The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges in the fourth quarter, leading to their defeat against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Commanders secured a narrow 23-20 victory during their wild card matchup at Raymond James Stadium, punctuated by a dramatic game-winning field goal by kicker Zane Gonzalez. This victory propelled Washington into the NFC Divisional Playoffs, marking a notable achievement in the postseason.

Jayden Daniels, a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award, excelled in his performance, completing 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards, along with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Conversely, the Buccaneers, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, struggled despite his commendable stats of 15 completions on 18 attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns, marred by a critical lost fumble. Offensive miscues, including fumbles, missed snaps, and questionable clock management, contributed to Tampa Bay's challenges, leaving them with a bitter end to their season.

In the opening quarter, Tampa Bay struck first when kicker Chase McLaughlin successfully converted a 50-yard field goal. The Buccaneers' defense held Washington scoreless during this period. The game's dynamics shifted in the second quarter when Washington's Dyami Brown scored on a 10-yard pass from Daniels. A field goal from Gonzalez soon followed, putting the Commanders ahead 10-3 just before halftime. Tampa Bay responded with a swift drive that culminated in a touchdown from Mayfield to Mike Evans, leveling the score at 10-10 at the break. Following halftime, Gonzalez added a 22-yard field goal for Washington, before the Buccaneers took a 17-13 lead thanks to a touchdown by Bucky Irving. However, the fourth quarter proved cunningly treacherous, leading to turnovers that ultimately shifted momentum back to the Commanders. With a final field goal by Gonzalez, the match ended in favor of Washington, who will now advance to face the Detroit Lions in the next playoff round.