LANDOVER, Md. — For the second time this season, the Washington Commanders triumphed after conceding points in the final two minutes of the game, clinching victory with a dramatic last-minute touchdown. This time, it was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels who orchestrated a 57-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Jamison Crowder with just six seconds remaining, leading the Commanders to a 10-5 record against Philadelphia.
“Just another regular Sunday afternoon again,” stated head coach Dan Quinn shortly after the game.
Quinn’s squad has positioned itself on the brink of playoff contention after displaying remarkable resilience in unpredictable, high-stakes games that feature thrilling finishes— a characteristic that has begun to define the Washington team’s season.
Receiver Terry McLaurin highlighted the team’s mindset in these scenarios, saying, “We didn’t flinch at all. We didn’t panic. It was like, we’ve been here before.” He emphasized that having faced similar challenges in the past helped the team remain composed and focused in pressing moments.
The Commanders have now won three consecutive games, including a critical stop against the New Orleans Saints to deny them a two-point conversion attempt at the end of the fourth quarter. They can secure a playoff spot by defeating the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night or if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lose to Carolina earlier in the day.
A sense of belief in each other has been pivotal for this team, according to six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, who is in his first season with the Commanders. He noted that head coach Quinn emphasizes situational practice, which fosters confidence among players. “It just shows our confidence in one another,” Wagner shared.
Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and is a favorite for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, appears to remain unfazed by pressure. Crowder noted, “He was poised—cool, calm, collected under pressure. You don’t always see that in a lot of quarterbacks.”
Practice has clearly played a role in the Commanders’ late-game successes. When Daniels executed a Hail Mary touchdown against Chicago on October 27, it mirrored a prior practice scenario. Similarly, his game-winning throw to Crowder also stemmed from rehearsal.
“It’s incredible,” Crowder recounted. “On Friday, we practiced it, and I caught the same pass. We got the look we anticipated.” Crowder successfully found space in the end zone, capitalizing on his practice experience.
However, the team’s penchant for turnovers poses a significant challenge. Despite committing five turnovers against a top-ranked defense, the Commanders still emerged victorious. Daniels was responsible for two interceptions, one leading to a field goal for the Eagles. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled on two occasions, and wide receiver Dyami Brown also fumbled after a catch.
“That’s not our standard at all,” McLaurin acknowledged. “We’ll work to rectify that.”
In a positive development for the Commanders, Crowder has made a noteworthy comeback after a calf injury sidelined him for much of the season. He managed to impressively return to form, scoring two touchdowns against the Eagles, having previously recorded three catches against the Saints.
“A lot of grit is needed to come back from a long IR stint,” Quinn remarked. Crowder, a fourth-round pick from 2015, previously enjoyed four seasons with Washington before stints with the New York Jets and Buffalo, before making his return in 2023.
On the downside, cornerback Marshon Lattimore’s debut with the Commanders against his former team revealed some struggles. He faced challenges defending Eagles’ star receiver A.J. Brown and was ultimately sidelined due to a recurring hamstring injury that had previously kept him off the field.
Injury concerns also arose as wide receiver Dyami Brown exited with a hamstring issue during the fourth quarter, and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie left with a groin injury.
A historical tidbit marks that 1991 was the last time Washington started a season 10-5, which concluded with the team winning its third Super Bowl championship.
Looking ahead, the Commanders are preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. They opened as 4-point favorites according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
