The Washington Commanders are not playing for anything other than personal pride. Some fans are demanding that the team not win any more games to improve their draft position. Others are more reflective, wondering what might have been and turning their attention to the offseason.
Just don't tell that to rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft reminded fans of his exciting long-term potential in Week 15 against the New York Giants. While some fans are turning the page, Croskey-Merritt is still relishing every moment. He's also still trying to prove himself, so throwing in the towel is not an option.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is not throwing in the towel, and neither are the Commanders
He's not alone. Croskey-Merritt pinpointed the resolve that remains within a squad that has faced severe issues this season. They are still working hard together as a close unit. And they want to build momentum over the next three games before their regular-season engagements conclude, regardless of what those outside the building believe.
"I've got three games to play. Shoot, I'm in the NFL, so whenever I get a chance to step on that field, you've got to go out and show out. I mean, we're not looking at it like that — nobody in the locker room. We've got three more chances to play the game we love, and we wanna just build momentum going into the next season. So, that's what it's gonna do for us. We're just trying to build momentum and just to go out there with our brothers. We're not going to quit on each other."Jacory Croskey-Merritt via 106.7 The Fan
Three games left, no playoffs. Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt gives us his answer on the mindset that he and the team has for this team moving forward. pic.twitter.com/6QkH63dUpk
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) December 16, 2025
It's the right and only attitude to have. Nothing has come easy for Croskey-Merritt in recent years. He's earned everything, so letting standards slip now could undo all the hard work to get to this point.
Croskey-Merritt is seeing it from others, too. The Commanders might only have four wins from 14 contests, but the cracks haven't shown. It's a tight-knit group — a brotherhood that head coach Dan Quinn wanted to build. It's easy to see when things are going well, but it's even more critical in times of struggle.
Washington's win over the Giants didn't change much in the grand scheme of things. However, it was a crystal clear message to fans…
Keep believing, because they are still striving for improvements.
As for Croskey-Merritt? He's aiming to get back to the player who took the NFL by storm over the early stages of 2025. Accomplishing this feat will ensure he'll have a role to play next season, and the critics already waving the white flag won't get in his way.