The Washington Commanders are going to the postseason following a thrilling victory against the Atlanta Falcons. They didn't make it easy on themselves, but getting the job finished was all that mattered.
It was a nervy evening at Northwest Stadium for Washington's regular-season home finale. You could tell everyone was playing a little tighter than usual in the first half. There were sloppy mistakes and hesitancy where once there was nothing but conviction. Thankfully, getting the chance to regroup at the halftime interval galvanized this squad to better fortunes.
The Commanders looked like a different team in the second half. Even when they were pegged back as the Falcons forced overtime, nobody flinched. This is not the same organization of old. There is a real purpose to the way they go about their business and it showed in the biggest moment.
With the Green Bay Packers losing to the Minnesota Vikings, the Commanders have the sixth seed within their grasp. One more victory against the Dallas Cowboys will secure it, but cementing their playoff place represents a significant achievement for head coach Dan Quinn regardless of how things go from here on.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five winners and two losers as Washington reached the knockout rounds versus the Falcons.
Winners and losers from Commanders' victory vs. the Falcons
Winner No. 1
Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR
Much was made about Dan Quinn going up against a team he once coached in a high-pressure setting. But there was another former Atlanta Falcons employee who seemed extremely eager to make his presence felt in Week 17.
Olamide Zaccheaus stepped up. He was assured aside from one disappointing drop. His aggressive running after the catch helped set the tone. The wideout also managed to get his hands on another touchdown following some outstanding improvisation from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels early in the contest.
Zaccheaus finished the day with eight receptions from nine targets for 85 receiving yards and a score. He also had one carry for eight rushing yards to further enhance his influence.
With prolific pass-catcher Terry McLaurin being locked down by A.J. Terrell, this contribution from Zaccheaus was pivotal to the Washington Commanders' success.