The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Football Team, have been struggling to make the NFL playoffs in recent years. Despite having a rich history with three Super Bowl trophies, the team has faced challenges under owner Dan Snyder’s management. However, with a new owner in Josh Harris, a new head coach in Dan Quinn, and a potential franchise QB in Jayden Daniels, there is renewed hope for the team’s future success.
The last time Washington made the playoffs was in 2020 with a 7-9 record, winning a weak NFC East division. This marked their first postseason appearance since 2015 and their last winning season was in 2016. Despite their losing record, the team managed to secure a playoff spot, becoming one of the worst teams in NFL history to host a playoff game.
During the 2020 playoff season, several key storylines emerged for the Commanders. Quarterback Alex Smith made a remarkable return to the field after a devastating leg injury in 2018, earning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Meanwhile, rookie Chase Young had a standout season, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award with impressive stats.
Despite their efforts, Washington’s postseason run ended quickly with a loss to Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Backup QB Taylor Heinicke put up a good fight in Smith’s absence, but the team fell short with a final score of 31-23.
Looking ahead, the Commanders are focused on building a competitive team under new leadership. With a talented roster and promising young players, Washington aims to return to playoff contention and make a deeper postseason run in the future. The franchise’s loyal fan base remains hopeful that the team’s recent changes will lead to greater success on the field.