The Washington Commanders pulled off a nail-biting win against the New Orleans Saints, finalizing the score at 24-23 on December 15, 2024. This hard-fought victory marked a significant milestone for the team, as it secured their first winning season since 2016. The game featured some amazing plays, but also raised eyebrows with a few questionable calls by the referees.
Studs:
There were some standout players who truly shined during this matchup. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had a strong game, passing for 226 yards and throwing two touchdowns. He also contributed with his legs, rushing for 66 yards on 11 attempts. He showed great resilience despite missing some opportunities. Receiver Terry McLaurin was another highlight, making seven catches for 73 yards and scoring two touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target for Daniels.
- Jayden Daniels – 226 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 66 rushing yards.
- Terry McLaurin – 7 receptions, 73 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Mike Sainristil – 1 interception, 5 tackles, 2 passes defended.
- Jeremy Chinn – 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 pressures.
Duds:
As with every game, not every player hit the mark. The performance of some offensive line members drew criticism, especially Michael Deiter, whose play was deemed “awful.” Nick Allegretti faced scrutiny as well due to multiple missed blocks that made it hard for Daniels to execute plays. Additionally, Tyler Ott’s snap resulted in a missed field goal that could have secured an easier victory for the Commanders.
- Michael Deiter – criticized for poor performance at center.
- Nick Allegretti – multiple missed blocks and a holding penalty.
- Tyler Ott – snap contributed to a missed field goal.
Notes:
This win over the Saints not only adds to the Commanders’ confidence but also keeps their hopes alive in the NFC East division battle. The team played without a few key players due to injuries, highlighting the resilience and determination of those on the field. The coaching decisions, particularly those of Kliff Kingsbury, were also a topic of discussion, as some fans questioned the game plan following the bye week.
Despite the ups and downs on the field, the Commanders managed to pull together for a crucial win. They’ll need to keep this momentum going as they prepare for their next matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, which will be vital in shaping their playoff aspirations. This victory undeniably adds excitement to the remaining games of the season!
Game Summary Table:
| Stat | Commanders | Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 24 | 23 |
| Total Yards | 350 | 335 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 30:15 | 29:45 |