Commanders cannot let Hail Mary miracle become crowning moment of 2024

Fans are still coming back down to earth after being sent to heavenly delirium in Week 8 at Northwest Stadium.

The Washington Commanders gained more national media attention than ever before following a dramatic Hail Mary miracle that decided their game against the Chicago Bears. It was astonishing and exhilarating in equal measure. It was also another sign that something special was happening under new head coach Dan Quinn.

For the team's long-suffering support, it was a moment that will live long in the memory. For those who weren't around during the glory years, it was one of their first tastes of bona fide jubilation. For Quinn, his staff, and the players, it's business as usual.

The Commanders have begun preparations for Week 9 at the New York Giants. There is no looking back with this group. They are looking forward and working in unison towards one common goal after starting so impressively. This strong professionalism is what's gotten them on the fast track to potential contention and will remain the case so long as Quinn is at the helm.

Momentum is building. Excitement is growing. Plaudits are flowing at levels not seen for decades. This counts for nothing if the Commanders get complacent at any stage amid such ongoing adulation.

Commanders must not let Hail Mary miracle define their 2024 season

Simply put, the Commanders cannot let their miraculous victory at the death versus Chicago become the team's crowning moment of 2024. That would be a failure after a sensational opening to the campaign.

Washington is currently reveling in their 6-2 record with a real shot at winning the NFC East and making the postseason. It was an emotional win that drained everybody. Quinn and his staff will be on hand to pick everything back up, refocus the entire group, and keep everyone's feet on the ground.

One of the strongest factors behind the exceptional culture shift within the locker room is how everyone is self-policing. Players are self-motivated and hold each other accountable at all times. Having the likes of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner spearheading this ethos helps enormously, but it's a sign of the trust Quinn has in this group.

Some have been around long enough to know that it's just one win. There's a long way to go and a lot of football left before Washington's fate is determined. Those new to the league will find that out quickly and will be helped along by veterans. Fortunately, the Commanders have a nice blend of both following general manager Adam Peters' outstanding roster overhaul during the offseason.

Everyone enjoyed the moment. Everyone savored it after experiencing nothing but misery in recent years. At the same time, nobody wants this to be the pinnacle. They want it to be the springboard to bigger and better things - a sustainable future of prosperity.

That's the message heading into Week 9 at the Giants. Looking at the esteem in which Quinn is held across the organization, every single member of the locker room should heed this warning and respond accordingly.

If they do that, it's only great things moving forward.

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