Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels continued his sensational rookie season, main his crew to its first postseason berth since 2020 with a 30-24 extra time win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night time.
Listed here are 5 takeaways from Sunday’s thrilling nightcap:
Jayden Daniels’ TD strike to Zach Ertz sends Washington again to playoffs
The Commanders gained the toss and by no means gave the Falcons an opportunity within the additional body. This connection from Daniels to Ertz clinched the win and a playoff berth for the Commanders.
That was the second TD of the sport for Ertz. The win vaults Washington to the sixth seed within the NFC and clinches the NFC West for the Los Angeles Rams.
After ending with a sub .500 report in two of their final three seasons, Daniels has rejuvenated the Commanders and fully turned them round.
Falcons squander alternative to clinch NFC South
After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers let the division lead slip away final Sunday night time, the Falcons determined to return the favor every week later.
With Atlanta’s loss on Sunday, the Falcons fall to 8-8, one recreation behind the Buccaneers (9-7). Contemplating the Falcons’ report is worse than every of the three present wild-card groups within the NFC, Atlanta should win the division if it will play within the postseason.
Heading into Week 18, the Falcons must win their recreation towards the Carolina Panthers (4-12) and hope for a Buccaneers loss to the New Orleans Saints (5-11).
Now that the division race has fully shifted, the stakes couldn’t be increased for the Falcons as they appear to rebound and discover a means into the postseason.
Michael Penix Jr. continues to offer a spark to Falcons offense
Earlier than Penix Jr. taking on for Kirk Cousins in Week 16, it had been a tough stretch for the veteran. Over a five-game stretch from Nov. 10 to Dec. 16, Cousins threw one TD and 9 interceptions with the Falcons shedding 4 of these 5 video games.
After going 18-of-27 for 202 yards with one interception in his debut towards the New York Giants, Penix Jr. accomplished 19 of his 35 go makes an attempt for 223 yards with one TD and one interception vs. the Commanders.
This dime to TE Kyle Pitts tied the sport at 24 with 1:19 remaining within the recreation. It additionally served as Penix Jr.’s first profession NFL TD.
The pattern measurement has been small, however Penix Jr. has supplied a spark to a Falcons offense that desperately wanted it.
Jayden Daniels makes historical past
Sunday night time was one other instance of Daniels’ talent set. The rookie sensation was 24-of-36 for 227 yards with three TDs and one interception. Daniels additionally added 127 yards on the bottom.
Along with his efficiency towards Atlanta, Daniels now has essentially the most rush yards in a season by a rookie QB in NFL historical past (820).
Daniels made the Falcons look foolish on this run within the third quarter with the Commanders trailing 17-14.
This effort from Daniels put Washington able to capitalize on the game-winner in extra time.
Coming into the sport, Daniels’ QBR (71.8) was fourth within the NFL. 4 instances this season, Daniels has had at the least one passing and dashing TD in a recreation, which speaks to his versatility and what he brings to the Washington offense.
That was on full show as soon as once more Sunday night time.
Bijan Robinson feasts on Commanders protection
Robinson had himself an evening towards Washington. The second-year participant had 17 carries for 90 yards and two TDs.
Per the NBC broadcast, Robinson pressured eight missed tackles within the first half, which gave him a league-leading 107 for the season.
This was Robinson’s second TD of the sport, which gave Atlanta a 14-7 lead late within the first half.
Sunday night time was Robinson’s fourth multi-TD recreation of the season and the ninth time he has rushed for at the least 90 yards.
It didn’t quantity to a win towards the Commanders, however Robinson continued to be a power for Atlanta.
