Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels was cut and bloodied in the second quarter of their playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
The Commanders called a timeout with 11:16 left in the half. The NBC broadcast showed a cut under the quarterback’s right eye. Blood ran down his face as the team’s medical staff tried to clean it.
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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) tackles Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum during the first half of an NFL playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Daniels came back for 3rd and 3 and was able to find receiver Olamide Zaccheaus for a first down. Three plays later, Daniels put Washington ahead with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Dyami Brown. Washington took a 7-3 lead with 9:26 left in the quarter.
He was treated on the sideline after the touchdown.
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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
It was Daniels’ first career playoff game, and he looked as cool and collected as he has all season.
Washington hasn’t won a single playoff game since the 2005 season. That game was also against the Buccaneers. Mark Brunell led Washington to a 17-10 victory over Chris Simms and the Buccaneers. Clinton Portis had a rushing touchdown and the late Sean Taylor had a 51-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels goes wild during the second quarter of an NFC wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
This is the Commanders’ first appearance in the playoffs since 2020. They won the NFC East that season with a 7-9 record.
