For years, the Washington Commanders have been trapped in a cycle of non-contention, mired by division losses, ownership controversies and a revolving door of quarterbacks.
This season, however, the Commanders have emerged as a formidable and relevant team, as they are off to their best start record-wise since 2008 at 6-2.
Due to standout performances and renewed purpose, especially under the leadership of rising star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, even some skeptical fans are beginning to believe this could be the start of something special.
Brock Morgan, a broadcast journalism major at Howard, shared his thoughts on the team’s resurgence in the NFC (National Football Conference) East.
“The Commanders have been electric, and they have a real chance to compete for the division,” Morgan said. “Jayden Daniels has been the biggest difference-maker. He’s a special quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and legs.”
Morgan also believes the Commanders’ success has shifted the NFC East dynamics.
“I think the rivalry with the Cowboys has changed. It’ll be competitive between Dallas, Philly and Washington for the top spot,” he said.
For Washington, D.C. natives, this resurgence isn’t just about wins on the field. It’s about reclaiming a sense of pride. The Commanders’ success is reviving a long-dormant energy in the city, bringing renewed excitement to Sundays.
Longtime fans, many of whom had grown weary of disappointment, are rediscovering their passion, while younger generations are experiencing a winning culture for the first time. The once-empty seats at FedEx Field are filling up again, and conversations around town are optimistic.
Ashley Anderson, a Howard student and proud DMV native, shared her excitement about the Commanders’ revitalized season.
“The team’s performance has really given D.C. something to be proud of,” she said. “For the past few years, wearing a Commanders jersey wasn’t exactly popular, but now their success has brought back pride and excitement. It feels great to support the team again.”
She highlighted Daniels’ impact as well.
“Even with Daniels’ recent injury, there’s still a lot of buzz and anticipation around how the team will push forward. It’s just exciting to see them compete on a new level,” she said. “I post on social media after every game, and I’m texting friends who support rival teams. For the first time in a long time, we have a team with real potential.”
Anderson’s perspective echoes the renewed hope and energy among D.C. football fans as the Commanders continue to impress.
The Commanders have backed up this optimism. Daniels has been a playmaker with the ability to extend plays with his legs, which, combined with his accuracy, has injected a dynamic spark into the offense.
In his first seven games as a pro, he has showcased his dual-threat abilities, passing for 1,410 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 372 yards and adding four touchdowns on the ground.
Much of this turnaround can be traced to the culture shift within the organization, beginning with the new ownership group and trickling down to the locker room.
First-year Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn was asked earlier this season about fans who are cautious with optimism due to so many years of mediocre finishes. Quinn dismissed that mindset.
“Boy, I don’t think of it in that way at all,” he said. “For those who are thinking the other way, I’d say it’s 2024, and so just let it ride with these guys and have a blast.”
Merchandise sales have spiked, and more importantly, hope has returned. Fans are no longer clinging to distant memories of Super Bowl victories; they’re beginning to dream about the future again.
Daniels is quickly becoming a fan favorite, both on and off the field. He has captivated NFL fans with his dynamic play, and his jersey sales are reflecting that popularity.
Fanatics reported that as of Oct. 1, no player had sold more jerseys in the past week than Daniels. As this star continues to rise, he is not only winning games but also winning over fans nationwide.
As the Commanders continue to rack up wins, the city is starting to believe in their football team again. What was once a fan base clinging to memories of past glory now feels a renewed sense of excitement and hope.
Copy edited by Jalyn Lovelady
