Commanders Celebrate Historic NFC Championship Game 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 are heading to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 1991 season. This victory marks the end of the longest NFC Championship Game drought, a dubious distinction now passed to the Dallas Cowboys, who last reached the game 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, including notable figures like former Washington coach Joe Gibbs, minority shareholder Magic Johnson, NBA star Kevin Durant, and actor Jeffrey Wright, all of whom joined in the celebrations.
Commanders general manager Adam Peters, in his inaugural season, was seen embracing players in the locker room, 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 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 upcoming NFC Championship Game. The Commanders’ fan base, which has endured a challenging 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 prefers the term “recalibrate” over “rebuild,” the team has been rejuvenated. Linebacker Bobby Wagner, who was born in 1990, just 19 months before the organization’s last Super Bowl title, described the situation as “crazy.”
Safety Jeremy Reaves, with the organization since 2018, was overwhelmed by the moment, saying, “Man, this is cool. I can’t even put my head around this. No one thought we would be here. Let’s go!”
The Commanders’ success is largely attributed to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has become the sixth rookie quarterback to reach a championship game. Daniels completed 22 of 31 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing 16 times for 51 yards. His poise and clutch performances have been instrumental in the team’s success.
- Daniels connected on two crucial fourth-down passes to sustain touchdown drives.
- 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.”
Daniels’ work ethic and talent have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates. 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 championship games with the Seattle Seahawks, winning both, sensed the team’s potential 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 consecutive games. Daniels isn’t the only rookie making an impact. Mike Sainristil, a second-round pick, has solidified the cornerback position and intercepted two passes in the game 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 team also boasts a standout receiver in McLaurin, who scored a 58-yard touchdown, his 14th of the season.
Players have emphasized their strong bond, which has been strengthened during their recent string of close victories. “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
