Commanders Break 33-Year Drought with NFC Championship Berth
DETROIT — The Washington Commanders have finally done it. After a 33-year wait, the franchise is heading back to the NFC Championship Game. The last time they reached this stage was during the 1991 season, and the excitement was palpable as wide receiver Terry McLaurin let out a triumphant yell after the game. “Wooooooo!” he shouted, fists pumping, as he left the podium following the Commanders’ 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions.
This victory not only secured their spot in the NFC Championship but also ended the longest drought in the conference, a dubious honor now passed to the Dallas Cowboys, who last reached the game in 1995. “We’re not done yet,” McLaurin declared, capturing the team’s determination to push further.
The atmosphere was electric both inside and outside the Commanders’ locker room. Celebrating alongside the team were notable figures such as former Washington coach Joe Gibbs, Commanders minority shareholder Magic Johnson, NBA star Kevin Durant, and award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters, in his first season, was seen embracing players, while co-owner Mitch Rales shared a heartfelt moment with McLaurin. Co-owner Josh Harris expressed his joy 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 a year after the team 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 Commanders’ fan base, which has endured decades of disappointment, 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. “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,” said Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. “It’s amazing.”
Under the leadership of first-year coach Dan Quinn, who preferred the term “recalibrate” over “rebuild,” the team has been rejuvenated. “This is crazy,” said Washington linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was born in 1990, 19 months before the organization’s last Super Bowl title.
Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves, with the team since 2018, was visibly moved by the moment. “Man, this is cool,” Reaves said. “I can’t even put my head around this. No one thought we would be here. Let’s go!”
A significant factor in their success has been rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who becomes the sixth rookie quarterback to reach a championship game. The other five lost, but Daniels has been exceptional all year. In the game against the Lions, he completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, also rushing 16 times for 51 yards.
Daniels’ poise and clutch performances have been crucial, as highlighted by Washington running back Austin Ekeler. “He’s so poised and so clutch,” Ekeler said. “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 dedication and talent. “I knew Jay was ready, day one,” Robinson said. “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, winning both, 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 hasn’t lost, winning seven in a row. Daniels isn’t the only rookie making an impact. Mike Sainristil, a second-round pick, has been a revelation, moving from nickel corner to outside corner and intercepting 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. The Commanders have a standout player in McLaurin, who registered a 58-yard catch for a touchdown, his 15th score of the campaign. The team is filled with players who understand and excel in their roles.
Players have spoken about their bond, which has been strengthened by winning five games either at the final second or on the last play from scrimmage. “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.”
Quinn, however, remains focused on the task at hand. “There will be a time to look back and reflect,” Quinn said, “but I’m not there yet.”
Originally Written by: John Keim
