Hail Mary miracle can ignite Commanders to NFC East title glory in 2024

One could forgive Washington Commanders fans for waking up on Monday morning and wondering if they've just lived through a vivid dream.

The Commanders had their backs against the wall after being in control of their Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears throughout. All hope seemed lost, but a miracle Hail Mary snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, ungluing Northwest Stadium with euphoric relief along the way.

If there was ever a sign that things were changing in Washington, this was it. Something special is happening under head coach Dan Quinn's guidance. The Commanders never know when they are dead in any game. This inability to accept their fate and keep pushing forward in the face of adversity got the good fortune it deserved, moving them to 6-2 and remaining atop of the NFC East for good measure.

It was an unforgettable experience. For the fans in attendance. For those watching at home. For everyone who suffered untold hardship during the previous owner's two-decade reign of terror. This pendulum-shifting play was also something every Commanders player was keen to savor.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels keen to savor Hail Mary moment

When asked about the moment, Jayden Daniels stated he wasn't too sure his deep bomb had reached its preferred destination until he saw the fanbase go into what can only be described as pandemonium in the stands. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is also aware that things like this don't happen every day, so enjoying them is an important part of the process.

"I just heard people screaming and our sideline rushing the field. That's how I knew. That's kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not too many people get to experience stuff like that."

- Jayden Daniels via ESPN

Everyone was lost for words. Quinn could scarcely believe what had unfolded in front of his eyes. Players and coaches jumped around the field as unexpected chaos ensued. If they thought anything was possible with Daniels under center before, these notions will go through the roof now.

The Commanders made things more difficult than needed. They dominated Chicago in the first half but were unable to convert several red zone opportunities into touchdowns. As has become synonymous during Quinn's impressive culture shift, they found a way to get the job done.

Washington has plenty of momentum on its side even before this. They are further ahead than anybody expected following wholesale alterations across the franchise this offseason. Even the harshest skeptics will be looking at the Commanders' fortunes differently after this stunning turn of events.

It's a great time to be a fan of this storied franchise. There will be times of struggle, but it's been a long time since fans had something like this to legitimately celebrate. They should take it in, embrace it fully, and hope this can become the catalyst to postseason football later in the campaign.

If nothing else, this sends a message around the league. No matter the situation. No matter the score. The Commanders are not going to go down without a fight.

That, above all else, is the most pleasing thing of all.

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