Following 19 seasons without a playoff victory, the Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in dramatic fashion with a game-winning field goal from Zane Gonzalez, prior to a 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Round with a superb performance from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Drafted second overall in the 2024 NFL draft, Jayden Daniels has led this team to great success and a historic season that will never be forgotten by Washington fans. Multiple teachers and students around Clover Hill have been celebrating the season in a joyous manner.
Under the new leadership of head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders finished the regular season at 12-5, followed by a trip to the NFC Conference Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite the many let downs over the years, the majority of the fanbase remained loyal to the team, and were finally able to celebrate a positive season for the first time in a while. Washington fan and science teacher, Mac McMullen, has hope for the future of this team, believing that the coaching staff and young athletes both have great potential.
“For as bad as we were for so long, the fact that our fanbase is still there and considered one of the more passionate fan bases in the sport shows a lot about Commanders fans,” said McMullen.
For diehard fans, football is more than just a game. The sport provides fans with lifelong memories and can help foster friendships that leave a lasting impact.
“My first sports memory ever was watching Mark Brunell and Santana Moss put two scores on the Cowboys on a Monday Night Football game to win the game 14-13,” said McMullen. “One of the best nights of my life.”
Entering the offseason, multiple significant decisions loom, particularly a considered trade with two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jonathan Allen. The 2024-2025 season has undoubtedly set a new standard for the Washington Commanders, with a revitalized roster and new coaching staff laying the foundation for future success. However, with the success from the 2024-25 season, Washington coaches are being incentivized to take on higher positions in the league, which would be detrimental to the Commanders’ future.
“I would bet a lot of money that if [offensive coordinator] Kliff Kingsbury does this again, he’s going to get a head coaching gig,” said McMullen.
With the many years of setbacks and frustrations that Washington fans faced, there have still been multiple star players that keep the fanbase alive and fill the seats at Northwest Stadium.
“There has always been at least one or two players that I’m a big fan of and watch it just for them at that point, for example Chris Cooley. I would watch games just to watch Chris Cooley,” said McMullen.
The 2024-25 Washington Commanders have not only exceeded expectations but have redefined what it means to be a resilient and competitive force in the NFL. Their historic season, marked by unforgettable victories, standout performances, and a revitalized team culture, has brought a renewed sense of hope to their passionate fanbase. As the team looks to build on this momentum, the future is bright for the Commanders, and the 2024-25 campaign will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the franchise’s history.
