Magic Johnson issues passionate rallying cry to Commanders fans after Week 4 win
By Dean Jones
The energy around what the Washington Commanders are building continues to soar. It reached levels not seen for decades following their stunning win at the Arizona Cardinals, which left them in sole occupancy of the NFC East division lead and with many wondering what could be possible if the same trend continues throughout the campaign.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to temper expectations. The Commanders have a genuine franchise quarterback under center. That much is obvious after Jayden Daniels' historic start to his professional career. He's being ably assisted by a fantastic offensive scheme, an offensive line capable of providing the signal-caller with clean pockets, and a rushing attack among the league's best.
Washington's defense also took a notable step forward despite a rough first quarter in Arizona. That's only going to help the Commanders heading into the midway point of the campaign where anything is possible if further improvements arrive.
Magic Johnson wants Commanders fans out in force against the Browns
Minority ownership partner Magic Johnson was in attendance to see the Commanders obliterate the Cardinals in Week 4. He lauded the team's efforts on social media after the clash and issued a passionate rallying cry to fans in pursuit of making Northwest Stadium a vibrant atmosphere for their Week 5 home contest against the Cleveland Browns.
"Commanders fans, the offensive line has done an amazing job all season long protecting our quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was spectacular once again! But today goes to our Commanders defense - they really stepped up big with 4 sacks and held Kyler Murray and the Cardinals to 14 points! With 2 back-to-back road wins, we are heading home next week. I want to see Northwest Stadium sold out, full of Commanders fans, and as loud as possible!"
- Magic Johnson via X
This fanbase has been galvanized in the best way imaginable. Winning cures all, but the excitement around this new regime before the campaign is bearing fruit much sooner than most anticipated.
Building on this with a bigger bullseye on their back is the next challenge. Head coach Dan Quinn has an accomplished staff team capable of keeping everyone's feet on the ground. This project is still in its infancy, so maintaining the right level of focus and collective purpose in pursuit of one common goal should ensure additional progress arrives.
It's easy to forget this is still a roster learning on the job. General manager Adam Peters made wholesale changes to the playing personnel this offseason, so it was going to take time. The fact they're picking up so much positivity while the kinks are still being worked out is immensely encouraging.
Northwest Stadium is going to be rocking next Sunday, make no mistake about that. Washington's long-suffering support has craved hope and belief for years. Some thought it would never come. Fortunately for them and everyone else associated with the franchise, it's arrived at long last.
Pack the stands. Let your voices be heard. And play your part in getting the Commanders to 4-1 by beating a Browns team going nowhere fast.
That's what Johnson wants. For this once-proud community to come together and remind the world why this region is so special when Washington football is thriving.