LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — For the second time this season, the Washington Commanders gave up points in the final two minutes of regulation and came back to win on a last-gasp touchdown.
It was not a Hail Mary this time. Instead, it was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels engineering a 57-yard drive and finding Jamison Crowder in the end zone with six seconds left on the clock to beat Philadelphia and get the Commanders to 10-5.
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Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrating his touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (26) celebrating his two-point conversion against the Philadelphia Eagles with his teammates during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) gesturing to fans at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) acknowledges fans as he heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“Just a regular Sunday afternoon again,” coach Dan Quinn said moments later.
Quinn's team is now on the verge of making the playoffs after again showing its mettle in wacky, back-and-forth games with wild finishes. Playing in and winning those has sort of become Washington's calling card.
“We didn’t flinch at all,” receiver Terry McLaurin said. “We didn’t panic. Not to say we did that in the past, but it was like, we’ve been here before. When you've been through something, you know what it looks like. You know what it feels like. You do everything it takes to get over the hump.”
The Commanders have won three in a row, including holding on at New Orleans by stopping the Saints on a 2-point conversion attempt at the end of the fourth quarter. They're in the postseason if they beat Atlanta on Sunday night or if Tampa Bay loses to Carolina earlier in the day.
But what has gotten this team so accustomed to falling behind, huddling up and getting the job done when it matters most?
“I think we just believe in one another,” said six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, a Super Bowl champion in Seattle who's in his first season with Washington. “Coach Quinn puts in a lot of positions at practice, and we have confidence in everybody to make those plays. I think it just shows our confidence in one another and our confidence to pull the game out.”
Daniels is an X-factor in that. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, No. 2 draft pick out of LSU and runaway favorite for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year may be from Southern California but seems to have ice water in his veins colder than the 31 degree Fahrenheit temperature during his comeback.
“He was poised: cool, calm, collected under pressure,” Crowder said. “A lot of times you don’t get that from a lot of quarterbacks.”
Practice makes perfect, apparently. When Daniels connected with Noah Brown on the Hail Mary TD to beat Chicago on Oct. 27, it went exactly as the offense planned after rehearsing it in practice the previous Friday.
Daniels to Crowder was the same thing.
“It’s crazy,” Crowder said. “Friday we actually ran it, and I caught the same pass. We got the same look that we thought we were going to get.”
Crowder knew he needed to slip past the linebacker covering him and found a wide-open spot in the end zone. Then the muscle memory took over.
“I had already hit this in practice, so it was time to just make the throw in the game,” Daniels said. “I just put the ball in the air, and he made the grab.”
It's hard to turn the ball over five times and win a game, especially against a first-place team with the NFL's top defense, but that's exactly what the Commanders did.
Daniels threw two interceptions — including one that set up Jake Elliott's field goal to put the Eagles up 33-28 with 1:58 left — while Brian Robinson Jr. fumbled twice rushing and Dyami Brown once after making a catch and turning to run upfield.
“That’s not our standard at all,” McLaurin said. “We’ll get that cleaned up.”
Crowder made one catch on one target for 5 yards in the season opener and played a combined 12 snaps in Weeks 1-3. A calf injury put him on injured reserve in early October, and that easily could have been it for the 31-year-old wideout in his second stint with Washington.
Instead, Crowder rehabbed to get back on the active roster, and a kidney injury to Noah Brown opened the door for real playing time. After making three receptions for 27 yards in the victory at New Orleans, his two catches against the Eagles were touchdowns.
“Being on the IR for as long as Jamison had been, it takes a lot of grit to stay in it,” Quinn said. "He might have been out of football technically for 2-3 months, and this is not an easy thing to do, so for him to come back and make the impact he’s had, that’s a man I respect a lot.”
Crowder was a fourth-round pick in 2015 and played his first four seasons in Washington before three with the New York Jets, one with Buffalo and a return in the fall of 2023. He thinks watching from the sideline helped him dissect football better to give him a chance to make an impact on the field again.
“I knew once I got my opportunity I’d be able to just fit right in,” Crowder said.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore affected the Saints game by not being thrown at once in 31 passing attempts in his Commanders debut against his former team. He struggled defending Philadelphia's A.J. Brown and was flagged three times for pass interference before aggravating the hamstring injury that kept him out since the trade from New Orleans and leaving the game.
“I love his competitive nature, honestly, down on the field,” Quinn said. “It’d be good to see what the NFL says about one of the ones that they called a PI. Let’s find out, but he’s the type of person you want to put on that player.”
Dyami Brown also left with a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter, and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie was sidelined by a groin injury. Those bear watching.
1991 — The last year Washington started a season 10-5. It ended with the franchise's third Super Bowl championship.
Get ready for prime time with No. 8 pick Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons coming to town. The Commanders opened as a 4-point favorite on BetMGM Sportsbook.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14) celebrating his touchdown against Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (26) celebrating his two-point conversion against the Philadelphia Eagles with his teammates during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) gesturing to fans at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks to members of the media after an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) acknowledges fans as he heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) heads off the field at the end of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Jamison Crowder (80) scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 24, 2024--
Hong Kong has long been one of the world’s best places to celebrate Chinese New Year. And with the Year of the Snake right around the corner, the city is getting ready to welcome travellers with a wide array of mesmerising celebrations this Chinese New Year. From the exciting CNY preparations to the vibrant holiday festivities, the city bursts with energy, colour and unexpected surprises for you to explore, making Hong Kong as one of the world’s best places to ring in the holiday.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241223767757/en/
Here's our 10 recommended activities in Hong Kong this CNY – our checklist to the can’t-miss holiday essentials, experiences and flavours that everyone will love.
Essential Traditions: Usher in Luck with CNY Décor, Snacks and Flowers
You won’t have to look far to find the festivities! Kickstart your adventure by exploring Hong Kong’s lively streets, which are brimming with symbolic décor, festive bites and flower markets every new year.
#1 Discover CNY Décor and Red Packets with a Modern Twist
Chinese New Year isn’t complete without a trip to one of Hong Kong’s special CNY-themed décor streets, like Pottinger Street, Fuk Wing Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street. These bustling lanes are lined with one-stop CNY décor stores, offering a treasure trove of timeless and trendy decorations to discover such as fai chun (Chinese couplets). Symbolising good luck and wealth, fai chun have been evolved over the years, with today’s designs featuring contemporary calligraphy, 3D lettering and even LED lights for a playful spin on the tradition.
While out and about, you’ll spot local red packets retailers everywhere you turn. Usually referred as “Surname Red Packet Stores”, they offer a vast collection of classic red packets adorned with Chinese surnames, alongside modern designs. Stop by to see if they have your surname or find a contemporary style you like – the perfect lucky keepsake!
#2 Double Your Blessings with Festive Snacks
During CNY, be sure to indulge in festive snacks that symbolise good fortune. Visit long-standing bakeries and shops in Kowloon City or Sham Shui Po, or time-honoured brand Kee Wah Bakery around town, to find classics like siu hau zou (smiling sesame balls) for happiness and yau gok (fried peanut puffs) for prosperity. Don’t miss the chuen hap, a snack tray representing togetherness that’s filled with treats like candied lotus seeds and winter melon candy.
#3 Let Fortune Bloom at Lunar New Year Fairs
Every year, many playgrounds across Hong Kong will be transformed into time-limited Lunar New Year Fairs, offering creative CNY-themed products and abundant blooms with auspicious meanings – cherry blossoms for new beginnings, kumquat trees for prosperity and orchids for elegance. Running from 23 to 29 January, these heartwarming events buzz with excitement as locals and tourists alike prepare for the new year. Come experience the joyful CNY atmosphere at the popular fairs in Victoria Park or Fa Hui Park!
Essential Festivities: Can’t-miss Parades, Fireworks and Multimedia Fun
Vibrant parades, dazzling fireworks and a 3D mapping spectacle – Hong Kong’s CNY offers an exciting lineup for all walks of life. With a variety of festive activities happening across the city, visitors are sure to find events that suit their tastes.
#4 An International Night Parade Like No Other
Get ready to kick off the Year of the Snake in spectacular style! On 29 January, the first day of the CNY, the Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui into a mesmerising carnival with dazzling floats, and jaw-dropping performances from an incredible lineup of international and local performing groups, plus plenty of surprises along the way. It’s a world-class party you won’t want to miss – stay tuned for more details coming soon.
#5 Double Your Fortune in Epic Fireworks and Thrilling Races
Keep the CNY energy flowing with the hotly anticipated 2025 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on 30 January. Lighting up Victoria Harbour, the extravaganza will ignite your celebrations and start the prosperous year with a bang! Then, on 31 January, swing by the Sha Tin Racecourse to experience Chinese New Year Raceday by having a full day of fun with exciting trackside entertainment, where you can usher in good fortune and prosperity.
*All racegoers must be aged 18 or above.
#6 Participate in 3D Architectural-mapped Projection Visual Journey at Tai Kwun
Set in the heart of Soho, Tai Kwun, the revitalised heritage will present you a 3D architectural-mapped projection visual journey, InnerGlow 2025. From 26 January to 14 February, the historic facades in Parade Ground and Prison Yard will come to life featuring 3D architectural projection mapping technology to showcase innovative artwork by local artists. Experience a journey across time and space inspired by Chinese culture and literature during the CNY.
#7 Celebrate Togetherness with Family at Theme Parks
What’s better than celebrating your memorable Chinese New Year with your family in theme parks? Treasure your quality time with beloved ones, kick off the meaningful new year with endless laughter and smiley faces there!
You are invited to spend your CNY holiday the first time with Ocean Park Hong Kong ’s new giant panda members! The Park’s six giant pandas will transform into adorable IP characters, joining the festivities to bring you the cutest New Year blessings! Don’t miss the panda-themed immersive installations, and reserve your time to greet the giant pandas, Le Le, An An and Ke Ke!
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort also invites you to join the “Magical Year After Year” Chinese New Year Celebration in the Year of the Snake starting from 17 January to 16 February. Snaking its way down Main Street, U.S.A, festooned in enchanting Disney festive decorations, you can anticipate an all-new processional with God of Fortune Goofy leading this welcoming spin on the Chinese New Year tradition. Mickey and Friends and Duffy and Friends in their joyful seasonal outfits are waiting for you around the park to spread warm blessings. Don’t forget to explore unique Chinese New Year gifts with a touch of Disney magic and blessings and enjoy a delightful dining experience at Hong Kong Disneyland.
The city’s CNY surprises don’t stop here! Tourists may expect to see stunning festive displays throughout the city while exploring districts like Lee Tung Avenue or The Peninsula Hong Kong. You will also discover festivities, vibrant lion dances and so much more, infusing Hong Kong with festive energy this time of year.
Essential Flavours: Modern Takes on CNY Dining Traditions
Chinese New Year is all about family gatherings, where loved ones come together to start off the new year on the right foot. Nowadays, Hong Kong families usually celebrate with a feast at a traditional Chinese restaurant, but there’s also a growing trend of modern, creative meals that spark the imagination.
#8 Revel in a Perfect Feast Like Royalty at Jǐng
Celebrate CNY with an immersive multisensory dining experience with Jǐng’s “Man-Han 108” menu, a modern twist on the Qing Dynasty’s “Manchu-Han Imperial Feast”. While the original featured 108 dishes, Jǐng’s chefs will modify and present 10 main courses and eight small plates, which are all delectable and photogenic. But right before “taste”, the restaurant surprises you with visuals displayed on its panoramic LED screen, storytelling and together with staff in Qing-era attire, transporting diners to the splendour of centuries past.
#9 Savour a Taste of Prosperity with Michelin-starred Delicacies
Craving a classier Michelin-starred dining experience this CNY? Try Man Ho Chinese Restaurant at JW Marriott, where traditional specialities, like lo hei, are upgraded with premium ingredients and modern presentations. Spring Moon, the celebrated Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong, will once again roll out an array of coveted New Year treats in honour of the Year of the Snake, alongside enticing festive set menus inspired by blessings and good will.
#10 Indulge in a Blend of Success with Every Cocktail Sip
These joyful CNY moments call for a toast! This year, raise a glass to the new year in true Hong Kong style at trendy bars like Kinsman, where cocktails are crafted from traditional Cantonese and Chinese spirit such as snake wine from local brand Ser Wong Fun blended in CNY exclusive menu “Snaky Panky”, and “Golden Bocca Tigris” incorporating signature dry seafood, abalone. Or visit a speakeasy-styled bar Red Room for a sip of cocktails inspired by Chinese ingredients under the lucky red colour setting.
* For detailed opening hours of restaurants and bars during the Chinese New Year period, please visit their official websites.
Ready to experience a CNY like no other? Head to Hong Kong for a one-of-a-kind citywide celebration, where rich CNY atmosphere fills every corner with vibrant decorations and exciting surprises waiting to be discovered. To start planning your CNY journey, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/chinese-new-year.html.
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* Disclaimer: The photos included in this press release are for reference purposes only. Some images were taken at previous events or locations and may not represent the current event or setting.
Marvel in the new year with Lunar New Year Fireworks Display (Stock photo, credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
Chinese New Year Night Parade on the first day of CNY (Stock photo, credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
