A mesmerizing run to the NFC Championship game was beyond the expectations of every Washington Commanders fan in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. Although this surprising development was incredibly positive, it has raised the stakes considerably heading into the 2025 campaign.
This was a topic discussed by Peter Schrager from ESPN, who highlighted the hidden message being sent to Washington by the league.
The Commanders were a rags-to-riches story. An organization embroiled in scandals of disgrace was reborn. Ambitious ownership, an exceptional general manager molding the roster as he saw fit, and Quinn's outstanding locker room culture shift galvanized the franchise. Jayden Daniels becoming an elite-level quarterback as a rookie put the exclamation point on a season to remember.
Washington's outlook has completely changed. They are no longer being shunned. They are a hot commodity, which was reflected in their schedule structure for the 2025 season.
NFL placed extra pressure on Commanders' shoulders in 2025
Eight standalone games, five of which are on prime time. An international clash in Madrid. A Saturday night showcase versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys. It's a complete 180 for the Commanders, so keeping this positive momentum churning is paramount.
Schrager thinks the schedule proves how high the league is on Washington's renaissance. The NFL is placing significant trust in the Commanders this season. This represents a new standard that must be met in the second season with Quinn leading the charge.
"The league is very high on the Washington Commanders. I don’t think anyone expected the Commanders to have seven different standalone games, including a Thanksgiving Day, including a Christmas Day, including a ‘Monday Night’ game against Caleb Williams, including a ‘Monday Night’ game against Patrick Mahomes. To be given that perch, that tells me that the league is not only high on the Commanders, but Jayden Daniels is a superstar and in that caliber of player."Peter Schrager
Everyone in the building is aware. The Commanders know they've gone from the hunter to the hunted. They are a benchmark for other rebuilding teams to follow. Reaching the final four in Quinn's first season was an exceptional accomplishment. Ensuring this success is sustained represents a different (and more challenging) test.
If the Commanders flounder with the spotlight glaring, the league will hold off giving them similar exposure in 2026. There will always be a hot commodity that comes to the fore as a ready-made replacement. What's important for Quinn is keeping his team on an even keel, ignore the outside noise, and firmly focus on their collective goals.
After that, the Commanders should cement their status at the league's top table for years to come.