LANDOVER, Md. — Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, which saw the Washington Commanders finish with a record of 4-13, Daron Payne expressed a hopeful perspective regarding the team’s future. The talented defensive tackle emphasized that significant success could arrive sooner than many might expect.
“You look around the league,” Payne remarked on January 7. “Just last season, the Houston Texans were struggling, yet now they’ve transitioned into a playoff squad. It simply takes a few key players and the right elements to spark a turnaround.”
Less than a year later, after a stunning transformation, new head coach Dan Quinn congratulated general manager Adam Peters in the locker room after the team achieved a remarkable 30-24 overtime victory. Peters had a game ball in hand, which he presented to controlling owner Josh Harris, celebrating the playoff berth on Harris’s milestone 60th birthday.
“There’s no better gift than this for a man turning 60,” Peters joyfully stated, handing over the ball amidst the players’ cheers. “Playoffs!”
The upcoming playoff match against either Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, or the Los Angeles Rams will mark just the seventh postseason game for Washington this millennium. This new surge comes during a breakout season for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was selected with the second overall pick after winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
“The fanbase has waited a long time for this moment,” Daniels shared following another impressive win. “It’s hard to express how much this means to both them and myself as I’m leading this team forward into such exciting opportunities.”
The ascension of the Commanders into playoff contention was not widely anticipated. However, Payne might have sensed the potential early on. In March, Super Bowl-winning tight end Zach Ertz committed to joining the Commanders even before Daniels was drafted and prior to veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota signing with the team.
With the leadership of Harris and the ownership team, Peters was appointed to oversee football operations, which subsequently led to the hiring of Quinn as head coach. Kliff Kingsbury was brought in to head the offense, while Joe Whitt Jr. took charge of the defense.
“I had faith in the direction they were going with their coaching staff,” Ertz stated confidently.
Ertz’s arrival paved the way for several high-profile players to join the team, including six-time All-Pro Bobby Wagner, linebackers Frankie Luvu and Dante Fowler, safety Jeremy Chinn, running back Austin Ekeler, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and offensive linemen Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadasz.
“The influx of veterans I’ve respected and played against, like Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner, totally changed the environment,” remarked punter Tress Way.
With Peters revamping more than half of the 90-player training camp roster, establishing harmony was crucial. “It was vital for everyone to connect,” Wagner recalled, reflecting on their time together. “The team cultivated camaraderie quickly, as players embraced their roles and believed in one another.”
Spring workouts played a significant part in fostering team chemistry. Way, recognized as the longest-serving member, even gave up his jersey number to Daniels, allowing the new franchise leader to sport No. 5—the same number he wore in college at Arizona State and LSU.
“There were absolutely no regrets,” Way shared. “The first time I witnessed ‘5’ throwing the ball, I thought, ‘Let’s see how this plays out.’”
Daniels did not instantly claim the starting quarterback position upon joining the team or even at the early stages of training camp. It wasn’t until a few preseason games that Coach Quinn ultimately made that decision.
“Nothing was handed to anyone on this team,” Ertz emphasized. “Even Jayden earned his spot during the training camp and offseason, which is respected by players like myself who have been in this league for over a decade.”
Despite losing his initial game in the NFL, Daniels proceeded to lead the Commanders on a remarkable four-game winning streak, gaining victories in seven of their subsequent eight contests—even while battling through a rib injury. His impressive Hail Mary touchdown throw against Chicago was one of the standout moments of his rookie season.
“His steadiness and ability to maintain composure under pressure are qualities you rarely see in rookie quarterbacks,” receiver Jamison Crowder said. “I’m thrilled to have him on our side.”
The Commanders pulled off a surprising Week 2 victory against the New York Giants without scoring a touchdown, thanks to seven successful field goals from new kicker Austin Seibert. They also triumphed over Cincinnati in a Monday night matchup, followed by wins at Arizona and at home against Cleveland.
However, a defeat against AFC powerhouse Baltimore served as a reminder of the challenges ahead. Following that loss, teammates noted Daniels’ palpable frustration, which inspired a collective determination in the locker room. “Nobody gets disheartened; we just get angry and come back ready to improve,” Way explained.
Following a rib injury that forced him to exit early against Carolina, Daniels returned the next week to secure a win over the Bears. A gritty 27-22 victory against the Giants demonstrated the team’s ability to succeed even when things didn’t go perfectly for Daniels.
“Ultimately, it felt like we were just finding ways to win,” Way noted. “There’s this growing belief within the team.”
During his first five games back, Daniels maintained a completion rate of 60.98%. Despite encountering a challenging November that included three consecutive losses to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Dallas, the Commanders have rebounded, securing a record of 11-5 and setting their sights on a potentially deep playoff run.
“I’m ecstatic to be part of this team, and it’s fantastic to reach the playoffs in our inaugural season,” Ertz said. “However, we firmly believe there’s still room for growth and improvement. We must remain vigilant and not become complacent.”
