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

The Washington Commanders aren't ready to throw in the towel on their fairytale season just yet.

It was another dramatic evening on the primetime stage for head coach Dan Quinn's squad. They were forced to dig deep and show their customary resolve at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to keep things close. When the Commanders got a chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, they duly delivered.

Fans gasped in collective disbelief when kicker Zane Gonzalez's final-second field goal doinked the upright. But not for the first time this season, the football gods were shining on the Commanders and the ball went through the upright.

This was a staggering success. A first playoff win since 2005 was richly deserved. The scenes of jubilation at Raymond James Stadium following the contest are something fans have been craving for decades.

There is no time for the Commanders to revel in their ongoing adulation. They'll get the sternest test of all next weekend when they travel to the Detroit Lions on Saturday Night Football. Dan Campbell's men are the No. 1 seed for a reason, so this will be the biggest measuring stick yet of how far Washington has come and what more might be needed.

That's for the future. For now, here are five winners and two losers from Washington's frantic triumph a the Buccaneers en route to the divisional round.

Winners and losers from Commanders' triumph at the Buccaneers

Winner No. 1

Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S

This was a war of attrition. The Washington Commanders' defense got a helping hand from the offense, who controlled the clock effectively. However, their deficiencies in the trenches and Daron Payne going out for a period with a dislocated finger didn't do them any favors.

It looked for a long time as if rookie running back Bucky Irving was going to take over the game. The Buccaneers got their most explosive threat more involved in the second half and he was starting to dictate the tempo. Washington needed someone to step up and meet the former Oregon standout head-on.

Jeremy Chinn was the guy.

The Commanders utilized Chinn closer to the line of scrimmage with great success. This was where the standout safety thrived as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers, so the gamble paid off handsomely.

Chinn arrived violently at the contact point and made almost every tackle attempt count. Whether it was Irving or anyone else, the Southern Illinois product brought intensity and physicality to oncoming runners that his teammates fed off.

If there was any doubt about Chinn's importance to the Commanders' plans long-term, this performance should provide crystal clear clarity. General manager Adam Peters would be wise to have a contract offer ready when Washington's postseason quest concludes.

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.

Winner No. 3

Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB

This was a pressurized situation that called for calm. General manager Adam Peters assembled a roster with the right blend of youth and veterans with proven production. However, their trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represented the first win-or-go-home situation this squad experienced together.

Washington needed its alphas to make their presence felt. We've already spoken about how wide receiver Terry McLaurin rose to the occasion. The same goes for linebacker Bobby Wagner.

The future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer set the tone from start to finish. Wagner was a commanding force against the run to nullify Bucky Irving's threat over the opening exchanges. He managed to generate pressure from the interior when situations arose. The former second-round pick out of Utah State left his mark with sound tackling technique with the correct aggression attached.

Wagner's most pivotal play was a testament to his high-level reactions and football IQ. He had a split second to get down and collect the football when quarterback Baker Mayfield and rookie center Graham Barton botched a snap. This was a crucial fumble recovery in good field position that eventually led to a touchdown.

The Commanders don't win this game without Wagner. Something that only strengthens his claims for another one-year deal if he wants to continue a prolific playing career.

Winner No. 4

Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

The Commanders need to strengthen their wide receiver options throughout the offseason. They've become too reliant on Terry McLaurin and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels needs more to take his game to new heights. Until then, Washington needed an unsung hero to step up in pursuit of reaching the divisional round.

Many fans wondered if anyone was capable based on the same size throughout the campaign. It took someone to emerge from obscurity and into the primetime spotlight. The Commanders chose Dyami Brown and he delivered.

This was Brown's best performance since joining the Commanders as a third-round pick in 2021. He was explosive out of his breaks, stretched the field, and gave the Buccaneers something they weren't expecting.

Brown's hands were reliable, bringing in all five of his targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown. The former North Carolina standout earned the trust of Daniels and became a focal point. He also kept some heat off McLaurin, which was essential when one considers the Commanders couldn't get anything going on the ground.

This was a huge step in the right direction for Brown, who's been a bit-part player more often than not this season. However, this performance improves his chances of an extended stay beyond the campaign.

Loser No. 2

Commanders run game

One of the biggest disappointments for the Washington Commanders in recent weeks centers on their rushing attack. Jayden Daniels aside, the ground game has been largely ineffective over the second half of 2024. This trend continued at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers have a good run defense, so it was always going to be difficult. Washington's offensive line struggled to cope with Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea and impressive young defensive lineman Calijah Kancey. They got no push and the likes of Briian Robinson Jr. couldn't compensate.

Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury didn't go away from the run, which kept Tampa Bay's defense honest if nothing else. However, gaining 82 from 33 carries — that's 2.5 yards per carry for those keeping score — is nowhere near the required standard.

That was just enough to get one over on the Buccaneers. Daniels spearheaded another remarkable comeback and Zane Gonzalez got a gift from Lady Luck to confirm Washington's place in the divisional round. This will be their final stop unless the run game finds a way to impose themselves against the Detroit Lions.

Ford Field is going to be loud, intimidating, and everything in between. Setting the tempo and controlling the clock is key. Robinson needs to step up. Otherwise, the Commanders could be in the market for another starting running back when the offseason arrives.

Winner No. 5

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

The Commanders have a superstar on their hands in Jayden Daniels. He's proven as much on countless occasions this season. All the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft needs is an opportunity to come through in the clutch.

You wouldn't know that this was Daniels' first taste of NFL playoff football. His calmness, poise, and precision defied his lack of professional experience. This is not your average rookie. There is no disputing that now.

When the game is on the line, Daniels thrives. He's made for the biggest moments and the highest stakes. There were some missed throws, especially in the red zone, but it was another outstanding outing aside from that.

Daniels dragged the Commanders kicking and screaming into the next stage. He was in complete control from start to finish. He handled things effectively pre-snap and coped well with Todd Bowles' exotic blitz packages and disguised coverages. The Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU trusted himself — and his teammates when needed — to produce the goods.

Just how much longer Daniels' remarkable first campaign in the pros goes on from here is anyone's guess. Regardless of how things unfold at the Detroit Lions, the Commanders can relax safe in the knowledge that the sky is the limit with the dynamic dual-threat quarterback leading the charge.

What a player. What a night.

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