Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats Breakdown (January 12, 2025)
The Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats tell the story of an incredible playoff upset that came down to the final second on January 12, 2025.
Playing at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the 6th-seeded Commanders (12-5) shocked the 3rd-seeded NFC South champion Buccaneers (10-7) with a dramatic 23-20 victory, securing their first playoff win since 2005.
The game featured a remarkable turnaround from Week 1 of the 2024 season, where these same Buccaneers had comfortably defeated the Commanders 37-20 at the same venue.
Daniels Outduels Mayfield: QB Performance Analysis
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels put on a clinic for Washington, showcasing poise beyond his years:
- 24/35 passes completed (68.6%)
- 268 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 110.2 passer rating
- 36 rushing yards (team high)
His performance against pressure was particularly noteworthy. With Tampa Bay blitzing on 40% of his dropbacks, Daniels averaged 0.39 Expected Points Added per play against the blitz. Under pressure, he completed 7 of 12 passes for 97 yards and both his touchdowns while taking zero sacks.
NFL Research confirmed that Daniels became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to lead his team in both passing and rushing yards in a playoff victory.
Across the field, Baker Mayfield posted outstanding numbers:
- 15/18 passes completed (83.3%)
- 185 passing yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 146.5 passer rating
This 146.5 rating stands as the highest in Buccaneers postseason history and ranks as the ninth-highest by any quarterback in a playoff game since 2000.
However, football games are decided by more than box score stats. One critical moment changed everything.
The Turning Point: Mayfield’s Fourth Quarter Fumble
With Tampa Bay leading 17-13 early in the fourth quarter, their defense delivered a heroic goal-line stand, stopping Washington on four consecutive plays from the 1-yard line.
The momentum seemed firmly with the Buccaneers, but disaster struck on the very next play. Baker Mayfield fumbled an exchange with receiver Jalen McMillan on a jet sweep attempt from their own 15-yard line.
Bobby Wagner recovered for Washington at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line. Three plays later, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on fourth-and-2 for a go-ahead touchdown.
This sequence completely reversed the game’s trajectory. Mayfield acknowledged the error post-game, calling it a “dumb mistake” that proved decisive.
Receiving Corps: Stars and Surprise Contributors
The receiver stats reveal both expected production and unexpected heroes:
Commanders Receiving:
- Terry McLaurin: 7 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (10 targets)
- Dyami Brown: 5 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (5 targets)
- Austin Ekeler: 3 catches, 26 yards (4 targets)
- Brian Robinson Jr.: 4 catches, 22 yards (5 targets)
Buccaneers Receiving:
- Mike Evans: 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD (7 targets)
- Jalen McMillan: 2 catches, 41 yards (4 targets)
- Cade Otton: 2 catches, 32 yards (2 targets)
- Rachaad White: 2 catches, 14 yards (2 targets)
Mike Evans dominated the first half with 5 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, often winning matchups against Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Washington adjusted in the second half, reportedly utilizing double teams, which limited Evans to just 2 catches for 26 yards after halftime.
Meanwhile, Dyami Brown emerged as the surprise catalyst for Washington, matching McLaurin’s yardage total despite having half the targets. His perfect 5-for-5 catch rate showcased his reliability in crucial moments.
Professional Football Focus grades reflected these performances, with Evans earning an elite 91.8 grade and McLaurin receiving an outstanding 88.9, the highest among all Commanders offensive players.
Ground Game Strategies: Control vs. Explosiveness
The rushing stats highlight contrasting backfield philosophies:
Commanders:
- Team total: 33 attempts, 82 yards (2.5 avg)
- Jayden Daniels: 13 carries, 36 yards
- Austin Ekeler: 8 carries, 27 yards
- Brian Robinson Jr.: 10 carries, 16 yards
Buccaneers:
- Team total: 25 carries, 101 yards (4.0 avg)
- Bucky Irving: 17 carries, 77 yards (4.5 avg)
- Baker Mayfield: 7 carries, 23 yards
- Rachaad White: 1 carry, 1 yard
The snap count distribution showed Tampa Bay’s clear preference for rookie Irving (69% of offensive snaps) over veteran White (38%), who primarily appeared in passing situations.
Washington’s approach wasn’t about explosive runs but strategic clock management. Their ground game helped control tempo, allowing them to sustain five possessions lasting 10 or more plays.
This approach mirrored what the Commanders had developed all season, showing significant improvement from their Week 1 matchup against these same Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs New Orleans Saints match player stats from earlier in the season showed similar trends in how NFC South opponents tried to combat Tampa’s defense.
Time of Possession: Washington’s Secret Weapon
The most telling statistic of the entire contest:
- Commanders: 35:26 possession time
- Buccaneers: 24:34 possession time
Washington dominated the clock by more than 11 minutes, running 69 offensive plays to Tampa Bay’s 44, a staggering 57% more plays.
The Commanders converted 8 of 15 third downs (53.3%) and an aggressive 3 of 5 fourth downs (60%), repeatedly extending drives and keeping Tampa’s offense watching from the sideline.
Perhaps most remarkably, Washington didn’t punt once the entire game. NFL statistical records confirm this was the first time the franchise had achieved this in a playoff contest since 1945.
This ball-control approach effectively became Washington’s best defensive strategy, limiting opportunities for Tampa Bay’s efficient but ultimately underutilized offense.
Daniels’ Game-Winning Drive: Clutch When It Counted
With 4:41 remaining and the score tied 20-20, Daniels orchestrated an 11-play, 74-yard drive that:
- Consumed the entire remaining clock
- Featured perfect situational execution
- Included a critical 21-yard completion to Dyami Brown
- Showcased smart decision-making with an 18-yard checkdown to Austin Ekeler
- Demonstrated poise with a crucial 4-yard scramble on third-and-2
- Ended with Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal that hit the right upright but still went through as time expired
Daniels’ composure was particularly notable considering he played much of the game with a facial laceration sustained early, requiring a bandage under his right eye.
This poise under pressure wasn’t surprising to those who had followed the Commanders’ season transformation under Daniels and first-year Head Coach Dan Quinn. The Washington Commanders vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats from earlier in the season had already showcased Daniels’ growth in high-pressure situations against top opponents.
Defensive Standouts: Unsung Heroes
While offensive numbers grab headlines, several defensive performances proved crucial:
Commanders Defence:
- Bobby Wagner: 8 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery (100% of defensive snaps)
- Jeremy Chinn: 4 solo tackles (100% of defensive snaps)
- Marshon Lattimore: 4 tackles (3 solo) (79% of defensive snaps)
- Frankie Luvu: 3 tackles (100% of defensive snaps)
- Dorance Armstrong: 0.5 sacks (69% of defensive snaps)
Buccaneers Defence:
- Lavonte David: 8 total tackles, 1 sack (99% of defensive snaps)
- Antoine Winfield Jr.: 4 solo tackles (100% of defensive snaps)
- Greg Gaines: 3 solo tackles, 90.6 PFF run defence grade (36% of defensive snaps)
- Tykee Smith: 5 tackles (82% of defensive snaps)
- Logan Hall: 5 total tackles (2 solo) (45% of defensive snaps)
Wagner’s experience and leadership proved invaluable for Washington. His recovery of Mayfield’s fumble deep in Buccaneers territory directly led to the Commanders’ go-ahead touchdown.
For Tampa Bay, Greg Gaines earned particular praise for his run defence despite limited snaps, achieving an elite 90.6 PFF run-defence grade.
The Buccaneers also faced injury challenges when starting cornerback Jamel Dean exited with a knee injury after playing 66% of the snaps, forcing backups into action at crucial moments.
Coaching Philosophies: Bold vs. Conservative
The contrasting approaches from the sidelines significantly influenced the outcome.
Washington’s Dan Quinn embraced aggression that directly contributed to the victory:
- Washington attempted 5 fourth-down conversions (converting 3)
- This included the pivotal fourth-and-2 touchdown pass from Daniels to McLaurin
- Earlier in the game, they successfully converted a fourth-and-1 with Ekeler
- Quinn described his approach as “bold but not reckless”
Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles took a more traditional approach:
- The Buccaneers didn’t attempt a single fourth-down conversion
- They punted twice and settled for field goals in key situations
- Their conservative red-zone play-calling on their second-to-last possession forced them to settle for a game-tying field goal rather than taking the lead
The evidence suggests Quinn’s aggressive mindset provided Washington with additional scoring opportunities that proved decisive in a game where time of possession was a critical factor.
Special Teams: Perfect Kicking Under Pressure
With the game decided by just three points, special teams execution proved crucial:
Commanders Special Teams:
- Kicker Zane Gonzalez: 3/3 on field goals (52, 22, and 37 yards), 2/2 on extra points
- Luke McCaffrey: 2 kickoff returns for 60 yards
- Jamison Crowder: 1 punt return for 17 yards
- No punts attempted
Buccaneers Special Teams:
- Kicker Chase McLaughlin: 2/2 on field goals (50 and 32 yards), 2/2 on extra points
- Punter Jake Browning: 2 punts for 97 yards (48.5-yard average), 1 inside the 20
- Rachaad White: 3 kickoff returns for 79 yards (26.3-yard average)
Gonzalez’s performance under pressure stood out. His 52-yard connection in the first half represented his season long, showing confidence in a high-stakes environment.
His game-winning 37-yard field goal will be remembered for its drama, ricocheting off the right upright before falling through as time expired, creating an instant playoff memory.
Statistical Team Comparison: Efficiency vs. Control
A side-by-side examination reveals contrasting strengths:
| Metric | Washington Commanders | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 23 | 20 |
| Total Plays | 69 | 44 |
| Total Yards | 350 | 284 |
| Yards Per Play | 5.1 | 6.5 |
| Time of Possession | 35:26 | 24:34 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 8/15 (53.3%) | 5/9 (55.6%) |
| 4th Down Conversions | 3/5 (60.0%) | 0/0 (N/A) |
| Turnovers Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Red Zone TDs/Attempts | 2/5 | 2/3 |
| Penalties/Yards | 5/39 | 7/65 |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 | 1 |
| Punts | 0 | 2 |
Tampa Bay averaged more yards per play (6.5 vs 5.1), showing superior efficiency with the ball. However, Washington controlled virtually every other aspect of the game.
The Commanders ran significantly more offensive plays, dominated time of possession, and crucially, won the turnover battle with the game’s only takeaway.
Perhaps most telling: Washington never punted once during the entire contest, a postseason feat the franchise hadn’t accomplished since 1945. Every Commanders drive ended in either points or a turnover on downs.
FAQs About Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What was the final score of the Commanders vs Buccaneers Wild Card game?
The final score was Washington Commanders 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20. The game ended with a dramatic field goal by Zane Gonzalez that hit the right upright before going through as time expired on January 12, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
How did rookie QB Jayden Daniels perform in his playoff debut?
Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes (68.6%) for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception, earning a 110.2 passer rating. He also led the team in rushing with 36 yards on 13 carries. He was particularly effective under pressure and against blitzes, becoming the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to lead his team in both passing and rushing yards during a playoff victory.
What was the turning point of the Commanders-Buccaneers playoff game?
The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when Baker Mayfield fumbled an exchange with receiver Jalen McMillan immediately after Tampa Bay’s defence had made a goal line stand. Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner recovered at Tampa’s 13-yard line, and the Commanders scored a go-ahead touchdown three plays later on a fourth-down pass from Daniels to McLaurin.
Who were the standout receivers in the Wild Card matchup?
Mike Evans led Tampa Bay with 7 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown on 7 targets (91.8 PFF grade). For Washington, Terry McLaurin had 7 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets (88.9 PFF grade), while Dyami Brown added 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown on 5 targets (80.2 PFF grade).
How significant was this victory for the Washington franchise?
This was Washington’s first playoff victory since the 2005 NFL season, ending a drought of nearly 20 years. The win represented a remarkable turnaround under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and first-year Head Coach Dan Quinn, transforming a team that finished 4-13 the previous season into playoff winners with a 12-5 record.
How did the Commanders overcome the Week 1 loss to these same Buccaneers?
The Commanders lost decisively to Tampa Bay 37-20 in Week 1 of the 2024 season at the same venue. In the playoff rematch, Washington employed a ball-control strategy (35:26 time of possession), converted key third and fourth downs (8/15 on third down, 3/5 on fourth down), and capitalized on Tampa Bay’s lone turnover. Their defensive adjustments also limited Mike Evans in the second half after he dominated early.
The Numbers Tell the Story: How Washington Upset Tampa Bay
The Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats reveal a game where situational execution trumped raw efficiency.
Tampa Bay produced more yards per play (6.5 vs 5.1), Mayfield posted a near-perfect 146.5 passer rating, and Evans dominated with an elite 91.8 PFF grade.
But Washington controlled what mattered most:
- Ball Security: Zero turnovers compared to Tampa Bay’s game-changing fumble
- Time of Possession: 35:26 to 24:34, keeping Tampa’s efficient offense sidelined
- Critical Downs: Converting 8/15 third downs and 3/5 fourth downs
- Final Drive Execution: Perfect 11-play, 74-yard drive that left Tampa no chance to respond
The individual performances that defined this upset showcase the unpredictable nature of playoff football:
- Rookie QB Jayden Daniels became the first rookie in NFL history to lead his team in both passing and rushing yards in a playoff victory
- Dyami Brown emerged as an unexpected hero, matching Terry McLaurin’s production with perfect catch efficiency
- Bobby Wagner’s fumble recovery provided the game’s pivotal defensive moment
- Zane Gonzalez delivered under pressure with three perfect field goals, including the dramatic game-winner
The Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats ultimately prove that in playoff football, controlling the game often matters more than dominating the stat sheet.
