Baker Mayfield’s run on third could be the deciding play of this wild card matchup.

The Sunday Night Football playoff game between the Buccaneers and Commanders at Raymond James Stadium featured some tense moments in the first half, but none greater than Mayfield’s furious run that scored the game-winning first down.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 12: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to face the Washington Commanders in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Mayfield led the Bucs’ offense a minute before halftime, going for a first down and lowering his shoulder to beat senior linebacker Bobby Wagner for extra yards.

Baker delivered the boom and Raymond James was thrilled. Mayfield’s resilient run gave Tampa Bay its first down and threatened to trail 10-3 before halftime.

REGARD:

Not wanting to let Mayfield’s extra effort go to waste, the Buccaneers capped their drive with a game-tying touchdown to Mike Evans – putting Washington back in the hot seat.

During the first half of SNF action, Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels also suffered a bloody cut on his right cheek.

Daniels was patched up and returned to the field, which paid off for Washington. The Rook connected with Dyami Brown for the go-ahead touchdown.

Sunday Night Football’s Cris Collinsworth joked about the airtime given to Daniels because of his facial injury, saying that no other position on the team would receive the same spotlight.

Baker Mayfield entered Sunday’s Wild Card game with a 2-2 postseason record.

Follow X:@alejandroaveela

Send us your thoughts: [email protected]