Loser No. 2
Commanders OL
It was a fantastic outcome for the Washington Commanders. Securing 11 victories and reaching the playoffs is a tremendous accomplishment in the first year under head coach Dan Quinn. However, this didn't come without a few frustrations in Week 17.
This contest could have been a lot more comfortable had it not been for several penalties in critical moments — often negating big plays or first downs. The offensive line was largely at fault, which cannot continue if the Commanders want to make an impression when the knockout stages arrive.
Washington's protection didn't put together its finest performance of the campaign. They've been superb overall, but this wasn't their finest moment. Things would have looked even worse had Jayden Daniels not evaded pressure almost constantly with his jaw-dropping elusiveness despite getting sacked five times.
There were nerves. Brandon Coleman looked littery on the blindside, which isn't surprising for a rookie. Sam Cosmi should know better, although one of his holding infringements seemed extremely dubious.
Couple this with starting center Tyler Biadasz and veteran swing tackle Cornelius Lucas both going out of the game through injury, and it was an evening to forget despite the eventual outcome.
Winner No. 5
Commanders fans
This one was for every Commanders fan around the world.
You deserve this.
Over two decades of misery and underachieving. Seeing a once-proud NFL cornerstone descend into a national disgrace. The organization was crumbling to the ground with almost no hope for the future under Dan Snyder's ownership. That's not the case anymore.
The Commanders are reborn. They are reinvigorated under Josh Harris' ownership group. Their complete rebuild from top to bottom of the football operation had an instant impact. Reaching the postseason at the first time of asking is only going to assist their chances of perennial contention in the coming years.
Everyone believes again. You could sense it even when the Commanders were forced into overtime. The fans played their part and were rewarded when Jayden Daniels led a masterful drive to cement their playoff status in 2024.
Nobody deserves this more than Washington's long-suffering fanbase. They have been the league's laughingstock for too long. The tide is officially turning and the entire region is buzzing as a result.
Enjoy it. Savor it. Embrace it. This success has been a long time coming.