A lot has changed in 19 years.
The Washington Commanders enter Sunday night’s NFC playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, hoping to win its first playoff game in 19 years.
It was 19 years ago that Washington, then the Redskins, defeated the Buccaneers 17-10 in an NFC wild-card game at Raymond James Stadium — the site of Sunday’s game. Washington won that game despite finishing with only 120 yards of total offense. Quarterback Mark Brunell was seven of 15 with 41 yards and an interception that day.
A defensive touchdown by the late, great Sean Taylor proved the difference in the game.
On the sideline that day for Washington was Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.
The Commanders were the NFL’s best story in the 2024 season. Washington went 4-13 in 2023 before hiring a new front office, coaching staff, and improving to 12-5. It was the most wins in a regular season for the franchise since 1991, Gibbs’ first tenure on Washington’s sideline — and the team’s last Super Bowl win.
Several key figures were involved in Washington’s turnaround, including general manager Adam Peters. In 2005, Peters was finishing his third season as an NFL scout for the New England Patriots.
Where were some of the other key figures in 2005?
First, there’s head coach Dan Quinn. In the 2005 season, Quinn was the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins. It was Quinn’s second full-time NFL job.
Next, there’s offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury led an impressive turnaround for Washington’s offense in 2024. Nineteen years ago, Kingsbury was a 26-year-old backup quarterback for the New York Jets.
Finally, there’s sensational rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. When Washington won its last playoff game, Daniels was a five-year-old kindergarten student.
The NFL Network put together a video of where Quinn, Kingsbury and Daniels were during Washington’s last playoff win.
A look into the last time the @Commanders won a playoff game (in 2005)
pic.twitter.com/LGjwe7U0YB
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) January 11, 2025
The Bucs and Commanders have met three times in the playoffs. Tampa Bay holds a 2-1 edge. Interestingly, Washington’s last playoff game came four years ago with Taylor Heinicke under center against Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champions.