From Last Place to Potential Playoff Contenders: The Washington Commanders Make a Stunning Turnaround in the 2024-25 Season

The Washington Commanders went from a devastating last-place finish to making a stunning turnaround in the 2024-25 season. 

With an unforgettable Hail Mary win against the Chicago Bears in week eight, and the Sunday, Dec. 22 rematch victory against the Philadelphia Eagles (36-33), the franchise has exceeded all expectations this season, and now they find themselves inching closer to the playoffs. 

Check out 10 Commanders highlights from 2024 ahead of the new year:    

1. Washington Rejuvenated the Franchise With Major Staff Overhauls  

• Commanders owner Josh Harris fired former Commanders coach Ron Rivera after a 38-10 loss to Dallas Cowboys, launching a massive franchise overhaul (Jan. 4). 
• Harris replaced 50% of the franchise’s staff, including hiring Adam Peters as general manager (Jan. 15) and Dan Quinn as the team’s 31st head coach. (Feb. 3). 
• Prominent hires also included Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and Joe Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator (Feb. 4).   

2. Rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels has Historic NFL Debut Igniting The Commanders’ Franchise Revival Era 

• The Washington Commanders selected former Louisiana State University quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner as the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft (Apr. 24). Daniels has exceeded all expectations this season, making history, and writing a new page in the book of Washington’s franchise. 
• Daniels recorded 3,000-plus passing yards and 650-plus rushing yards so far this season, becoming the third rookie quarterback in NFL history to reach both milestones along with Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III. 
• Recognized as a growing dominant force in the league, Daniels was voted Rookie of The Year in NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero’s Annual Early Awards survey and NFL Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week nine times. 

3. Brian Robinson Jr. Commands the Run Game for Washington

• Despite missing three games so far this season due to hamstring and knee injuries, Robinson leads the Commanders’ offense in rushing, recording 705 yards on 159 attempts and eight touchdowns so far this season. 
• Robinson has had several remarkable performances this season including a 40-yard run against New York Giants defense (Sept. 15) and a 40-yard touchdown run against the Tennessee Titans (Dec. 1).    

4. The Historic, Thrilling Hail Mary Win 

• The Washington Commanders notched a historic 18-15 win over the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium, capped by a thrilling Hail Mary touchdown from quarterback Jayden Daniels to wide receiver Noah Brown in the final seconds (Oct. 27). 
• Despite the Bears taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, Daniels hauled a 52-yard pass down the field with no time left on the clock. The pass tipped off the hands of a defender, finding Noah Brown in the endzone, giving Washington an exciting victory that sent the stadium into a frenzy.   

5. Commanders Reach 7-2 Record for the First Time Since 1996

• The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 27-22 in Week 9, making it their first win at MetLife Stadium since 2021 (Nov. 3) 
• This win improved Washington to a 7-2 record for the first time since 1996. 

6. Defense Domination in Full Stride 

• Linebacker Bobby Wagner, a 10-time All-Pro, nine-time Pro Bowler, and 2023 Super Bowl champion, has quickly become a pillar for this team, leading with 109 tackles and gaining recognition from Quinn as a “catalyst” in their tremendous 42-19 win over the Titans. He is also the Washington Commanders’ Nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and he served as one of three captains heading into the crucial Week 16 division battle against the Eagles.   
• Linebacker Frankie Luvu has had a quietly dominant season so far this year, recording 82 total sacks and ranking second in sacks (8). Despite Washington’s 26-18 loss against the Eagles on Nov. 14, Luvu stood out with 10 tackles and recorded a team-high two sacks. As the season progresses he just keeps getting better.    
• Rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil, a 2024 second-round pick from Michigan, has become a go-to defender for Washington so far this season, leading the team with two sacks and earning a 90% rating from Pro Football Focus on defensive coverage in Week 11 against the Eagles. In that first Commanders-Eagles matchup, Philadelphia wide receiver A.J. Brown was held to 31 yards on three targets by Sainristil. 

7. Terry McLaurin Stays Strong and Finally Gets to Experience Team Happiness as a Wide Receiver

• McLaurin is considered to be a valuable wide receiver within the Washington football franchise, catching passes from 10 quarterbacks since being drafted in 2019. 
• Amid franchise challenges and exciting moments, McLaurin has stayed strong through it all, delivering solid performances and making history. 
• He currently leads Washington’s offense in receiving with 969 yards, 68 receptions, 11 touchdowns total, and four multi-touchdown games so far this season. He will continue to make franchise history.  

8. A Resilient Safety Indeed: Highlighting Jeremy Reaves 

• Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves is the true meaning of resilience within the Washington franchise. Despite having to cut his 2023-24 season short in week five against the Bears due to an ACL tear, he has come back this season better than ever as a prominent leader within the special teams unit. 
• He has been named the Commander’s 2024 Salute to Service Award nominee for his dedication to helping and honoring military communities. This was shaped by his upbringing in a military family with two parents who served.   

9. Commanders Still Undergoing Kicker Issues and Unexpected Circumstances

• The kicker position has been one of the most frustrating aspects of Washington football this season. From injuries, accuracy and serious lawsuits, it is easy to say that this is a major issue. However, the kicking position in Washington has now faced an unexpected circumstance. 
• Both Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph in Week 16 missed practice, due to their wives giving birth. Gonzalez and his wife had their baby a week ago; following a post on social media, however, there has been no word on Joseph and his wife. It is the first child for both couples.

10.  RFK Stadium Controversy

• The future of RFK Stadium became uncertain as businessman Elon Musk made a false statement claiming that the government spending bill included $3 billion for a new Washington Commanders stadium. D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser clarified Musk’s claims, emphasizing that no federal funds are connected to the RFK transfer, which is about making D.C. better, not stadium construction. 
• Despite the controversy, Congress made a surprise move early morning on Saturday, Dec. 21, passing the legislation that transfers RFK stadium site control to D.C. The path has now been paved for a potential Commanders return home for the first time since 1996.