Bobby Wagner's calculated risk pays off to boost Commanders playoff hopes

The Washington Commanders needed something to inspire them out of a rapidly concerning slump. They'd lost three straight heading into their Week 13 game against the Tennessee Titans and saw their playoff cushion disintegrate. Confidence was dipping and bodies were aching after a grueling stretch before the team's bye. A spark was desperately needed.

That came from a somewhat unlikely source.

Bobby Wagner isn't renowned for his passionate locker-room speeches. He's not in a similar mold to Ray Lewis, preferring to lead by example. The future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker is meticulous, holding himself and his teammates to high standards. But he's experienced enough to know that something needed to be done.

Bobby Wagner's passionate speech galvanized Commanders before Week 13

As preparations for the Titans began, Wagner felt compelled to speak in front of the entire locker room. He wanted them to restore their sense of professionalism. The savvy veteran reminded every player and coach how far they'd come in such a short space of time.

It had the desired effect.

Wagner's out-of-character address galvanized everybody. There was a fresh focus and purpose across the board. More importantly, the Commanders looked like the team that took the league by storm earlier in the campaign during a dominant victory over Tennessee at Northwest Stadium.

Other factors were in play, but Wagner kicked everything off on the right foot. He set the tone and others followed. This was a sentiment echoed by head coach Dan Quinn, who lauded the former second-round pick's drastic action with the Commanders' season teetering on the brink.

"I thought [LB] Bobby [Wagner] was the catalyst at the very beginning of the week and talking to his teammates, which he doesn't do very often,. So, for him, I knew there was something there that he wanted to share. And it's so impactful when it can come from a teammate. And I thought he was the one that set this week off and set it in motion."

- Dan Quinn

This is exactly why the Commanders identified Wagner as a high-priority target in free agency. His on-field production was never in question despite the player's advancing years. However, his experience and leadership in guiding a relatively young roster through Year 1 of this rebuild was equally as vital.

Wagner commands instant respect. The second-level enforcer went over 100 tackles for the season once again in Week 13. Everyone knows that his decision to speak out in pursuit of turning the tide isn't typical. When he does, it carries a ton of weight.

It's another sign of the complete culture shift within the Commanders under Quinn. He's letting the players take the lead when needed. This formed close bonds quickly and enhanced the level of trust between each other and the staff. Things aren't perfect just yet, but Washington is on the right track following decades of dismay.

Wagner spoke. His teammates listened. The Commanders won convincingly.

At this stage of the season, it's all that matters.

More Commanders news and analysis