ASHBURN, Va. — Tress Way, Washington’s longest-serving player, prefers not to label his decade-long experience as one of “darkness,” largely due to the enjoyable moments he has encountered throughout the journey. The two-time Pro Bowl punter has participated in a few playoff games, a feat not many of his current teammates can boast, especially considering the significant roster changes they’ve navigated. For these teammates, the upcoming wild-card game against Tampa Bay represents a leap into the spotlight.
“It’s been quite a journey,” said offensive lineman Sam Cosmi. “It feels great to finally be part of something remarkable.”
Central to this newfound promise is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is preparing for his playoff debut in the same stadium where he played his inaugural pro game just four months earlier. For Cosmi, this will also be a first postseason experience, standing alongside only nine players drafted by Washington from 2021-23 who have persevered through challenging times.
During the last three seasons, the Commanders have recorded a 19-31-3 record. This season’s improvement, from a dismal 4-13 to an encouraging 12-5, marks the largest leap in franchise history.
“Everything is achievable when you have the right mentality and are dedicated to the process,” stated running back Brian Robinson Jr., a 2022 second-round draft pick. “From the leadership down, everyone has been committed to doing whatever it takes to transform this organization, and we succeeded.”
This marks Washington’s return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season, when they were eliminated by Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in a game played without fans, as Tampa Bay was on its way to clinching the Super Bowl title. This will only be their second playoff appearance in a decade, with the previous outing coming in the 2015 season under quarterback Kirk Cousins and coach Jay Gruden, which ended in a home defeat against Green Bay.
The atmosphere feels decidedly more promising this time around, thanks largely to Daniels — who is a top contender for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year — and new head coach Dan Quinn.
“It’s been an entirely different vibe — the atmosphere and culture have changed,” noted veteran receiver Jamison Crowder, who, along with Way, remains one of the few current players who faced the Packers in January 2016. “A significant part of this change is credit to DQ, who has taken the initiative to restructure and revitalize the energy around here.”
Quinn’s revamping strategy, in collaboration with first-year general manager Adam Peters, emphasized the retention of key players with playoff experience, such as leading receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Such experience significantly contributes to the team’s current success.
Payne remarked on the effort behind reaching the postseason, stating, “A tremendous amount of hard work goes into advancing beyond the regular season. It reflects on all the effort, from grueling training camps to finding ways to earn victories during the season to reach this stage.”
There is recognition from those newer to this level of competition as well. Wide receiver Dyami Brown, selected a round after Cosmi in 2021, expressed how the team’s achievements highlight resilience and development.
“What has transpired in the past is behind us,” Brown said. “We focused on tackling what was in front of us and adopted a culture that was presented to us.”
With a transformative culture and the presence of a dynamic quarterback, Washington heads into Tampa Bay as a 3-point underdog, but Daniels’ impact has players optimistic about more than just a brief playoff stint.
“He’s the key player,” Crowder commented. “Having him on the field definitely instills confidence that we can achieve something significant.”
NOTES: Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who missed the last two regular-season games due to a hamstring injury, is showing positive signs for playing. Additionally, center Tyler Biadasz (ankle) is also expected to return, allowing Washington to field its complete offensive line.
