Commanders Edge Buccaneers 20-17 in Thrilling Fourth-Quarter Comeback

TAMPA, Fla. — The Washington Commanders secured a dramatic 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, thanks to a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown by Jayden Daniels and a resilient defensive stand. The game-winning play came with 9:46 remaining, as Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on a 5-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal.

Just minutes earlier, the Buccaneers had seemingly thwarted the Commanders’ efforts, holding them scoreless on a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. A series of incomplete passes and a key tackle by Calijah Kancey on Brian Robinson for a 2-yard loss kept Washington out of the end zone. However, a controversial no-call on Lavontae David for potential defensive pass interference against Zach Ertz left the Commanders empty-handed.

The momentum shifted when Baker Mayfield fumbled an exchange, leading to a recovery by Bobby Wagner at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line. The Commanders capitalized on the turnover, ending the Buccaneers’ streak of not allowing a second-half touchdown in their previous five games.

“We knew we had to finish strong,” Daniels said after the game. “Terry made a great play, and the defense gave us a chance to win.”

The Buccaneers faced additional adversity when cornerback Jamel Dean left the game with a knee injury, leaving their secondary shorthanded for the remainder of the contest.

Washington’s victory marked a significant turnaround after struggling to convert earlier opportunities. The Buccaneers, who had allowed just nine points in the second half over their last five games, were unable to contain the Commanders’ late surge.

“We had our chances, but we didn’t execute when it mattered most,” Mayfield said. “We’ll learn from this and move forward.”

The Commanders improved to 8-6 on the season, keeping their playoff hopes alive, while the Buccaneers fell to 7-7, adding pressure to their postseason aspirations.