Commanders veterans lay down the gauntlet to teammates after mini-slump

Having the correct perspective is crucial for the Washington Commanders right now. Everyone is disappointed about how things unfolded during the team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football. It doesn't change the fact this project is way ahead of schedule.

This is a time for big characters. The Commanders are feeling the strain with their Week 14 bye looming. Bodies are aching and injuries are mounting. Navigating this tricky period effectively is essential if head coach Dan Quinn's men want to attain postseason football in Year 1 of this exciting rebuild.

General manager Adam Peters did a good job of finding the right blend of youth and experience throughout the offseason. Those who've been around the game a long time will be counted upon more than ever in the coming days. Having some extra rest will help, but nothing but success will do in their Week 12 home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Commanders veterans urge teammates to show resolve after two straight losses

There isn't much Bobby Wagner hasn't seen or done throughout his professional career. The future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer has played a significant role in the Commanders' remarkable culture shift so far. He challenged his teammates to respond accordingly and not let this mini-slump define them moving forward.

"I mean every team, every good team, is tested at some point. And how you bounce back and how you show resilience is your definition of what team you'll be."

- Bobby Wagner via SI

This was a sentiment echoed by wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is arguably the most respected leader within the locker room. He's experienced almost nothing but misery since being drafted by the Commanders. Sustained winning is a new experience for those who were around previously. The last two games represent an all-too-familiar feeling.

McLaurin laid down the gauntlet to his teammates to mirror Wagner's thoughts. He wants the Commanders to stand up for the brotherhood they've built in a short timeframe. Having the resolve to do this in the face of adversity isn't easy, but the Pro Bowl pass-catcher believes it can help Washington return to their early-season form.

"It's easy to preach brotherhood when everything's going good. When you're winning and having a good time and things like that. So this is what your program is built on needs to stand out. We hang out hat on our brotherhood and this is definitely the time when we need to stand up for that."

- Terry McLaurin

This will be the message getting relaid across the locker room when the Commanders return from their short break. They have some winnable games upcoming. Although nothing can be taken for granted, there's a shot to get back on track if the words of Wagner and McLaurin are heeded.

Fans were overreacting slightly, too.

They've been swept up by positive results and lavish praise from the national media for the first time in years. Getting beaten in consecutive weeks brought them back down to earth, but the Commanders are still 7-4 with all to play for at the business end of the campaign.

Meaningful football after Thanksgiving is something the Commanders didn't accomplish much under previous regimes. That's changed instantly with Quinn leading the charge. Maintaining a sense of purpose and relying on what got them this far is only going to help.

The Commanders are down in the dumps after two straight defeats. But they are far from out.

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