TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was visibly dejected as he sat on the bench with his head bowed, wearing a baseball cap. His costly fourth-quarter fumble proved to be a pivotal moment in the game, ultimately leading to the Washington Commanders securing a lead that the Buccaneers were unable to overcome.
The turnover resulted in a touchdown for the Commanders, putting them briefly ahead. Despite the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense, they could only manage to respond with a field goal, setting the stage for their untimely exit from the NFL playoffs.
In a dramatic finish, kicker Zane Gonzalez secured the victory for Washington with a 37-yard field goal that ricocheted off the right upright as time expired, sealing a 23-20 win in the wild-card round on Sunday night. The defeat left the Buccaneers reflecting on missed opportunities and what could have been, particularly as Washington’s offense, led by Jayden Daniels, effectively controlled the final minutes of the game.
Mayfield had a solid performance, completing 15 of 18 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns. However, a critical miscommunication during a handoff attempt to receiver Jalen McMillan on an end-around play proved costly. The Buccaneers defense had previously halted Washington on downs, maintaining a slim 17-13 lead before the pivotal turnover.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner’s recovery of the fumble at the Tampa Bay 13 set the stage for Daniels’ second touchdown pass, swinging the lead in favor of the Commanders at 20-17. As Mayfield led the Buccaneers on a promising drive to the Washington 12-yard line, their momentum was abruptly halted. A failed rushing attempt by Mayfield on second-and-1, followed by a tackle for loss on third down, dashed their hopes of regaining the lead.
Chase McLaughlin’s subsequent 32-yard field goal knotted the score at 20 apiece, but the Buccaneers were left with no opportunity to mount a comeback as Washington effectively ran out the clock.
The tense matchup showcased the unpredictability and intensity of playoff football, as the Commanders emerged victorious, while the Buccaneers were left to ponder what might have been had they been able to capitalize on key moments throughout the game.
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