball into Tampa Bay’s territory. The Buccaneers’ defense tightened, but the Commanders were able to get within range for a field goal attempt.
With only seconds remaining, kicker Joey Slye lined up for a 45-yard attempt to win the game. The atmosphere was tense as the entire stadium held its breath. Slye’s kick soared toward the uprights, but as it approached, disaster struck for the Buccaneers. The ball clanged off the left upright, then, in an improbable twist of fate, it bounced backward and made its way through the middle of the goalposts. The doinked field goal had just enough momentum to sneak inside, giving the Commanders a 23-20 victory as time expired.
The game was a testament to Washington’s resilience and their ability to perform in clutch moments. Despite the incredible tension, Howell never panicked, showing that he could be a potential long-term answer for the Commanders at quarterback. On the other side, the Buccaneers, who had been riding the experience of Brady into the postseason, were left to rue missed opportunities, especially as their defense allowed Howell to slice through them late in the game.
The wild-card win over the Bucs marked a significant moment for the Commanders, a team that had struggled to find consistency in recent seasons. Washington’s defense, led by standout linebacker Jamin Davis and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, came up big in crucial moments, stymying Brady in key situations and forcing a pair of turnovers.
As for Tampa Bay, the loss was another tough chapter in a season marked by inconsistency and frustration. Brady, who had once again given the Bucs a shot at the playoffs, was visibly disappointed after the game, but also expressed pride in his team’s effort.
For the Commanders, this wild-card win could be the spark that propels them to greater success in the postseason, with a thrilling reminder of how a game can be decided by the smallest of margins—whether it’s a kicker’s moment of redemption or a doink that secures a playoff victory.