Who would have believed, a year ago, at the end of a season with 4 victories and a sporting project ahead of them, that 12 months later, the Commanders would be in the playoffs with such a good record?
Between experienced coach, intelligent recruitment and young quarterback with immense talent, Washington has rebuilt its health and image.
How did they get there?
The revolution began with the arrival of Dan Quinn as head coach. The former Falcons strongman arrived in the federal capital with his unparalleled defensive spirit. He transformed the worst defense in the league into a more than decent squad. The other major novelty was the selection of Jayden Daniels in 2nd position in the draft. The young quarterback has completely transformed Washington's offense and established himself as the new face of the franchise.
The alchemy quickly worked. After an inaugural defeat, the Commanders showed an attractive face and had a string of successes. Taking advantage of a relatively favorable schedule, they arrived at midseason with a 7-2 record. The slump in mid-November was quickly erased by a brilliant end to the season with a series of 5 straight victories and a deserved place among the best teams in the NFC.
The key player: Jayden Daniels (QB)
He is the symbol of the revival of the franchise. Drafted in 2nd position, Daniels was thrown into the deep end without delay. And the least we can say is that the 2023 Heisman Trophy has more than succeeded in its rookie season. Whether in running where he excels with nearly 900 yards, making him the team's best runner, or in the air where he has created real chemistry with his targets and in particular Terry McLaurin, he is a threat permed.
Daniels was also damn effective in the moments that mattered. His Hail Mary against the Bears or his drive winning against the Eagles attests to this. He is heading straight towards the title of offensive rookie of the season. The Commanders' chances of success will only depend on enormous performances from their quarterback.
Why are they going to go through with it?
In a conference where several teams have status to assume and ambitions to promote, the Commanders arrive in the playoffs without the slightest pressure. Their mere presence is already synonymous with a largely successful season. Each match is a bonus, and the squad has the necessary ingredients to catch fire and become terribly difficult for the opponent to maneuver.
A surprise effect symbolized by its young quarterback who never gives up and a coach who has already experienced numerous victories in the playoffs as coordinator and head coach.
Why won't they go?
Despite such a great season and so much promise, the squad still suffers from certain deficiencies. The offensive line in particular is far from providing all the guarantees of security. On the pass, where the team is in the last quarter of the league in the number of sacks conceded, or on the ground where the statistics are mainly boosted by Daniels' runs more than by the gaps opened to the running backs.
On the defense side, if Dan Quinn has transformed a squad to the bottom of the bucket in 2023, there is still a long way to go, particularly in the ability to swing matches. The team steals few balls. Just 29th in interceptions and 26th overall. A lack of edge which could be lacking in close encounters.
More accustomed to being at the top of the NFL basket for a long time, the Commanders especially lack a haunt at this level. The last campaign, as unexpected as it was fleeting, dates back to 2020 and the team has not won a playoff game since 2005. An eternity.
Injured players
Washington can boast of reaching the playoffs without having lost any major players during the season. All the starters will be there with the sole exception of kicker Austin Seibert who will be replaced by Zane Gonzalez who finished the season. Noah Brown, valuable in the target rotation, will also be out for the playoffs.
Prognosis
The Commanders approach the playoffs without any pressure and with the costume of the surprise guest. Nothing like it to make it poison for your opponents. If the road will not be easy, the Commanders have everything to be the head-cutters of the 2025 campaign. Between the talent of their young quarterback and the qualities of their head coach, it is not at all impossible to see them play party troubles in the conference and invite themselves to the NFC final.
Conference final
