It's been a long time since Washington Commanders fans had anything legitimate to celebrate. That's all changed during a season that will live long in the memory.
Two decades of decay under Dan Snyder's ownership left this storied franchise in ruins. There was no hope, fans turned away in their droves, and the on-field product was abysmal more often than not. It didn't take long for this sleeping giant to wake once the correct infrastructure was put in place.
Josh Harris' ownership group wrestled the Commanders from Snyder's grasp and took off. General manager Adam Peters installed a level of conviction, collaboration, and professionalism in the front office that was sorely lacking previously. Head coach Dan Quinn spearheaded a remarkable culture shift within the locker room. Washington found a franchise quarterback at the first time of asking in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The results were immediate. Washington reached the postseason with 12 wins. After digging deep to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, Quinn's squad is embarking on a fierce Divisional Round challenge at the Detroit Lions this weekend.
Regardless of how things go at Ford Field, the Commanders are way ahead of schedule. They are gaining national media attention for the right reasons and will be an attractive destination for free agents with almost $100 million in available salary-cap space. Gaining their first playoff win in 19 years only cements this notion.
Commanders are on the right track after decades of decay
A lot has happened since 2005 when the Commanders last tasted postseason success — ironically over the Buccaneers. This insane statistic from Barstool Sports highlighted just how long Washington's long-suffering fanbase was starved of success.
A lot has changed since 2005… pic.twitter.com/jLytJhSCwc
— Barstool DMV (@Barstooldmv) January 13, 2025
Alex Ovechkin has been the face of Washington sports since he arrived in D.C. He's one of ice hockey's greatest-ever players and constantly produces the goods when the stakes are highest. The Commanders didn't have anyone resembling this throughout arguably the most barren spell in franchise history.
Until now.
Jayden Daniels changed everything. His nerves of steel and killer instinct saw him quickly emerge as one of the league's most capable closers. He willed the Commanders into the playoffs and came through with the game on the line once again to get them into the Divisional Round.
Ovechkin's playing days are winding down. Daniels is just beginning. There is a new king in D.C. — someone who'll hopefully be at the forefront of a profitable era for the organization.
Nobody can take this moment away from fans. Nobody can say they don't deserve it after persevering through significant hardship throughout the Snyder years. Those dark days are already a distant memory, replaced by genuine optimism that the Commanders can regain their place at the NFL's top table sooner rather than later.
If they can win in Detroit against all odds, that will happen much sooner than even the brightest optimist envisaged.