The 2024 Commanders had a chance to do something the franchise hasn't been able to pull off for 33 years. We're back to the Super Bowl. That clock continues to check after the Commanders lost to the Eagles 55-23 in the NFC Championship.
While it would be crushing to come this close and miss the Super Bowl, realistically for the Commanders, winning the wild card and divisional round means the team hasn't won a postseason game since 2006. Considering that, it was a huge feat.
But that winning streak had more than 30 years of Washington fans waiting patiently to finally see this team return to the Super Bowl. Although it didn't pan out this year, there's reason to believe Commander fans won't have to wait that long.
Commander exceeded expectations this year
It's hard to know what to expect from a rookie quarterback, even when the rookie won the Heisman Trophy at LSU like Jaden Daniels. “Inspiring” isn't a strong enough word for what Daniels did behind center for the Washington team.
The rookie threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns against nine picks. Daniels added 148 carries for 891 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, and did it while taking 47 sacks all season. Injuries ravaged the team towards the end of the season, specifically losing G Sam Cosmi just before the NFC Championship benefited the Washington Zeros. As long as Washington can do a better job of keeping Daniels upright next season, there's no reason he can't improve on his already stellar performance in his rookie year.
The defense finished the regular season fourth in the NFL with just 3,492 yards per game compared to last season, and finished 30th in the league with 4,568 yards. Philadelphia was able to key in on the Commanders' defensive weaknesses in the NFC Championship win, especially in the run game (Washington allowed 232 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground). Run with the big dogs in the NFL postseason. However, the future looks bright for the commanders and their combination of new leadership and young talent.
Washington's preseason wins were 6.5, and the 2024 Commanders' 12-5 regular season and two postseason wins blew it out of the water. We'll see if they can build on this performance in 2025.
Commanders Super Bowl History
Washington's teams reached five Super Bowls and won three. The team's first Super Bowl appearance ended in a 14-7 loss. When they met the buzzsaw, the only undefeated team in NFL history, the 1972 Dolphins, it ended in a 14-7 loss. Washington got revenge 10 years later, defeating Miami 27-17 for the team's first Super Bowl victory. Washington took it back to the big game the following year, with the Oakland Raiders pummeling them to the tune of 38-9. The team's next victory came after the 1987 season. Washington yelled out the Denver Broncos 42-10, bringing Lombardi home once more.
Washington's path to a recent Super Bowl appearance began with a 14-2 regular season finish and the divisional round Atlanta Falcons. Washington dispatched the Falcons 24-7 and advanced to defeat the Detroit Lions for the NFC Championship 41-10. This certainly came to mind for many Commanders fans when this year's team defeated the Lions in the divisional round to face the Eagles. NFC Championship.
The last time Washington won the Super Bowl, the current five command players were LB Nick Velor, Tae Zach Ertz, Ott Cornelius Lucas (6 months), LB Bobby Wagner, and P Torres. There were only 5 people in Way. Dan Quinn was a junior at Salisbury University, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was 13 years old, and defensive coordinator Joe Witt Jr. was 14 years old.
The wait continues. But hopefully Commander fans won't have to wait too long.
