The Washington Commanders are in the final eight. It's been a long time since fans could say that.
Their thrilling Wild Card success at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thanks to a doinked Zane Gonzalez field goal pushed head coach Dan Quinn's men into the divisional round. This was Washington's first playoff win in 19 years. It also confirmed emphatically that they are never out of the fight.
This sort of thing doesn't happen by accident. Quinn's installed a belief and resolve across his new-look roster that was sorely lacking previously. They genuinely believe anything is possible, especially with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft was at his mercurial best down the stretch to get his team over the hump once again and avenge his Week 1 loss at Raymond James Stadium.
The Commanders are riding on the crest of a wave. They are performing way beyond expectations and have captivated the imagination of fans around the league. There is a long way to go and a lot of roster maneuvering to come from general manager Adam Peters, but this instant success represents the biggest positive imaginable.
Just how much longer this goes on is anyone's guess. Second-team All-Pro wide receiver Terry McLaurin highlighted that the job wasn't finished amid jubilant scenes in the locker room following the triumph. The Commanders are confident they can hang with anybody when firing on all cylinders. All Daniels needs is a chance to come through in the clutch.
Here's how the NFC playoff picture is looking after another exciting Wild Card weekend around the league.
Commanders updated playoff picture after thrilling Wild Card success
Washington Commanders (6) at Detroit Lions (1)
- Date: Saturday, January 18
- Time: 8.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Ford Field
- TV channel: FOX
LA Rams (4) at Philadelphia Eagles (2)
- Date: Sunday, January 19
- Time: 3.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
- TV channel: NBC
Things don't get any easier for the Commanders this weekend. They are on the primetime stage again where they are undefeated this season (3-0). However, this represents the sternest test of their credentials so far.
The Detroit Lions are a powerhouse after languishing in failure for so long. Dan Campbell completely changed the culture. They recruited extremely well and emerged as a dominant group in all phases. Even though their defense has been decimated by injuries, almost no momentum was lost.
Washington will be heavy underdogs for the divisional round clash at Ford Field. It will be loud and hostile, just the way Daniels likes it. But they need to rectify some ongoing problems quickly to keep up with Detroit's high-octane offense and relentless commitment.
It would take a brave man to bet on the Commanders. However, they are brimming with confidence and will be striving to shock the world once again.
And who knows, perhaps they can keep this one closer than most expect with a little bit of luck.