The Washington Commanders defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 in overtime Sunday to clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels again put the team on his back, completing 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. Daniels also set career-highs in rushing attempts (16) and rushing yards (127).
It wasn’t easy, though. Washington couldn’t get out of its own way, committing 13 penalties for 108 yards, keeping the Falcons in the game. Late in the fourth quarter, right guard Sam Cosmi was called for holding, wiping out the Commanders’ game-clinching touchdown. Washington settled for a field goal, allowing the Falcons to tie the game on the ensuing possession.
The game went into overtime, and Daniels ended things with a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz to win the game.
Washington fans have seen a fair share of heartbreak over the years and were bracing for more on Sunday night. But fortunately for the Commanders, they have Daniels.
Here’s how X reacted to Washington’s win.
Jayden Daniels was ridiculous on that drive.
Washington’s got a real one.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 30, 2024
I don’t think yall understand what the hail JD5 just did. That kid had 16 rushes for 127 yds. My God! Not to mention he was 24/36 for 227 yds 3 TDs to clinch a playoff berth 👀 That man is viscous! #RaiseHail
— Go Commanders! (@shawnn75) December 30, 2024
It’s official, my Washington Commanders are in the Playoffs 🎉 Congratulations to the @Commanders players, Head Coach Dan Quinn, GM Adam Peters for putting this team together, my fellow owners, and the incredible Commanders fan base!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 30, 2024
Congrats to the Harris Ownership Group, Adam Peters, Dan Quinn and the entire Commanders operation.
They inherited a fixer-upper of a roster and just flipped the script. Double-digit wins and a postseason appearance in year one.
Amazing first season.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 30, 2024
Jerry Jones … you been watching this rookie QB in Washington? Happy New Year.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) December 30, 2024
NEVER IN DOUBT! FAITH IN FIVE! #HTTC #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/7pIOFC4YWY
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) December 30, 2024
And Jayden’s legend continues to grow. Congratulations. MVP
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) December 30, 2024
11-12 wins is elite company no matter how you slice it in the NFL. Holes on the roster, whole new regime… Rookie quarterback. It feels like a dream to be this relevant again. I could cry, dawg! Lol.
— PoeticGenius916 (@CMont916) December 30, 2024
All smiles. Playoff bound. pic.twitter.com/nssW3RDIbc
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2024
That’s ROTY sewn up
— Mr. Unlimited (@MiggFAM) December 30, 2024
Jayden Daniels when he’s needed most
— . (@ClarkF0r3) December 30, 2024
From 4-13 and No. 2 pick to the NFL playoffs.
THAT. KID.
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) December 30, 2024
Jayden Daniels putting the team on his back pic.twitter.com/t7A2Ho28ZT
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 30, 2024
I wanted Jayden Daniels to break my rookie rushing record because I’m not about rooting against the next generation. He EARNED IT. He is the FUTURE. Some of these old heads need to stop drinking all that haterade and lift up these young guys instead of tearing them down. pic.twitter.com/SesP9KTdpM
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 30, 2024
This doesn’t get old.… especially at my last home game running the team. What a ride! #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/j6iAYEwki1
— Jason Wright (@whoisjwright) December 30, 2024
We have Jayden Daniels. pic.twitter.com/vg3hylC6s8
— Danny Rouhier (@funnydanny) December 30, 2024
There ain’t a SOUL in football that would want to play that young man in the playoffs.
Jayden Daniels is sensational.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 30, 2024
The kid is as valuable to his team as any player to any team in the NFL.
Jayden Daniels
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 30, 2024
