Jayden Daniels’ game-winner in overtime sends Chiefs to playoffs

An overtime thriller unfolded in the nation’s capital on Sunday night, and the playoff implications were laid bare throughout the battle between the Atlanta Falcons and Commanders of Washington.

While this one came down to the wire, the Commanders were victorious with a 30-24 victory over the Falcons to earn their spot in the postseason.

The Commanders improved to 11-5 on the year, earning a playoff berth as a wildcard team.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. (Images by Geoff Burke-Imagen)

Meanwhile, the Falcons head into Week 18 needing a win and one Buccaneers loss to secure the NFC South – their only chance to reach the playoffs as other teams hold better records.

As noted, the extra time was necessary for this contest, but the reason for this was a real moment again for Michael Penix Jr., the eighth overall pick of the Falcons who went against the overall pick No. 2 of the Commanders in Jayden Daniels.

Throughout the season, Daniels cemented himself as an Offensive Rookie of the Year, making tremendous plays to put Washington in position to reach the playoffs.

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But Penix, in the second start of his young career, found himself a touchdown with less than five minutes to play in the fourth quarter and a playoff spot on the line.

Penix capped a surgical fourth-and-goal drive with a 13-yard strike between several Commanders defenders to find tight end Kyle Pitts, who tied the game after the extra point went through the uprights.

After a three-and-out by Daniels and the Commanders’ offense, which had a game-winning opportunity, Penix and the Falcons had just over a minute to try to get Riley down the field. Patterson.

They got very close after Penix found Darnell Mooney for a 25-yard pickup that took them near midfield. However, on third-and-5 from the Atlanta 49-yard line, a pass from Penix to Mooney resulted in defensive pass interference, which allowed Patterson to at least attempt a 56-yarder for the win. .

The ensuing kick was inbounds but didn’t have enough leg as it landed in the back of the end zone to force overtime.

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. (Amber Searls-Images of images)

But just as Penix had his moment again, Daniels added another game-winner to his resume after winning the coin toss and keeping the ball from Atlanta.

As Daniels did against the Philadelphia Eagles last week, he drove down the field in 12 games with his arms and legs, killing 7:18 of overtime time to eventually regain the third and goal from Atlanta’s two-yard line.

Daniels dropped to pass and lasered the ball to Zach Ertz, his trusted tight end, whose second touchdown of the night was the game winner.

Daniels finished the game with 227 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception, while rushing for a game-high 127 yards on 16 carries.

Olamide Zaccheaus was the leading touchdown scorer for Washington, and led the team with 85 yards on eight receptions. Ertz finished with 72 yards on six catches.

Washington Chiefs quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) prepares to throw the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Northwest Stadium. (Amber Searls-Images of images)

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For the Falcons, Penix finished the night 19-for-35 for 223 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Drake London was the game’s leading receiver with 106 yards on seven catches.

Bijan Robinson also had 90 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns.

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