The Washington Commanders advance to the playoffs after a dramatic win against the Atlanta Falcons. It is the highlight so far of a transformation from a gray mouse to one of the most exciting NFL teams.

If you had to write a script for a Hollywood movie about an underdog team that suddenly finds success, it would probably read something like the Washington Commanders’ season so far.

The highlight so far was the dramatic 30-24 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, which secured the capital city team’s playoff spot.

The Commanders trailed 17-7 at halftime before turning the game around with 17 points in a row. But the Falcons tied the game shortly before the end and even had a chance to win with the clock running down, but kicker Riley Patterson’s field goal attempt was too short.

Instead, the Commanders decided the game in overtime, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels throwing the deciding touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. The celebration was huge, the ending truly Hollywood-esque.

At least for a franchise whose perception has mostly fluctuated between “gray mouse” and “laughing stock” in recent years. For the first time since 2020, they qualified for the playoffs, and for the first time since their last Super Bowl triumph in 1991, the team managed a season with at least 11 wins.

“We felt the energy of the fans in five quarters. They deserved a win as cool as this one. Their contribution is greater than they can possibly imagine,” said head coach Dan Quinn. ”The guys showed how strong their bond is. It was tough for the team, they were behind. I love coaching this team.”

There are several reasons for the upswing. One of them is Quinn himself. The head coach has managed to form a cohesive team that has not let itself be defeated by setbacks in a turbulent season.

Fresh start after the Snyder era

The turning point was probably the end of the era of the extremely unpopular owner Daniel Snyder after last season. In Snyder’s 24 years as the owner of the Commanders, only two playoff victories were recorded, and the owner was held responsible for a toxic work environment.

Before the current season, the team was finally sold to a group of investors led by Josh Harris.

At the beginning of the year, a fresh start was initiated with head coach Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters, which – that much can already be said – has been a success.

One of GM Peters’ first official acts was to sign quarterback Daniels as the second pick in the 2024 draft. With the signal caller just turning 24, the long search for a franchise quarterback seems to be over.

Daniels dominated in December

Against the Falcons, Daniels completed 24 of 36 passes, threw three touchdown passes and also ran for 127 rushing yards. In all four games in December, he collected well over 200 passing yards, with Daniels throwing for 13 touchdowns and four interceptions in that span. He also broke a rookie record against the Falcons.

“I’m so happy! The fans have been waiting for this for so long. I can’t even put into words what it means to me to be on the field and lead this team and this franchise to such opportunities,” he said after the win over the Falcons.

Now it’s time to write the next chapter. The Commanders are aiming for their first playoff win since 2005. According to the current playoff picture, an away game against the Los Angeles Rams would be on the agenda in the Wild Card Round. A difficult task for the Commanders, but certainly not an impossible one.

Jeremy Reaves: marriage proposal accepted

The Commanders’ spectacular season so far could well continue. And that was not all.

After the victory against the Falcons, safety Jeremy Reaves got down on one knee on the field and proposed to his girlfriend Mikaela Worley.

His now-fiancée said yes, the happy ending was perfect. Although even for a Hollywood script, this action would be almost a little too cheesy.

“Of course, she said yes. You’re in the playoffs now.”

After the Commanders beat the Falcons to clinch a postseason spot, Washington’s Jeremy Reaves popped the question. pic.twitter.com/PW9198zMoy

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 30, 2024