Washington Commanders’ Remarkable Turnaround: A New Era of Success
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders have finally broken their nearly two-decade-long playoff drought, and the celebration in Tampa, Florida, was nothing short of electric. Among the jubilant crowd was Magic Johnson, who, with his infectious smile and a black Commanders hoodie, was soaking in the moment alongside the team’s owner and star receiver.
Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA champion and current minority shareholder of the Commanders, was quick to highlight the factors that have propelled the franchise to this point. With his arm around principal owner Josh Harris, Johnson told reporters in the locker room that the team had transformed from “a losing culture to a winning culture” due to a new owner, a fresh vision, and a strategic approach.
Josh Harris, visibly excited as the Commanders players entered the locker room, added to the list of reasons for Washington’s unexpected success: “talent, culture, and people.” Johnson then chimed in with a crucial element that he, as a Hall of Fame point guard, couldn’t overlook: “The right quarterback,” he said with a laugh.
Indeed, rookie Jayden Daniels has been a revelation for a franchise that has long been in search of a quarterback. Washington’s remarkable one-year turnaround, from a dismal 4-13 season to a playoff contender, is a testament to the collective efforts of the new ownership, management, and players. It all began when Harris purchased the team from Dan Snyder in July 2023. Harris then brought in general manager Adam Peters, who spearheaded the search that led to the hiring of coach Dan Quinn. The team signed veterans known for their leadership and drafted Daniels with the second overall pick. Quinn’s energetic style, Daniels’ determined play, and the influence of seasoned veterans have set new standards for the entire team.
The Commanders have achieved a 13-win season for the first time since 1991, and their recent victory marked their first playoff win since the 2005 season. The team has been on a six-game winning streak, with the last five victories coming down to the wire, including a thrilling 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round.
“It’s night and day different,” said safety Jeremy Reaves, who has been with the team since 2018. “You feel heard. It was a long time where I didn’t feel heard. It’s like everybody’s on the same page and everybody’s working towards the same thing. And that translates to everything that you see on the field.”
Quinn’s Daily Team Meetings: A Cultural Shift
Coach Dan Quinn’s daily team meetings have become a hallmark of the new culture in Washington. Known for his upbeat and personable demeanor, Quinn enters the room with music blaring, setting the stage for a lively 15-20 minute session filled with connection, information, inspiration, and laughter.
These gatherings exemplify the cultural shift that has swept through the team’s facility this season. Since taking over in February, Quinn has emphasized energy and collaboration as the core tenets of his regime, using team meetings to set the tone.
“I’ve never seen anything like them,” one staffer said of the meetings.
In the spirit of collaboration, Quinn often invites his assistants to present to the team, a rarity in the NFL. Whether it’s quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard showcasing play cutups or special teams coach Larry Izzo sharing insights, Quinn encourages input from everyone in the room, often using humor to make his points.
During preparation for the wild-card game against the Buccaneers, Quinn jokingly suggested changing the practice schedule, only to reassure the team that they would stick to the plan that had brought them success.
Quinn’s approach fosters open communication, as seen when he asked Reaves for feedback on the special teams unit. This level of engagement is unique, according to Reaves, who appreciates the lack of disconnect between players and coaches.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz praised Quinn as the best he’s encountered in terms of messaging, while backup quarterback Marcus Mariota noted that the meetings prepare them for the week and allow players to be themselves.
Quinn also invites special guests to speak to the team before games, including Magic Johnson, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, and former Golden State general manager Bob Myers. These speakers bring unique perspectives and motivate the team for the challenges ahead.
Veteran Leadership: A Key Ingredient
In March, Washington made strategic signings that added three Super Bowls, 11 All-Pros, 11 Pro Bowls, and a combined 23 years of NFL experience to the roster. The additions of linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Ertz were part of a plan to bring in players with deep résumés to provide leadership for a reimagined team.
- Bobby Wagner: Named second-team All-Pro, led the team with 132 tackles.
- Zach Ertz: Caught 66 passes, including seven touchdowns.
- Austin Ekeler: Brought in for his leadership and experience.
Their leadership has been invaluable, with Wagner often addressing the team and leading by example. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt noted Wagner’s dedication, spending as much time at the facility as the coaches on his days off.
Ertz, though less vocal, sets an example with his work ethic, consistently honing his skills in practice. His dedication and success serve as an inspiration to younger players.
Jayden Daniels: The Franchise Quarterback
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury recently highlighted a viral video of a fan celebrating Daniels’ game-winning 52-yard Hail Mary pass against the Chicago Bears in Week 8. The excitement surrounding Daniels is palpable, as the team believes they have found their franchise quarterback.
Daniels, a Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, has taken the NFL by storm, leading five game-winning drives and ranking second in the NFL in total QBR in the final two minutes of regulation. His poise and competitiveness have been instrumental in Washington’s success.
Since the 1991 Super Bowl win, Washington has struggled to find a long-term quarterback solution, starting 35 different quarterbacks. The selection of Daniels in the draft has finally provided hope for stability at the position.
Daniels’ ability to perform in clutch moments has been a game-changer for the Commanders. His calm demeanor and focus under pressure have inspired confidence in his teammates and coaches alike.
As the Commanders continue their playoff journey, the impact of Daniels and the team’s newfound culture cannot be overstated. The transformation from a struggling franchise to a playoff contender is a testament to the collective efforts of the new ownership, management, and players.
“Everything, bro,” said defensive end Dorance Armstrong when asked about Daniels’ impact. “That’s our quarterback. It runs through him. He ain’t doing nothing but putting in work, keeping his head down and continuing to get better.”
Originally Written by: John Keim
