The Washington Commanders have done exceptionally well to reach the NFL's final four this season. But there is no looking back right now.
This is all about moving forward to the next challenge. Nothing more, nothing less.
That's the mentality that saw the Commanders overcome the odds to book their place in the NFC Championship game. Nobody in the locker room thought this was a Cinderella story that could strike 12 at any moment. They believed anything was possible and this group was ready for the moment. All this once-proud franchise needed was a spark of positivity and stability to take off.
Everyone is fully focused. There are no distractions. There is no reveling in their newfound success. Leaders within the locker room are making it abundantly clear that there is still work to do. And everyone across the franchise bought in.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin sends emphatic message before NFC Championship game
That was the message sent by wide receiver Terry McLaurin during his media availability this week. The two-time Pro Bowler is proud of what the Commanders have achieved up to now. But make no mistake, the job is not finished and things are only going to get better from here.
"It's been a great run so far. Seeing the way that we've come together throughout the course of the season. Each week, we've gotten better. DQ [Dan Quinn] talks a lot about leveling up — being better each week. I feel like we've answered that call, and it's going to take us being at our best this week to win. It's been great to be a part of this, but we're not really celebrating or reminiscing because the job's not done yet. We're looking forward to the challenge this weekend, but I'm proud of the way that we've continued to get better each and every week, and we don't feel like we've reached our ceiling. To feel that way in this part of the season, we couldn't ask for more."Terry McLaurin
McLaurin experienced almost nothing but misery under the previous regime. He persevered and remained professional — a driving force amid the doom and gloom. The former third-round pick out of Ohio State kept the same attitude during a sensational surge forward with Dan Quinn leading the charge. The results and enhanced atmosphere are proof positive of how far this squad has come.
Keeping their foot on the gas is crucial. The Philadelphia Eagles won't be doing their heated division rival any favors that's for sure. Washington split the regular-season series, but a bigger effort is needed this time around.
Standards aren't slipping. Nobody is getting too ahead of themselves and keeping their feet firmly on the ground. Taking things one play at a time, executing assignments effectively, and staying composed in a hostile atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field are all this team is worried about.
Everything should take care of itself after that. Having stable veterans like McLaurin around will keep everyone on an even keel. And when the time comes to reflect, the Commanders can look back on their efforts with an enormous sense of pride.
However, there could be a few twists and turns before that moment arrives.