A thriller overtime game unfolded in the nation's capital on Sunday night, with playoff implications abound in the battle between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders.
The game was a close call, but the coaches defeated the Falcons 30-24, clinching a spot in the postseason.
The Commanders improved to an 11-5 record that year and qualified for the playoffs as a wild card team.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zachias, 14, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium. (Jeff Burke-Imagine image)
Meanwhile, the Falcons head into Week 18 with a 1-1 record and the Buccaneers needing a loss to qualify for the NFC South. This is their only chance to make the playoffs as other teams have better records.
As mentioned above, extra time was needed for this contest, and the reason behind it was that the Falcons' No. 8 overall pick, Michael Penix Jr., was favored by the Commanders' No. 2 overall pick, Jaden Daniels. It was a true rookie moment against him.
Throughout the season, Daniels established himself as a front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year and played well to put Washington in position to make the playoffs.
Former US President Jimmy Carter leaves his mark on the sports world even after his death
But Penix, making just the second start of his young career, threw a touchdown with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, and a playoff spot was on the line.
Penix capped off a surgical drive on fourth-and-goal with a 13-yard strike between multiple Commanders defenders, finding tight end Kyle Pitts and tying the game after the extra point went through the uprights. I made it.
After a three-and-out by Daniels and the Commanders offense, there was a chance for a game-clinching drive, but Penix and the Falcons took just over a minute to try before getting within field goal range by Riley Patterson.
Penix found Darnell Mooney for a 25-yard pick-up near midfield, and they were pretty close. However, a pass from Penix to Mooney on third-and-5 from Atlanta's own 49-yard line resulted in defensive pass interference, allowing Patterson to attempt a man of at least 56 yards for the win.
The ensuing kick was on the line, but it wasn't enough foot and ended up in the back of the end zone, forcing overtime.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, 7, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. (Amber Searles-Imagn Images)
But during Penix's rookie moment, Daniels won the coin toss and added another game-winning drive to his resume after keeping the ball from Atlanta.
Just like last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Daniels used his arms and legs to drive downfield in 12 plays, ending up on third-and-3 from the Atlanta 2-yard line with less than 7:18 left in overtime. I scored a goal.
Daniels stepped back, passed and lasered the ball to reliable tight end Zach Ertz for his second touchdown of the night, the game-winner.
Daniels had 227 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception, and rushed for a game-high 127 yards on 16 carries.
Olamide Zachaeus was Washington's first touchdown scorer and led the team with eight receptions for 85 yards. Ertz had six catches for 72 yards.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, 5, prepares to throw the ball during the first half of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium. (Amber Searles-Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Falcons finished the night with Penix going 19 of 35 for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Drake Rondon was the top receiver of the game with seven catches for 106 yards.
Bijan Robinson also had 17 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
Follow sports coverage on Fox News Digital's X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
