The Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night to improve to 11-5 and clinch a playoff berth.
This game didn’t start how the Commanders wanted. The Falcons took a 17-7 lead to halftime, and outside of the opening drive, the Commanders’ offense struggled in the first half.
However, the second half was a different story. Jayden Daniels made plays with his legs, and several other players stepped up when needed. The team won overtime thanks to a Zach Ertz touchdown.
Now, let’s identify the studs and duds from the Week 17 performance.
Stud: QB Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels continued his exceptional rookie season on Sunday; The QB didn’t have the best start, throwing an interception in the 2nd quarter.
However, the rookie phenom took off in the second half. Daniels ended the night with 227 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and 127 rushing yards. The QB consistently picked up first downs with his legs in the second half and avoided countless sacks.
Dud: Offensive line
The Commanders’ offensive line struggled mightily on Sunday. The unit allowed the Falcons to collect five sacks and six tackles for loss. Those numbers would’ve been higher had it not been for Daniels’ escapability.
Tyler Biadasz went down with an injury and was replaced by Michael Deiter. The downgrade was evident, and this whole unit will need to play better come playoff time.
Stud: WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Olamide Zaccheaus is on a hot streak. In Week 16, the WR caught five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Against his former team on Sunday, Zaccheaus once again had himself a game.
Zaccheaus led the team in catches and receiving yards with eight for 85 and one TD. The WR consistently got open against the Falcons and took advantage of Terry McLaurin being covered by AJ Terrell.
Dud: Michael Davis
Michael Davis had a night to forget on Sunday. The veteran defensive back had trouble covering Drake London, with the talented receiver catching seven passes for 106 yards.
Not all of that was on Davis, but the corner didn’t defend a single pass and was called for a costly penalty that almost cost the team the game. Luckily, Riley Patterson missed the kick, and the game went to overtime.
Stud: Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz was a force on Sunday night. The veteran tight end caught six passes for 72 yards and two TDs, including the game-winning score in overtime.
On a night when Terry McLaurin was a non-factor, Ertz stepped up in a big way. The chemistry that the veteran has with his rookie QB is undeniable.
Dud: Mike Sainristil
Sainristil has been outstanding this season, but he had a night to forget on Sunday. He was called for being in the neutral zone in the first quarter, wiping out an Atlanta field goal and giving them a first down. The Falcons would score a touchdown, and Sainristil cost them four points. There was also a fourth-down completion to Drake London late, where Sainristil not only allowed the completion but also missed the tackle.
