Zane Gonzalez - Commanders K
The margins are thinner and the stakes get higher in the playoffs. One doesn't have to look far throughout league history to see what impact a wayward kicker can have on the overall outcome.
Whether it's Gary Anderson's miss for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 NFC Championship game or Scott Norwood's failed attempt for the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, the postseason is littered with kickers who choke in the biggest moments. It's a different pressure that only a select few handle with no complications attached.
The Commanders will be hoping Zane Gonzalez isn't the primary cause behind their demise. He's demonstrated assured kicking since returning from injury, but this represents a journey into the unknown.
Gonzalez doesn't have much experience kicking in the playoffs. He'll be on the road in an outdoor setting. This game also happens to be on primetime — something that only increases the microscope.
Washington has confidence in Gonzalez. Dan Quinn kept faith with the former seventh-round pick despite a lackluster outing against the Tennessee Titans before the bye week. He responded well after that, which is a trend that must continue at Raymond James Stadium.
If Gonzalez can keep his nerve and come through when it counts, the Commanders won't be too far away from victory. It'll also enhance his chances of an extended stay for good measure.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Not many Ron Rivera draft picks survived general manager Adam Peters' cull during his first season at the helm. This bears more significance with high-end selections, who were either released or traded as the organization moves toward a brighter future.
This drastic measure represents a damning indictment of Rivera's personnel evaluation during his time in charge. However, the Commanders are harboring no sentiment towards their decision-making process with far more accomplished men running the front office.
There were the odd exceptions. Quan Martn's physical profile and encouraging flashes as a rookie warranted a second look. The Commanders switched him back to his old college position of safety to further raise intrigue. This gave Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense another dynamic tandem on the backend alongside free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn.
Martin's done well overall. He's a physical presence against the run and improving from a support capacity in coverage. The former second-round selection is not the finished product just yet, but he could be one of the few Rivera choices to secure a long-term future with the franchise.
The Illinois product was a late scratch through injury in Week 18 at the Dallas Cowboys. Washington erred on the side of caution with the playoffs in sight, but they cannot afford Martin to be a weak link in his first NFL playoff game versus a prolific Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.