Commanders Break 33-Year Drought with NFC Championship Berth
DETROIT — The Washington Commanders have finally broken through a barrier that has stood for over three decades. After a thrilling 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions, the Commanders have secured their first NFC Championship Game berth since the 1991 season. This victory marks the end of the longest such drought in the conference, a dubious distinction now passed on to their rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, who last reached the NFC Championship in 1995.
The excitement was palpable as wide receiver Terry McLaurin expressed his joy with a triumphant yell, “Wooooooo!” as he left the postgame news conference. His enthusiasm was shared by the entire team and their supporters, who have endured years of disappointment.
Inside the Commanders’ locker room, the atmosphere was electric. Former Washington coach Joe Gibbs, Commanders minority shareholder Magic Johnson, NBA star Kevin Durant, and award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright were among those celebrating the momentous occasion.
General manager Adam Peters, in his first season with the team, was seen embracing players, while co-owner Mitch Rales shared a heartfelt moment with McLaurin. Co-owner Josh Harris expressed his delight to reporters, stating, “I’m so happy for the DMV [District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia] … We’re a team of destiny.”
This remarkable turnaround comes just one season after the Commanders finished with a 4-13 record. Now, they are set to face either the Los Angeles Rams or the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The fan base, which has suffered through not just a bad stretch but a bad couple of decades, is finally seeing a glimmer of hope.
From 1981 to 1991, the organization was a powerhouse, winning three Super Bowls and appearing in a fourth. However, from 1992 through 2023, Washington had the NFC’s fourth-worst winning percentage. The current success is a testament to the resilience and determination of the team and its new leadership.
Running back Brian Robinson Jr. expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m so excited not only for myself but my team, especially the guys that have been here for the last couple of years that’s been on not-so-good teams just to experience this. It’s amazing.”
Under the guidance of first-year coach Dan Quinn, who preferred the term “recalibrate” over “rebuild,” the Commanders have been rejuvenated. Linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was born in 1990, 19 months before the organization’s last Super Bowl title, described the situation as “crazy.”
Safety Jeremy Reaves, with the team since 2018, was visibly moved by the achievement, stating, “Man, this is cool. I can’t even put my head around this. No one thought we would be here. Let’s go!”
A significant factor in the Commanders’ success has been rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who becomes the sixth rookie quarterback to reach a championship game. Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, also rushing 16 times for 51 yards. His poise and clutch performances have been crucial to the team’s success.
Running back Austin Ekeler praised Daniels, saying, “He’s so poised and so clutch. Every week, I’m like, man, this guy is really good. I know to expect it, but again and again, he continues to show that, hey, he has a huge clutch gene, and it shows up all the time.”
Teammates have embraced Daniels from the start, recognizing his work ethic and talent. Robinson noted, “I knew Jay was ready, day one. I knew he was ready not only for everything, all the great stuff he’s done this year, but to have himself prepared for the playoffs and the big-time moments.”
Wagner, who has played in two NFC Championship Games with the Seattle Seahawks, sensed the team’s potential even during a three-game losing streak that dropped their record to 7-5. “I didn’t see anybody waver. I didn’t see anyone have their heads down,” Wagner said. “Everyone was coming in still relaxed. We had our ups, and we had our moments when we weren’t winning. Everyone became more accountable.”
Since that time, Washington has won seven in a row. Daniels isn’t the only rookie making an impact. Mike Sainristil, a second-round pick, has solidified the cornerback position and intercepted two passes against the Lions.
The leadership and contributions from veterans like Wagner, Ekeler, and tight end Zach Ertz, who caught five passes for 28 yards and a touchdown, have been invaluable. McLaurin, with his 58-yard touchdown catch, continues to be a standout player.
The team’s bond has been strengthened by their shared experiences, particularly during the five games they won at the last second or on the final play. “We’re heavy hitters, we’re poised and we’re confident,” Wagner said. “We have a belief in one another that’s not easily found.”
Coach Quinn remains focused on the present, stating, “There will be a time to look back and reflect, but I’m not there yet.”
Originally Written by: John Keim
