by Maya Dorsam ‘27

By now, it’s no secret that this season has proven to be special for the Washington Commanders and their fans. From last season’s overall record of 4-13, the Commanders have already well-surpassed their previous number of wins, sitting 9-5, with three games remaining in the regular season. As someone with a love for the Philadelphia Eagles, thanks to my parents growing up in the Philly area, I have to throw a jab by admitting that the Commanders still have a ways to go before entering the class of the 12-2 Eagles. Nonetheless, the playoffs near, and the Washington area is buzzing with a newfound excitement that has the rest of the league stunned.

What makes Washington a team to look out for this season and so different from their previous losing record team? Easy, their rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, the number two overall draft pick, is fresh and hot out of LSU with an impressive QB rating, fourth overall.

New coach Daniel Quinn has also made an outstanding difference in Wasington’s approach to the game. From last season to this season, Washington’s stats under Quinn have skyrocketed. The team averages over eight more points per game and allows about eight less, which they previously led the league in worst at around 30.5 points per game. Their turnover differential stats have also experienced a huge makeover since under Ron Rivera’s problematic leadership. The team went from worst in the league at -14 to +6, the best as of week 12.

After Washington’s loss to a division opponent, Philadelphia in week 11, 26-18, they proved they could stop Philadelphia’s strong offense led by Jalen Hurts and an exceptional run game by Saquon Barkley, from reaching the end zone in the first half, but also that there are lots of areas for improvement. In the second half, the defense went quiet as Philadelphia pulled away, scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter after Jake Elliot, Philadelphia’s kicker, missed an embarrassing 2 field goals and an extra point left. Washington was unable to capitalize on these mistakes and it became their demise. Although Philadelphia dominated in the second half, Washington left the first half winning 10-3 and fought until the end, scoring a touchdown in the last minute with a successful two-point conversion.

Although the loss makes them an unlikely pick for NFC East division winner, Washington is predicted to make the playoffs as they are looking far stronger than the typically competitive Dallas Cowboys who have faced a tough season full of rocky losses.

Fans could look forward to a possible playoff run once Washington’s O-line steps it up, giving Daniels more time to find receivers on crucial downs, and special teams become more reliable, as it can be noted that in all their losses and even some wins, the defense allows more touchdowns in the second half than the offense can keep up with comfortably. Washington can’t afford to miss extra points and field goals when the difference between a game is often one possession. Beginning to dominate on opponents’ errors is pivotal when looking toward the postseason.

Although they seem to be on an overall season-high full of outstanding wins, Washington faced adversity just a little over halfway through the season after a three-game losing streak just before Thanksgiving, first falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a one-point game, followed by their loss to Philadelphia and sloppy defeat to Dallas after a missed extra point that would take the game to OT. The team bounced back big though in weeks 13 and 14 against The Tennessee Titans, 42-19, in an outstanding performance by the offense in the first half and 20-19 against the New Orleans Saints.

With an upcoming redemption game against Philadelphia in just a few days, Washington is looking to show improvement and possibly outdo the division leaders who previously bested them and soon start their anticipated playoff run as they come off a two-game winning streak. While I’ll be rooting for my Eagles, I grudgingly give kudos to the Commanders for making the game a must-see for both teams.