The Washington Commanders narrowly escaped a furious New Orleans Saints comeback on Sunday, clinching a 20-19 victory by tipping away a would-be game-winning two-point conversion with no time left on the clock, reported by NBC Sports. While the win keeps Washington alive in the playoff race, it raises serious questions about their ability to close out games.
“Commanders stop the two-point attempt to win it,” the NFL’s official account posted on social media, capturing the dramatic final play.
For most of the game, Washington appeared in control, thanks in large part to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. By now, his abilities to dominate with his arm, legs, and mind have been well-documented, but he still manages to surprise. One highlight stood out when Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin for an improvised, backyard-style play that left fans in awe.
“Jayden to Terry backyard football,” the NFL posted, showcasing McLaurin’s impressive catch that kept Washington’s offense rolling.
Daniels put together another solid performance, throwing for 226 yards and two touchdowns while adding over 65 rushing yards. Running back Brian Robinson also contributed on the ground, matching Daniels’ output, while McLaurin hauled in 73 receiving yards, including the highlight-reel grab. Defensively, Washington stifled Saints quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, who were filling in for the injured Derek Carr, for most of the game.
But in a troubling pattern, Washington struggled to close out the game. Despite leading by three possessions in the third quarter, a mix of defensive lapses, untimely penalties, and missed offensive opportunities allowed New Orleans to inch back into the contest. With under seven minutes to play, the Saints cut the deficit to seven points.
Washington’s offense faltered late. A pair of deep Daniels throws to McLaurin just missed their mark, and a missed field goal with two minutes remaining gave New Orleans one last chance. Rattler led the Saints down the field for a touchdown in the final seconds. New Orleans opted for a gutsy two-point conversion attempt to win, but Washington’s defense tipped the pass away, sealing the victory.
While the win provides a boost, Washington still trails the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. A matchup with Philadelphia looms next, likely determining Washington’s playoff fate. To stay in the hunt, the Commanders will need to prove they can play a full 60-minute game and avoid repeating Sunday’s late-game struggles. Despite their potential to produce electrifying plays, the Commanders’ inconsistencies remain a major concern as the season winds down.