Sunday's loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium stung everyone attached to the Washington Commanders. It's a game that got away from them. They shot themselves in the foot too many times and eventually paid the price. But in the face of rare adversity for this group, the collective mindset and fighting spirit remained.
It also provoked one of the team's most established figures to step out of his comfort zone.
Sam Cosmi is a man of action. The stud right guard doesn't speak too much from a vocal leadership perspective, but his actions demand nothing but respect from the opposition and his teammates. After losing to the Steelers, the former second-round selection felt like he needed to step up.
Cosmi, who dealt with a speech impediment as a child that still causes hesitation in a public setting to this day, got up and delivered a passionate speech to a dejected locker room. Probably to the surprise of many.
Sam Cosmi issues rallying cry to Commanders teammates after Week 10 loss
The interior force wanted to remind everyone - from coaches to players and medical staff - that they were still building something special. That it's just one game in the grand scheme of things. To keep plowing forward and use this disappointment as a source of motivation heading into Washington's pivotal showdown at the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.
"I wanted them to know that. To not let this snowball into this week. I wanted them to know what they have here is still special. There's nothing that I want to do [more] than beat Philly. And so, you know, they're going to have a pretty pissed team."Sam Cosmi
The transformation of Sam Cosmi.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 11, 2024
It's been awesome to see the Commanders right guard grow into a locker room leader.
He is a strong, leading voice for this team.
Sam said, "there's nothing more that I want to do than beat Philly. They're going to have a pretty pissed team." pic.twitter.com/9L5waLR0S4
It might not seem like much, but this courageous effort to galvanize everyone will carry a ton of weight within the locker room. They'll know Cosmi's background and the fact he isn't entirely comfortable with speaking up. The message was understood loud and clear.
Cosmi's been around the Commanders when they were at their lowest. He lived through the Ron Rivera years and came out of the other end smiling. He'll also know how different this feels and wants to maximize the opportunity.
Thursday night's contest is the quick turnaround Washington needs. They are banged up after a grueling campaign leading up to their long-awaited Week 14 bye. Another rousing effort is needed in a divisional rivalry that could have huge ramifications on the NFC East championship race.
The Commanders aren't without a chance. Philadelphia is on a five-game winning run and seems to be figuring things out after a rocky start. It's not going to be easy, but Dan Quinn's men have already proven capable of hanging with anybody this season. Fans are expecting the same again.
If the Commanders dig deep and get one over on the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, it'll be a major statement of intent. It would also vindicate Cosmi's decision to overcome his fear and issue a rallying cry to his teammates at a time when they were amid despair.
Time to see what this Commanders' team is genuinely made of.