This time last year, everything was seemingly fine within the Washington Commanders. They were gearing up for their playoff return after a phenomenal first campaign under the new regime that would eventually lead to an NFC Championship game.
Everything was looking up. Fans were dreaming of Super Bowl contention after years of languishing among the bottom feeders. The correct structure was in place, and the ambitous plans behind the scenes were finally being cemented to wake up this sleeping giant once and for all.
Just 12 months later, the Commanders are on the outside looking in after a disastrous campaign. Nothing has gone right, and the cracks are beginning to show. Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. are no longer around after both were ruthlessly fired. Reports are also growing around a potential rift between head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters.
This is all deeply concerning, bringing back painful memories of a bygone era. How much truth there is in these claims remains to be seen, but something has just felt off for months. Therefore, there is probably no smoke without fire in this instance.
On the topic, here are five alarming signs that could indicate the Commanders' supposed civil war is plunging toward implosion.
Alarming signs that the Commanders' civil war is spiraling toward implosion
Commanders' dismal season
Everything happening behind the scenes, good or bad, can be well hidden by winning. It's a tell as old as time throughout NFL history. Even during the days when Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were winning multiple Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, any friction between the two was kept under wraps.
But when things go south, the cracks — and the leaks — don't take long to surface. That may be what's happening with the Washington Commanders, because nothing loosens lips more than disgruntled coaches who've been fired or frustrated figures looking to voice their displeasure anonymously.
If the Commanders had finished 12-5 instead of 5-12, nobody would be having this conversation. Washington would be embarking on another postseason tilt, and everything would be rosy in the garden.
At least from the outside looking in.
Perception is everything in the league. The strain is showing through actions. Adam Peters and Dan Quinn put on a united front to the media during their end-of-season presser, but the vibes were nowhere near the same. And recent reports now indicate why.
Proof, if any more were needed: winning is the remedy that cures all in the NFL.