The Washington Commanders clinched a playoff berth with a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons on “Sunday Night Football.” This marks Washington’s first 11-win season since 1991.
The game-winning moment came after a 70-yard, seven-minute overtime drive, as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with tight end Zach Ertz for a 2-yard touchdown. Daniels delivered a historic performance, completing 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also led the team with 127 rushing yards on 16 carries, breaking the rookie quarterback rushing record previously held by Robert Griffin III.
First Half: Falcons Strike Back
Washington initially seized control by turning an interception by Falcons rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. into an early touchdown. However, Atlanta roared back with 17 unanswered points, taking a 17-7 lead into halftime. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was dominant, rushing for 90 yards and scoring two touchdowns in the first half.
Second Half: Commanders Rally
Washington responded in the third quarter with a grinding 15-play drive, capped by another Daniels-to-Ertz touchdown. Running back Chris Rodriguez added a go-ahead rushing touchdown, and Washington extended their lead with a field goal after a clock-chewing drive.
The Falcons tied the game late in the fourth quarter when Penix Jr. threw his first NFL touchdown to tight end Kyle Pitts on 4th-and-goal. Atlanta had a chance to win in regulation, but Riley Patterson’s 56-yard field goal attempt fell short.
Overtime: Commanders Dominate
Washington’s offense started overtime and never gave the ball back. Daniels leaned on former Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, who tied a career-high with eight catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Despite a critical drop late in regulation, Zaccheaus delivered when it mattered most.
Both teams found success on the ground, with Washington rushing for 216 yards and Atlanta tallying 126. However, the Commanders overcame costly penalties and mistakes to secure the victory.
Playoff Implications
The win moves Washington to 11-5, locking in their playoff spot. They’ll face the Dallas Cowboys (7-9) on the road in their regular-season finale.
The loss drops Atlanta to 8-8, one game behind NFC South leaders Tampa Bay (9-7). The Falcons need a win against the Carolina Panthers (4-12) and a Buccaneers loss to the Saints to have a chance at the division title and a playoff spot.
With playoff hopes on the line, both teams now look to their final games to define their seasons.
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