The Washington Commanders have one of their storied division rivals standing between them and a place in the Super Bowl. Once again, they are underdogs, but a team legend believes this team is made of sterner stuff.
Darrell Green is arguably the greatest player in Washington franchise history. He experienced some of the organization's greatest moments — a two-time Super Bowl winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer. The new regime made a concerted effort to get team legends back onside. Retiring his No. 28 jersey this season was a good place to start.
Not many expect the Commanders to triumph at Lincoln Financial Field despite a sensational run to reach the final four. Dan Quinn's squad has been written off all season. They almost always rise to the occasion.
Darrell Green thinks the Commanders have 'extraordinary' shot at the Eagles
Green issued a rallying cry to the Commanders heading into the NFC Championship showdown. The defensive back urged the players to keep believing. He thinks they have an outstanding chance and they are not a team to be messed with these days.
"I have great respect for Philly, they've done it a long time…But I tell you this Washington team is not a team you want to play around with right now. There's no way you can say we don't have a shot. We got an extraordinary shot."Darrell Green
This is a clear message that should resonate well in the locker room. Coming from Green, it carries a ton of weight.
Their backs are against the wall, just the way this group likes it. Going to Philadelphia won't be easy, it never is. But they've come through every postseason challenge with flying colors up to now. Confidence will be high that they can do so again versus a team they've already beaten once this season.
Green knows what it takes to win. He's been to the pinnacle and come out on the other end with the Super Bowls to show for it. If the Ring of Honor member thinks the Commanders have what it takes, everyone else should too.
It was a surreal feeling for fans watching Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and others take to the podium in front of a packed media room with the NFC Championship backdrop. This season will become the stuff of legend over time. Of a team that nobody gave a shot of rising to the occasion.
This is the fighting spirit that made this once-dominant franchise an NFL powerhouse once upon a time. Green knows more about that than most.
Momentum is everything. The Eagles have plenty of that too. However, it's been evident for some time that the Commanders might be a team of destiny. One more win would confirm that beyond all doubt.
Green is confident. Fans are expectant. The players recognize the game's significance but are focused on what they can control and nothing more. It's what got them this far, so why change now?
The anticipation is building. Regardless of how things go, the Commanders have captivated the imagination of their previously disillusioned fanbase and put the NFL on notice. And if they manage to beat the Eagles, who's to say they cannot go all the way and hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy?
Time will tell on that one, but they've made a firm believer out of Green that's for sure.