On their opening drive Sunday night, the Washington Commanders faced a fourth-and-2 at the Tampa Bay 20-yard line and opted to go for it, turning the ball over on downs as part of a pattern that defined their game. The team had converted 20 of 23 fourth-down attempts in the regular season, an 87% success rate that stands as the all-time best for any NFL team with more than 10 fourth-down attempts.
The Commanders’ confidence in going for it on fourth down was a key factor in their 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They converted fourth down twice on their second drive, including once to get a touchdown, and twice to end the game, including once to take the lead.
Despite facing a fourth-and-1 at the Bucs’ 23, the Commanders went for it and running back Austin Ekeler converted with a 2-yard run. They also faced a fourth-and-goal from the 3, but quarterback Jayden Daniels threw an incomplete pass.
The Bucs had the ball and the lead, but committed the game’s only turnover, botching a handoff on a jet sweep to set the Commanders up at the Tampa Bay 13-yard line. The defense got a stop on third down, and again, coach Dan Quinn didn’t hesitate to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the 5-yard line. This time, Daniels found receiver Terry McLaurin for a touchdown and the lead.
The Commanders’ aggressive approach on fourth down has been a key factor in their success all season, and it paid off in their win over the Buccaneers.