ASHBURN, Va. – If you’ve spent any time around the Washington Commanders over the past 18 months, the sea change is readily apparent. Since first-year head coach Dan Quinn was hired last February, the walls of the team auditorium have been adorned with slogans.
“Anybody, anywhere, anytime.” And “The only fight that matters is the one we are in.” The club is preparing for the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years .
That’s because quarterback Jayden Daniels has had perhaps the best rookie year in NFL history. Linebacker Bobby Wagner , who played for Quinn when he coordinated the Seattle Seahawks' legendary defenses, tight end Zach Ertz, running back Austin Ekeler and rookie defensive back Mike Sainristil are among the newcomers whose impact has been undeniable, if overshadowed by Daniels. Holdovers like Brian Robinson Jr.
and longtime team leader Terry McLaurin have flourished. And that’s just what’s visible to the naked eye. There’s also an unmistakable sense of relief – you could fairly say joy – since owner Josh Harris rescued the team from a decades-long run of disasters, embarrassments and controversies (on and off the field) under predecessor Dan Snyder .
(Per an ESPN report, Snyder tried to kill the 2023 sale of the team and resents the Commanders' newfound success .) Players, coaches and staffers now have what had been a luxury in these parts – the ability to focus on winning football games and/or supporting that effort rather th.
