Few could have imagined the Washington Commanders being in the NFC Championship game this season. That's exactly where Dan Quinn's squad finds themselves after a sensational campaign.
The Commanders have defied the odds. They've exceeded expectations beyond comprehension. This is a genuine feel-good story with long-term benefits attached. The only way is up from here.
But the job is far from finished.
Washington goes into this weekend's game at the Philadelphia Eagles as heavy underdogs — an all-too-familiar feeling for this group in the postseason. However, their resolve, supreme conviction, and ability to come through in the highest-pressure situations mean they cannot be underestimated by any stretch.
There is a lot of praise to go around. Some gain more media attention than others, but this fairytale run doesn't happen without a collective effort. It was a sink-or-swim situation that brought out the best in everybody.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players coming of age during the 2024 playoffs. We'll start with resurgent wide receiver Dyami Brown.
Commanders players coming of age during the 2024 playoffs
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
Things didn't look especially promising for Dyami Brown once upon a time. The wide receiver couldn't firmly establish himself over his first three years with the Washington Commanders under previous head coach Ron Rivera. A similar pattern followed this season.
Then, everything changed.
Brown worked hard, never complained about his situation, and focused on developing key areas of his game. When Noah Brown went down with an injury, fellow wideout Terry McLaurin threw support behind the former third-round pick to step up and fill the void.
He duly delivered. Brown came to life when tasked with more responsibilities. The North Carolina product ended the regular season on a positive note. This gave him the confidence needed to thrive during the postseason.
The Commanders' trust in Brown improved exponentially. He became a dependable target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who praised his work ethic and enhancements as a route technician, was suitably impressed. He's gone from an afterthought to a focal point in the blink of an eye.
Brown ranks third among wide receivers in receiving yards in the playoffs. He was nothing short of sensational at the Detroit Lions, with Amon-Ra St. Brown's criticism when the two clubs last met in 2022 providing the urgency and motivation needed to flourish.
This is a huge step in the right direction at an important time for Brown. It would be a surprise if the Commanders didn't offer him a new deal now.