Heading into Week 8, the Washington Commanders find themselves at 5-2.
This is a big deal for Commanders fans because this is the first time in a long time the fanbase has felt this kind of optimism. Washington hasn’t been any kind of threat to win a Super Bowl in recent history. DeMatha students like Spencer Woods believe that “[Washington] is going to the playoffs.” The last time the Commanders finished a season with a winning record was in 2016 when they finished 8-7-1 but missed the playoffs. The last time they won a playoff game was in 2006, when they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 17 – 10, then went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
You could make a case that part of the team’s success is because of Washington’s rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was drafted 2nd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. The young quarterback has started his NFL career leading all rookies in completion percentage (75.6%), passing yards (1,410), and rushing yards (372). Head coach Dan Quinn said, “[Daniels] has a real conscience for the ball and security for it. That was one of the things that made him so unique coming out of college.” If Daniels keeps this up, there’s a good chance that he could win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
The team as a whole is finding success in multiple ways. The Commanders have only punted the ball 12 times this year which is the lowest total in the league. This lack of punting is due to the fact that they are tied for first place in leading the league in scoring with an average of 31.1 point per game. On the defensive side of the ball, they’re ranked 16th in the league, averaging 329.1 yards allowed per game and have given up just 18 touchdowns this year.
The Commanders play the Chicago Bears this Sunday. Daniels is questionable with a rib injury and is considered “week to week” according to head coach Dan Quinn. Overall, the Washington Commanders future is looking bright, and spirits are high for fans.
