The Washington Commanders pulled off a nail-biting win against the New Orleans Saints with a score of 24-23 on December 15, 2024. This victory marks an important milestone as it gives the Commanders their first winning season since 2016! But it wasn’t just a straightforward game; there were thrills, spills, and a few controversies along the way.
Studs:
In sports, the term “studs” refers to the players who shine brightly during a game. For the Commanders, some standout performances came from key players:
- Jayden Daniels: The young quarterback was impressive, throwing for 226 yards and tallying up two touchdowns. Even though he had a few missed chances, his running ability (66 yards on 11 carries) added extra excitement to the game.
- Terry McLaurin: This wide receiver was a star, making seven catches for 73 yards, including two amazing touchdown grabs that got the crowd roaring!
- Mike Sainristil: He was defensive dynamite, securing an interception and contributing five tackles, which helped hold off the Saints during critical plays.
- Jeremy Chinn: Leading the team with seven tackles, Chinn also made two tackles for loss and even got to the quarterback for a sack, making him a vital player in this hard-fought victory.
Duds:
Despite the win, not every player performed at their best. Here are a few who faced challenges during the game:
- Referee Shawn Hochuli: Many fans and players grumbled about his officiating, pointing to several questionable calls that had an impact on the game’s flow.
- Michael Deiter: Playing at center, his performance fell flat, leading to concerns in the offensive line’s cohesion.
- Nick Allegretti: He struggled in his role, allowing sacks and causing a penalty that didn’t help the Commanders’ momentum.
- Tyler Ott: A misstep with the snap from Ott ended in a missed field goal—one that could have changed the game’s dynamics entirely.
Notes:
This victory has significant implications for the Commanders as they chase a playoff spot in the NFC East. With this win, they have kept their hopes alive in a competitive race. The Saints faced tough luck, especially with starting quarterback Derek Carr sidelined due to a broken hand.
Spencer Rattler stepped in for the Saints, nearly staging a late comeback. But ultimately, a failed two-point conversion attempt in the dying moments sealed their fate. This game showcased the resilience of the Commanders while highlighting the struggles the Saints are facing during this season.
Looking Ahead
The Commanders’ playoff dreams now hinge on their ability to build on this hard-fought victory. For the fans, this season has been full of ups and downs, but with each game, the excitement grows. The team faces critical challenges and will need to tackle them head-on if they hope to carry this momentum forward.
| Player | Position | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jayden Daniels | Quarterback | 226 yards, 2 TDs, 66 rushing yards |
| Terry McLaurin | Wide Receiver | 7 catches, 73 yards, 2 TDs |
| Mike Sainristil | Defensive Back | 1 interception, 5 tackles |
| Jeremy Chinn | Linebacker | 7 tackles, 1 sack |
| Michael Deiter | Center | Poor performance, concerns raised |
