Who predicted that the Washington Commanders would hold a record of 4-2 through six weeks of football? Football gurus and analysts had continuously come to the same conclusion in the off-season; the Commanders would be flat-out horrible. No one believed in the team. While the season is young, the historically rich football city of D.C. has gained long-awaited and thus much-needed hope as the team eagerly looks to build on the fantastic start.
All of this excitement and hope stems from the massive off-season overhaul. New organizational additions such as General Manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, and the second overall draft selection, Quarterback Jayden Daniels, serve as the core pieces in the team restructure.
Out of the changes, it’s safe to say the culture in Washington is seeing vast differences under second-year owner Josh Harris.
“When I was there [in 2005], there was that same type of buzz with RGIII (Robert Griffin III) and bringing that winning culture back to Washington,” former Washington player Joshua Morgan Sr. said. “The difference now is the ownership; they are about legacy and not only winning but wanting to win as a family. As players, you couldn’t ask for anything more than ownership that cares for them and actively shows their commitment to the team. The want to win is seen in the owners, coaches and players, and that is why you see their success.”
While the culture change has been a huge contributor to team morale and overall fan excitement, Daniels is pioneering what the Commanders are becoming. What many thought was a controversial selection to take Daniels at pick two instead of now-Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye, Daniels has exhibited early signs of being the home run pick of the draft.
Through six weeks Daniels has accumulated unreal stats and accolades. Stats-wise, Daniels has a staggering 1,726 total yards, 10 total touchdowns, and a QB rating of 107.1, with only two turnovers. For his accolades, Daniels set an NFL record for the highest completion percentage in a four-game span of 82.1%, while also racking up four Pepsi Rookie of the Week awards and Rookie of the Month award for September. It would be an understatement to say Daniels has been anything but incredible as he continues to break records and improve weekly.
“Daniels is the best quarterback the Commanders have had in a while,” senior Sofia Reyes Otto said. “His ability to make quick decisions along with his accuracy and rushing traits set him far apart from other quarterbacks.”
Since 2000, the Commanders have mustered only five winning seasons and one playoff win. Those numbers are bottom three in the NFL alongside the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, two of the most miserable franchises in terms of success in the Super Bowl era. A start like this is rare for Washington fans, but the Commanders hold the 20th toughest remaining strength of schedule. There is an extreme amount of buzz and hype around the retooled Commanders squad as fans are eager to see more results.
“I personally have never felt better as it’s the first time in twelve years that I have had hope in my favorite team,” senior Jake Greenfeld said.
The Commanders matchup with the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 20. Many are already marking this game down as a win for the Commanders, as the Panthers are struggling so far, holding a dreadful 1-5 record. This cannot be viewed as an “easy” game though with the Commanders needing to stay resilient while playing with passion and grit in their uphill battle for a playoff spot.
