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Commanders kicker doinks game-winning field goal through uprights to beat Buccaneers in Wild Card Round

The Washington Commanders pulled off a thrilling victory in the Wild Card Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a game-winning field goal that will forever be known as the “Divisional Doink.” Kicker Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal hit the right goalpost before going through to secure a 23-20 win for the Commanders.

The Commanders’ offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, orchestrated a methodical drive in the final minutes of the game. With 4:41 left on the clock, Daniels and his teammates were strategic in their play-calling, aiming to burn the right amount of time before attempting the potential game-winning kick. Crucial plays, including a 21-yard pass to Dyami Brown on third down, kept the drive alive.

As the clock winded down, Daniels made a critical run for four yards on third-and-2, setting up Gonzalez for the decisive field goal. Despite the ball hitting the right goalpost, it went through the uprights, sending the Commanders to their first playoff win since 2005.

Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcased his poise and talent throughout the game. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial scoring throw to Terry McLaurin. The Commanders’ defense also played a key role, recovering a fumble deep in Buccaneers territory to set up a pivotal score.

The Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Mike Evans, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short. Mayfield threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while Evans had a standout performance with seven catches for 92 yards. However, it was the Commanders’ resilience and determination that secured the victory.

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Next up for the Commanders is a challenging matchup against the No. 1-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. Despite being the No. 6 seed, Washington will look to continue their playoff success and advance further in the postseason.

In conclusion, the “Divisional Doink” will go down in history as a memorable moment for the Washington Commanders, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and come out on top in a thrilling playoff game.

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