5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders' frantic Wild Card triumph at Buccaneers

Loser No. 1

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

All eyes were on the battle between Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. These bitter rivals have no love lost for one another. Despite the four-time Pro Bowler dealing with a hamstring injury, there was no way he was going to miss this one.

It didn't take long to realize that Lattimore wasn't going to fare well. The Buccaneers tested him early and he looked a yard off the pace. Evans had his way with the defensive back. He brought in several receptions, drew a crucial pass interference penalty, and secured a touchdown grab versus his formidable adversary.

The Commanders originally planned to have Lattimore shadow Evans. When things didn't go according to plan, head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. switched things up, getting help over the top and even having second-round rookie Mike Sainristil lock horns with the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Lattimore will be disappointed with how things unfolded. He deserves credit for giving it a go, but the rust was evident and the hamstring issue that restricted him to just two games in the regular season after joining the Commanders via trade had a detrimental impact on his performance levels.

Things won't get any easier for Lattimore next weekend in the face of Amon-Ra St. Brown and the exceptional Detroit Lions offense.

Winner No. 2

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin waited a long time for this moment. He was the model of consistency and led by example throughout some dark days for the franchise. Nobody deserves this success more.

McLaurin is a big-game performer. He thrives in the spotlight. When rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needed something in a crucial down and distance, there was only one man he trusted completely.

The former third-round pick out of Ohio State left no doubt, securing a late touchdown grab to propel the Commanders into the fight. If McLaurin's phenomenal deep reception early in the game was his best highlight, the ability to create separation in condensed space for a vital six points was the most important by a considerable margin.

It was another outstanding performance for McLaurin, who brought in seven receptions from 10 targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown. He's one of the league's most prolific wide receivers and an inspirational figure his teammates feed off. His delirious delight after the game showed just how much this means.

The Commanders need McLaurin at his brilliant best next weekend at the Detroit Lions. Ben Johnson's offense can put up points in a hurry, so the best chance they have is turning the game into a shootout. That means targets will be in plentiful supply once again as the pass-catcher looks to extend his memorable campaign.