The Commanders decide to be “bold” when it comes to fourth place and are still in the playoffs

Bold decisions by coach Dan Quinn helped the Washington Commanders win a playoff game and take another step forward in a season that had already exceeded almost all external expectations.

This shouldn’t be a surprise given his philosophy.

“I never want to look back and say, ‘Man, I wish I had tried,'” Quinn said recently. “I hope that one day that will be my legacy: They say, ‘Man, that guy tried.’ I hope our team plays like that.”

With this style of play, Quinn chose fourth place five times in the wild card game in Tampa Bay. The Commanders converted three of them, including a late touchdown pass from Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin, en route to beating the Buccaneers and moving on to face NFC leader Detroit in the divisional round on Saturday night.

“We’re not going to be reckless, but if there’s an opportunity and a moment for us to take advantage of it and be bold, we won’t look back,” Quinn said Monday. “We’ve practiced it a lot, so it gives us a lot of confidence and confidence when these moments come.”

The Commanders went 20-for-23 on fourth downs in the regular season, an 87% conversion rate, which is the best of any NFL team since 2000, when Indianapolis was 9-for-10. Quinn said part of what makes them exceptional in such situations is their collective attitude, and that starts with Daniels, the rookie quarterback, who seems unfazed by pressure.

When asked Sunday night about the coaching staff’s decisions to try so often, Daniels said: “Obviously they trust us to get the first down, so I trust the guys to go out there and block, make plays and. “Move the chains.

The few bold attempts that didn’t pay off – once in the first quarter and again in the fourth – could have been costly.

Instead, the late chance missed from the Tampa Bay 3 on fourth-and-goal was followed by a fumble by Baker Mayfield that was recovered by Bobby Wagner and when it was fourth-and-2 from the 5 a few plays later The decision was made again and Daniels’ throw to McLaurin gave Washington the lead with 10 minutes left.

These decisions are not spontaneous decisions. Quinn said that training during the week is designed to prepare players for when he wants to do it and that he communicates on the sideline during games to make sure everyone is on the same page.

“It changes depending on the time, the score of the game, field position – all of that,” Quinn said. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution. But we discuss it all the time.”

What works

Daniels continues to dominate the offense, knowing when to tuck the ball and run and when to stay passer and make a throw from the pocket. The 24-year-old rushed for 304 yards and his only sack was a scramble that got him back to the line of scrimmage.

“It’s the playoffs, but it’s still the same game,” said Wagner, the six-time All-Pro linebacker who has developed a strong relationship with Daniels. “The stakes are a little different, but he came in and played the game like that. “We know he’s capable of playing and did a great job.”

What needs help

The commanders continue to find it difficult to pass the ball to their backs. Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols combined for just 44 yards on 19 carries, slightly better than Daniels’ 36 yards on 13 carries.

This actually increased the team’s average slightly. In the last five games – all wins – running backs have averaged 2.24 yards per carry.

Stock up

Zane Gonzalez wasn’t the first choice as a kicker, not even the sixth. He’s the seventh on the roster since the spring and the fourth to play for the Commanders this season, but boy, are they happy to have him.

Gonzalez hit the game-winning 37-yard field goal from the right upright to give the franchise its first playoff win in 19 years. He also scored from 52 and 22 yards earlier in the game.

“He’s really done that in practice too where he’s hitting it well,” Quinn said. “The fact that he is able to perform and win the game in the end – that is a big thing for us.”

Inventory reduced

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore found himself on the wrong end of his matchup against Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, allowing a handful of catches, including a touchdown, before adjustments led to double coverage and rookie Mike Sainristil assumed that responsibility. Evans finished with 92 yards.

Quinn said Lattimore, playing in his first game since suffering a hamstring injury that has bothered him most of the season, had something of a pitch count for snaps.

But with All-Pro wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown next in line, the secondary needs more from Lattimore to have a chance.

Injuries

Defensive tackle Daron Payne (finger), rookie tight end Ben Sinnott (shoulder) and rookie linebacker Jordan Magee (hamstring) were ruled out Sunday night. Quinn said Magee would likely miss the Lions game.

Key number

3 – Games with Daniels quarterbacking where the Commanders had no punts and no turnovers. That’s already more than the entire regular season and playoff careers of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana and Patrick Mahomes.

Next Steps

Get ready for another heavyweight battle against the Lions, who opened as 8 1/2-point favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook. It might take more magic from Daniels to pull off a bigger upset, but Quinn isn’t worried about the short week affecting his team’s preparation.

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