Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats: Wild Card Round 2025 Analysis

Introduction

Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats surged following their dramatic NFC Wild Card Round clash on January 12, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium. The Washington Commanders, powered by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, edged out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 with a game-winning 37-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez that ricocheted off the upright as time expired (espn.com). This victory marked Washington’s first playoff win since 2005, coincidentally also against Tampa Bay (nytimes.com). The game showcased Daniels’ poise, Terry McLaurin’s clutch catches, and a critical Baker Mayfield fumble that shifted momentum (nfl.com).

Why are fans obsessed with Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats. This nail-biter, decided by a doink field goal, highlighted Washington’s improbable 12-5 turnaround under coach Dan Quinn and Tampa Bay’s resilience despite a 10-7 record (buccaneers.com). This dissects the player performances, key statistics, and pivotal moments that defined this playoff classic. Drawing from sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and The Athletic, we provide a comprehensive breakdown for fans and analysts (espn.com, nfl.com, nytimes.com). Let’s dive into the stats that shaped this historic upset.

Game Overview: A Wild Card Thriller

The Washington Commanders (12-5, No. 6 seed) faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, No. 3 seed) in a rematch of their Week 1 encounter, where Tampa Bay won 37-20 (foxsports.com). Played on January 12, 2025, under favorable 44-degree weather, the game was a back-and-forth affair, with the lead changing multiple times in the second half (nbcsports.com). Washington’s 23-20 victory came down to Daniels game winning drive and Gonzalez’s dramatic field goal, advancing the Commanders to the Divisional Round against the Detroit Lions (commanders.com).

Washington’s offense totaled 369 yards (268 passing, 101 rushing), while Tampa Bay amassed 276 yards (185 passing, 91 rushing) (pro-football-reference.com). The Commanders’ three fourth-down conversions, a franchise playoff record since 2000, and zero turnovers contrasted with Tampa Bay’s critical errors, including Mayfield’s fourth-quarter fumble (nfl.com). Despite Tampa Bay’s third-ranked offense (29.5 PPG), Washington’s defense made crucial stops (buccaneers.com). Let’s break down the standout player stats driving Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats searches.

Washington Commanders: Key Player Stats

Jayden Daniels (QB)

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a historic playoff debut, completing 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and a 68.6% completion rate, earning a 91.4 passer rating (commanders.com). He added 36 rushing yards on 13 carries, leading Washington in both passing and rushing—a rare feat for a rookie in a playoff win (nfl.com). Daniels’ 268 passing yards rank him among elite rookies like Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud, with his 68.6% completion percentage setting a franchise playoff record since Mark Rypien in 1991 (commanders.com).

Daniels shone in the clutch, completing all six passes for 57 yards and a touchdown on the final two drives, including a 5-yard scoring pass to Terry McLaurin (foxsports.com). His 10-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown capped a 17-play, 92-yard drive in the second quarter (usatoday.com). Daniels’ poise against Tampa Bay’s 29th-ranked pass defense (248.7 YPG allowed) was pivotal, with no interceptions despite facing 5.5 sacks (nbcsports.com). His performance earned praise on X, with @allproreels noting his 268 yards and two touchdowns (post:0).

Terry McLaurin (WR)

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a standout, catching seven passes for 89 yards and his first career playoff touchdown, a 5-yard score in the fourth quarter (commanders.com). His 88.9 PFF grade was the highest among Commanders, reflecting his efficiency against Tampa Bay’s secondary (post:4). McLaurin’s 12.7 yards per catch and a 32-yard reception on the game-winning drive were crucial (hogshaven.com). His ability to exploit mismatches, especially against Zyon McCollum, fueled Washington’s passing attack (pff.com).

Dyami Brown (WR)

Dyami Brown had a breakout game, recording five receptions for 89 yards and a 10-yard touchdown—his first in the playoffs (nytimes.com). His 21-yard catch on third-and-6 during the final drive kept Washington alive, and his 17.8 yards per catch stretched Tampa Bay’s defense (commanders.com). Brown’s 89 yards were his most since Week 5, 2022, showcasing his emergence as a reliable target (hogshaven.com). His performance earned a 78.5 PFF grade, per @PFFNFLPod (post:4).

Austin Ekeler (RB)

Running back Austin Ekeler contributed 37 rushing yards on nine carries and caught three passes for 27 yards (pro-football-reference.com). His fourth-down conversion on a 2-yard run during Washington’s 92-yard touchdown drive was critical (usatoday.com). Ekeler’s versatility helped balance Washington’s offense, though Brian Robinson Jr.’s 29 yards on 11 carries (2.6 Y/A) were limited by Tampa Bay’s fourth-ranked run defense (nbcsports.com).

Defensive Standouts

Washington’s defense, led by Bobby Wagner, made game-changing plays. Wagner recovered Mayfield’s fumble at Tampa Bay’s 13-yard line, setting up McLaurin’s go-ahead touchdown (foxsports.com). His third-and-1 stop on Mayfield’s quarterback sneak forced Tampa Bay to settle for a 32-yard field goal (commanders.com). Linebacker Frankie Luvu added 1.5 sacks, while safety Quan Martin’s coverage limited Tampa Bay’s deep shots (hogshaven.com). Despite allowing two touchdowns, Washington’s defense held Tampa Bay to 185 passing yards and forced a 15.2% third-down conversion rate (2-of-13) (nfl.com).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Key Player Stats

Baker Mayfield (QB)

Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and a 65.2% success rate—his highest with Tampa Bay (nfl.com). However, his fourth-quarter fumble, recovered by Wagner, led to Washington’s go-ahead score (foxsports.com). Mayfield’s touchdowns included a 1-yard pass to Mike Evans and a 4-yard toss to Bucky Irving (buccaneers.com). His 18-yard scramble on third down kept a scoring drive alive, but a miscommunication with center Graham Barton on a third-and-1 snap led to a two-yard loss, forcing a field goal (yahoo.com). Mayfield’s 71.4% completion rate was offset by the turnover, earning a 79.6 PFF grade.

Bucky Irving (RB)

Rookie running back Bucky Irving rushed for 43 yards on 10 carries and caught a 4-yard touchdown pass (buccaneers.com). His 5.4 yards per carry average during the regular season (sixth in the NFL) was stifled by Washington’s 25th-ranked run defense, but his touchdown tied the game at 10-10 (foxsports.com). Irving’s 47 receptions for 392 yards in 2024 highlight his dual-threat ability, though he was limited to one catch in this game (foxsports.com).

Mike Evans (WR)

Wide receiver Mike Evans dominated early, catching five passes for 66 yards and a 1-yard touchdown, exploiting Marshon Lattimore’s coverage (usatoday.com). His 13.2 yards per catch and three receptions for 32 yards on the touchdown drive showcased his chemistry with Mayfield (buccaneers.com). Evans’ 77.5 PFF grade ranked third among Buccaneers, but Washington’s second-half adjustments, including double-teaming, held him to two catches for 26 yards (post:3). His 1,004 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024 underline his elite status (foxsports.com).

Chris Godwin (WR)

Wide receiver Chris Godwin added three receptions for 34 yards, but his impact was limited by Washington’s coverage adjustments (pro-football-reference.com). His 90.5 PFF grade from Week 1 against Washington wasn’t replicated, as rookie corner Mike Sainristil shadowed him effectively (post:3). Godwin’s 2024 season (1,151 yards, eight touchdowns) made him a key target, but he was held to 11.3 yards per catch (buccaneers.com).

Defensive Struggles

Tampa Bay’s defense, despite a top-five run defense, struggled to contain Daniels’ passing. Linebacker Lavonte David led with 122 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2024, but his forced out-of-bounds tackle on Daniels couldn’t stop Washington’s final drive (foxsports.com). Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey’s 7.5 sacks in 2024 were notable, but he managed only one tackle (foxsports.com). Cornerback Zyon McCollum’s 82 tackles and two interceptions in 2024 were overshadowed by McLaurin’s touchdown (foxsports.com). Tampa Bay’s 3.0 sacks were offset by allowing three fourth-down conversions (nfl.com).

Key Moments and Stats Breakdown

The game hinged on clutch plays and turnovers. Washington’s three fourth-down conversions, including Ekeler’s 2-yard run and Daniels’ 5-yard touchdown pass, were franchise playoff records (commanders.com). Mayfield’s fumble, caused by a botched jet sweep to Jalen McMillan, gave Washington the ball at Tampa Bay’s 13-yard line, leading to a 5-yard touchdown (yahoo.com). A miscommunication on a third-and-1 snap, with Barton snapping early, forced a two-yard loss and a field goal (yahoo.com).

Washington’s 369 total yards outpaced Tampa Bay’s 276, with a 68.6% completion rate compared to Tampa Bay’s 65.2% (pro-football-reference.com). The Commanders’ 10-of-17 third-down conversions dwarfed Tampa Bay’s 2-of-13, and their zero punts matched a rare playoff feat (commanders.com). Tampa Bay’s 12-5 over/under record (70.6%) aligned with the game’s 43-point total, below the 52.5-point line (foxsports.com). The second quarter’s 92-yard, 17-play drive by Washington was the longest in playoff franchise history (usatoday.com).

Why This Game Mattered

The “Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats” reflect a defining moment for both teams. Washington’s victory, their first playoff win in 19 years, validated their 12-5 season and Daniels’ status as a -2000 favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year (nbcsports.com). The upset ended Tampa Bay’s fifth straight playoff run, raising questions about their offseason strategy, with players like Shaquil Barrett hitting free agency (buccaneers.com). Washington’s aggressive fourth-down strategy under Quinn contrasted with Tampa Bay’s self-inflicted wounds, like penalties and turnovers (nytimes.com).

Where to Find More Stats

Fans searching Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats can explore:

• ESPN.com: Box scores and play-by-play breakdowns (espn.com).
• NFL.com: Advanced stats, like Daniels’ QBR and Mayfield’s success rate (nfl.com).
• Pro-Football-Reference.com: Comprehensive game and player stats (pro-football-reference.com).
• Commanders.com: Notes on Daniels’ historic debut and defensive stops (commanders.com).
• Buccaneers.com: Highlights of Evans and Irving’s touchdowns (buccaneers.com).

Follow @PFFNFLPod and @allproreels on X for PFF grades and player insights (post:1, post:4). Apps like Yahoo Sports and CBS Sports offer real-time stats (yahoo.com, cbssports.com).

Conclusion

The “Washington Commanders vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats” from January 12, 2025, capture a playoff classic defined by Jayden Daniels’ 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and clutch drives (commanders.com). Terry McLaurin (89 yards, one TD) and Dyami Brown (89 yards, one TD) exploited Tampa Bay’s secondary, while Bobby Wagner’s fumble recovery sealed the 23-20 win (nfl.com). Baker Mayfield’s 185 yards and two touchdowns were marred by a costly fumble, and Mike Evans’ 66 yards couldn’t overcome Tampa Bay’s errors (buccaneers.com).

This upset propelled Washington to the Divisional Round, affirming their rebuild under Dan Quinn, while ending Tampa Bay’s season (nytimes.com). For more stats, check ESPN, NFL.com, or Pro-Football-Reference.com (espn.com, nfl.com, pro-football-reference.com). What stood out most Daniels’ poise or Tampa Bay’s miscues? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow the Commanders’ playoff journey.

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