Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFL’s top honor, securing their second Super Bowl title. However, they weren’t the only team celebrating significant achievements.
Besides the Eagles, one of the happiest franchises was division rival Washington, which produced unexpected success.
For much of the 21st century, Washington’s franchise was known for more investigations than victories. Under Daniel Snyder’s ownership, the team recorded less than a 50% win rate, and their name changes in 2020 and 2022 came well after they last won a playoff game in 2005. In 2022, attendance hit rock bottom, coinciding with Snyder’s announcement to sell the team.
However, under new ownership and with a fresh coach and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington turned things around, winning 12 games and reaching a conference title game for the first time in 33 years. With Daniels on a favorable rookie contract, owner Josh Harris noted their flexibility to invest in building a top-performing team. Betting odds placed Washington among the top contenders for the Super Bowl.
Harris emphasized the opportunity to transition from surprise contenders to a formidable force. Yet, the 2023 season has posed challenges, as the Commanders currently have a 3-3 record, struggling to maintain last year’s momentum.
The previous season’s success surged in October after Daniels made a thrilling play against the Chicago Bears. Recently, a pivotal moment in their rematch could shape the remainder of the season. Leading 24-22 and attempting to manage the game, Daniels fumbled a handoff in poor weather, which led to a game-winning field goal for the Bears.
Daniels took responsibility for the mishap, while his performance metrics have generally improved in his second season. Despite missing two games and facing injuries to key players like Terry McLaurin, Washington remains among the top teams in offensive yardage. However, their defense has struggled, forcing only three turnovers—one of the lowest in the league—while allowing a considerable number of points.
Washington has frequently found itself in early deficits, with coach Dan Quinn expressing concern about their tendency to play from behind. The upcoming month will be crucial for their playoff aspirations, featuring challenging matchups against teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs. With their schedule rated as moderately difficult, the team’s performance must improve to ensure a successful campaign.
