Commanders

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels orchestrated a thrilling last-minute game-winning touchdown against the Eagles, despite throwing two interceptions earlier that put the team at a disadvantage. Daniels was determined to deliver on the final drive, asserting his belief that they can triumph over any team in the league.

“It just gave me another opportunity to go out there and win the game,” Daniels stated, via SI.com’s Albert Breer. “There really weren’t any coaching points or anything. We were in four-down territory the whole way. Let’s go win the game.”

“One hundred percent. We believe that we can be in every game. We’re confident going in that we have an opportunity to win. It’s how we prepare and how our coaches bring confidence to us.”

• Commanders HC Dan Quinn praised Daniels for leading another game-winning drive in Week 16: “If you give him moments, he really lights up in those spots… Today he became a heavy hitter. He really did.” (Eric Edholm)

Cowboys

Even after being eliminated from postseason contention, the Cowboys played the role of spoilers against the Buccaneers in Week 16, securing a home victory. Dallas owner Jerry Jones expressed pride in HC Mike McCarthy but did not confirm his return for the next season.

“Proud of those guys. They wouldn’t give it up out there. So I’m real, real proud of them,” Jones remarked, via Stephen Hawkins of the Associated Press. “And Mike McCarthy, he just won’t let them not think they’re playing for the Super Bowl out there. He won’t let them do it. So proud of that.”

“All I can say is what a good job, how good a job he’s doing. Don’t have thoughts that I would share as to anything about what we do … after we’re through playing this year.”

• According to David Moore of The Dallas Morning News, Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs is anticipated to undergo bone graft surgery on his left knee.
• Moore adds that the rehabilitation timeline may extend into the beginning of the next season, but it is unrelated to his torn ACL from the previous year.

Falcons

In his first career start, rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. led the Falcons to a decisive victory over the Giants, with only one offensive turnover that was not entirely his fault. Falcons HC Raheem Morris commended Penix for his clean gameplay and acknowledged that they had not intended for him to start this early after drafting him.

“He went out and played almost flawless football,” Morris said, via Paul Newberry of the Associated Press. “He kept the game really clean.”

“The plan came a little bit sooner. But the kid was ready, and we had a lot of time to develop him. The kid did a great job developing himself, and he was prepared for that moment where it wasn’t too big. I was really proud and pleased with the effort.”