It's been a campaign that Washington Commanders fans will want to quickly erase from their memories. Some have already checked out, focusing on the offseason and potential reinforcements.
However, several players are giving them something to believe in down the stretch.
Nobody expected the Commanders to be languishing at 4-10 with three games remaining. Most fans and experts thought Washington was primed for another deep postseason run after reaching the NFC Championship game last time out and an aggressive offseason from general manager Adam Peters. That didn't happen, and although injuries haven't helped their cause, it's clear this squad wasn't as far ahead of schedule as initially anticipated.
Still, their win over the New York Giants in Week 15 proved that the Commanders are still fighting for head coach Dan Quinn. They are still striving to salvage some momentum from the campaign and secure their futures with the club beyond 2025.
That is arguably the most encouraging thing to take from this lost season. It's easy to preach brotherhood and togetherness when things are going well. But when the chips are down, that's when you really see this come to life. And make no mistake, the Commanders have this in abundance.
Until then, here are five Commanders players who are providing some hope for the future amid the almost constant doom and gloom.
Commanders players quietly giving fans something to believe in down the stretch
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
Washington Commanders fans have always been confident that Jordan Magee could become a valuable long-term asset. The athletically gifted linebacker has dealt with some injury problems since joining the club as a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Still, he is consistently flashing the credentials typically associated with productive starters at the next level.
Magee has physical gifts that cannot be taught. He has the right size, length, and speed to be an instinctive enforcer. Adding a little more discipline to his game will help the Temple product take the next step, but whenever the Commanders have tasked him with significant responsibilities, he's answered the call.
Head coach Dan Quinn continues to give almost every defensive rep to future first ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner, even though he could retire or take his chances elsewhere this offseason. He would be wise to alter this approach because the only way Magee is going to progress is through added experience in a regular-season setting.
Whether this comes to fruition over Washington's final three games is up for debate. But regardless, Magee looks to have a bright future in Washington.