Nobody will ever forget what the Washington Commanders accomplished in 2024. But not everyone provided bang for their buck.

Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters spearheaded an incredible culture shift across the franchise. From the fans to Josh Harris’ ownership group and the players, everyone bought into the long-term project. The results were immediate and impressive in equal measure.

The Commanders went from the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to within one game of the Super Bowl. Quinn masterminded a campaign that saw 14 wins in total — 12 regular-season triumphs and two memorable postseason victories on the road. They eventually fell short in the NFC Championship game to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, but this does not detract from the franchise’s bright future under the new regime.

Peters’ priority immediately turned to the offseason. The Commanders have 30 free agents, so there’s a good chance things are going to look entirely different next time around. Some will be extended or released ahead of time. Another dramatic few months await before Washington congregates for organized team activities once again.

That’s for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players who robbed the team blind in 2024.

Commanders players who robbed the team blind in 2024

Michael Davis – Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders took a chance on Michael Davis in free agency. Despite underperforming with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, those in power saw something in the veteran cornerback to give him a one-year, $3.54 million deal with the promise of potential starting involvement if he transitioned smoothly.

Things looked relatively promising for Davis earlier in the summer. He was getting starting reps on the boundary throughout OTAs and training camp. However, something changed that quickly saw him become an afterthought.

Davis was used sparingly throughout the campaign. His production didn’t inspire confidence and he was a healthy scratch on two occasions down the stretch. This forced the Commanders into drastic action, switching second-round rookie Mike Sainristil to the outside and making a bold trade to acquire four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

This was a devastating blow to Davis’ chances of firmly establishing himself in Washington. He’s out of contract this offseason and should be moved on with little fanfare attached. Whether he catches on elsewhere remains to be seen, but his NFL prospects are hanging by a thread looking at his recent career trajectory.

One of Dan Quinn’s former defensive tackles for the Cowboys is already being linked to the Washington Commanders.

Osa Odighizuwa was drafted in the third round (75 overall) in the 2021 NFL draft, Dan Quinn’s first year in Dallas as the Cowboys defensive coordinator. Thus, Quinn spent three seasons with Odighizuwa, his first three playing in the NFL.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN mentions Odighizuwa as someone who might want to reconnect with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Fowler believes the Commanders could be the team to watch here because Quinn liked Odighizuwa in their three seasons together in Dallas.

Fowler’s latest: Teams we’ve talked to think Odighizuwa is the top defensive tackle because of his versatility, durability and pass-rush traits. Washington is a team to potentially watch — coach Dan Quinn has been big fan of Odighizuwa from their Dallas days together.

Now, of course, the Cowboys are in the driver’s seat for now, having the opportunity to sign their own free agents before the new NFL calendar year begins in March.

Yet, Dan Quinn will undoubtedly be looking to improve the team’s defense, which was weak at times last season and certainly weaker than the offense.

The Commanders currently have big money invested in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. Other defensive tackles who saw plenty of action this season were Johnny Newton, Sheldon Day, and Jalyn Holmes. Carl Davis and Phidarian Mathis also saw time inside, but the Commanders released Mathis in December, and he was subsequently picked up by the Jets.

Odighizuwa (6-2, 280) played his college ball at UCLA, started 12 games his rookie Cowboys season, and then all 17 games the following three seasons in Dallas.

Remember, however, one of the concerns for the Cowboys was that their interior defense was too light and that good running teams were pushing them around. On the other hand, Odighizuwa is quick enough, and he gets good pressure inside often.

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The Commanders are aiming to strengthen their defensive line this offseason.

Osa Odighizuwa, 26, has emerged as one of the top interior defensive linemen available in free agency. Last season, he recorded 4.5 sacks and 30 pressures, tying Jets star Quinnen Williams for the second-most among defensive tackles. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has made him a coveted target on the open market.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted Odighizuwa’s rising value, mentioning, “Teams we’ve spoken to view Odighizuwa as the top defensive tackle due to his versatility, durability, and pass-rush traits. Washington is a team to keep an eye on—head coach Dan Quinn has long been a fan of Odighizuwa from their Dallas days.”

Dan Quinn may look to bring Osa Odighizuwa to Washington to bolster the team’s defensive line.
Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) reacts to sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (not pictured) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Odighizuwa has started 63 games since being drafted in the third round of the 2021 draft, recording 13.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. He played a career-high 860 defensive snaps last season, demonstrating his durability and reliability. While his run defense could use improvement, his ability to rush the passer makes him a valuable asset in passing situations.

With around $90 million in cap space heading into the offseason, Washington is in a solid financial position to make a substantial offer. The Commanders made a surprising run to the NFC Championship Game last season, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm, and are focused on improving their defense to stay competitive.

Pro Football Focus ranks Odighizuwa as the top free-agent defensive lineman, estimating he could receive a contract worth four years, $85 million. With the Cowboys needing to prioritize a major extension for Micah Parsons, they might struggle to retain Odighizuwa if the market heats up.

John Buhler of FanSided also pointed out the likelihood of Odighizuwa joining Washington, writing, “The right coach now leads the Cowboys’ former defensive coordinator in Washington. Dan Quinn had the upstart Commanders in the NFC Championship in his first year on the job and now has a chance to land one of the top free agents of 2025.”

If the Cowboys can’t match offers from teams with ample cap space like Washington, they risk losing a key member of their defensive front. On the other hand, the Commanders could capitalize on this opportunity to reunite Odighizuwa with Quinn and fortify their defensive line for another playoff push. As free agency nears, Odighizuwa’s decision will be a focal point.

The last time the Eagles saw Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, he torched the NFL’s No. 1 defense for 258 yards passing and five touchdowns, completing 24 of 39 passes in Washington’s walk-off 36-33 victory at Northwest Stadium in Week 16 on Nov. 22. Jalen Hurts was injured early in that game, but Hurts was not playing defense when Washington came back from 14-0 and 21-7 deficits to score 22 points in the fourth quarter.

Hurts was not on the field when Daniels hit Olamide Zaccheaus and Jamison Crowder for two touchdowns each, when they had entered the game without catching a TD pass all season. It was Eagles’ starters Zack Baun and Reed Blankenship that lost Crowder in the back of the end zone for the game-winning score with six seconds left.

On Sunday in the NFC Championship at 3 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field, the Commanders will be without starting right guard Sam Cosmi, who tore his ACL in the Commanders’ divisional round victory over Detroit last week, leaving open the possibility of Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn doing some offensive line shuffling, possibly moving down right tackle Andrew Wylie to right guard, and moving back-up left tackle Cornelius Lucas in at right guard. The other option is to go with Trent Scott, who played well in place of Cosmi against Detroit over 45 snaps.

Whoever Quinn puts there will have to contend with Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who made the play of the game in the Eagles’ divisional round victory over the Los Angeles Rams with a nine-yard sack on third-and-two at the Eagles’ 13 with less than a minute to play.

The following play Matt Stafford overthrew Puka Nacua after being pressured by Carter up the middle, guaranteeing an NFC Championship for the Eagles. Earlier in the game, it was Carter who punched the ball free from Kyren Williams on a second-and-two at the Rams’ 43 for the first turnover of the game on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Want a good way to stop the streaking Daniels, who has a passer rating of 93.0 with 449 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions in his two games against the Eagles, have Carter in his face all day.

“He’s grown,” Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said about Carter this week. “You play as much as he plays and he gets practice, he’s growing, you know. He’s a second-year player. He’s getting a lot of playing time. He should improve.”

And as for Daniels, who has guided an offense that has produced 68 points in two playoff games, while completing 46 of 66 passes for 567 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions, averaging 8.6 yards a pass, Fangio has high praise. In comparison, Jalen Hurts is 2-0 in the playoffs, producing an offense that has scored 40 points, completing 28 of 41 passes for 259 yards and an average of 6.3 yards a completion.

“[Daniels] is a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape,” Fangio said. “You know, the guy is playing extremely well. You can tell how much they think he’s playing so good-bye the volume of their offense and the things they trust him to do.

He’s come through for them in a big way, and he’s tough to handle.”

The Commanders, even though they run a pass-oriented offense, ran off 73 plays against Detroit and 69 plays against Tampa Bay. In comparison, the Eagles ran off 57 against Green Bay and 61 against Los Angeles. It’s what Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury likes to do.

“You know, he has the added dimension of the gun-run game where he can have design runs for the quarterback or pull it and keep it,” Fangio said. “That adds another level to an offense, and [Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels] he excels at that. I assume he was doing it in college, and it just comes natural to him.”

The Eagles’ defense is producing turnovers, six so far throughout the playoffs, though that hides an eye sore that everyone sees: Both the Packers and the Rams moved the ball up the field pretty easily against the Eagles.

The Eagles have been outgained, 704-640, and surrendered 35 first downs, while getting 32. That is not a good trend, considering how hot Washington is entering the NFC Championship game. Washington outgained the Eagles, 369-338, when the teams met in Week 16.

Fangio has been around the NFL, it seems, since the facemask came into play. He’s seen great players. When asked this week if Daniels was the best rookie quarterback he has seen play, his answer was, “You know, probably, yeah.”

Jayden Daniels is set to attempt something no other rookie quarterback has achieved: winning a conference championship game.

The Washington Commanders’ quarterback will be the sixth rookie QB to start a conference championship. The previous five all went winless, combining for four passing touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn’t see Daniels as a rookie.

“He’s a young quarterback on paper, but not on film,” Fangio said Tuesday, via the team’s official transcript. “The guy is playing extremely well. You can see how much confidence they have in him by the volume of their offense and the things they trust him to do. He’s come through for them in a big way, and he’s hard to defend.”

The 24-year-old entered the NFL with 55 collegiate starts, providing him with plenty of experience to rely on. Since joining the league, he’s shown remarkable poise, played smart with the ball, and knows when to release it quickly or take deeper shots.

Fangio was asked if Daniels could be considered the best rookie QB of all time.

“Yeah, probably,” he responded.

1st QB to lead a team in rushing yards during the regular season and make the playoffs 1st to throw 2+ pass TDs in a road playoff win (Buccaneers) 1st to lead team in both pass and rush yards in a playoff win (Buccaneers) 1st to beat No. 1 scoring offense in the playoffs (Lions) 1st to beat multiple top-five scoring offenses in playoffs (Buccaneers, Lions) 1st to defeat multiple No. 1 overall drafted QBs in playoffs (Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff) 1st to have 300+ offensive yards in multiple playoff games 1st to post a 100+ passer rating in multiple playoff games 1st to win multiple playoff games without a top-three scoring defense Highest passer rating in road games, including playoffs (110.1) Most offensive yards in rookie season, including playoffs (5,113 yds)

What makes Daniels’ run even more impressive is that the previous five rookie quarterbacks to reach a conference championship game all had top-3 scoring defenses to support them. Daniels is succeeding with the 18th-ranked scoring defense. Brock Purdy (2022), Mark Sanchez (2009), and Ben Roethlisberger (2004) all had the No. 1 scoring defense. Joe Flacco (2008) and Shaun King (1999) had the No. 3 scoring defense.

Fangio emphasized the challenge of facing Daniels, noting that regardless of the defensive approach, he has an answer. If defenses rush too aggressively, he can hurt them with his legs; if too passive, he’ll dissect them with his arm.

“Yeah, it’s a delicate balance,” the DC said. “If you rush too softly, he’ll have all day. So we need to do a good job rushing with four or five and ensure we don’t give him extra time.”

Regardless of how the game turns out, one thing is clear: The moment will not overwhelm Daniels. He’s a rookie in name only.

The Washington Commanders earned a massive 45-31 upset win over the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturdaynight in the NFC divisional round to advance to their first NFC championship game since 1991, when they last won the Super Bowl.

However, the team didn’t leave Detroit unscathed. Head coach Dan Quinn announced that starting right guard Sam Cosmi was out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL suffered Saturday night.

“Yeah, unfortunately some tough news on Sam. He does have an ACL injury that will knock him out for the rest of the season,” Quinn said Sunday. “So he’s been a significant part of what we’re doing, especially on the interior. It’s a big deal. The ballplayer and the man.”

On Sunday afternoon, Cosmi posted a message for Washington fans on Instagram:

“Knocked down, but never knocked out.

What a dream this season has been for me. To see the DMV full of pride after years of waiting has brought me so much joy. Getting to play alongside my brothers everyday, fighting for something bigger than myself is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I am heartbroken my season got cut short, but I know our journey isn’t done yet. Go win it all boys.

Commanders nation, I’ll see you next season.

Trials to testimonies.”

Cosmi, a 2021 second-round pick, has started every game for the Commanders since the start of the 2023 season.

He started out his career as offensive tackle before moving inside to right guard in 2024, the first season playing for Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. His 73.3 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade this season ranked 14th in the NFL among guards.

Trent Scott, a seven-year, undrafted NFL veteran who has played for four different teams, seems to be the leader to replace Cosmi at right guard going forward. He started his NFL career out of Grambling State with the Los Angeles Chargers (2018-2019) before playing two seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2020-2021) and then with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

Washington signed Scott to a one-year deal in 2023 before bringing him back for 2024. He’s started 23 of his 88 games played in his NFL career, including three of his 27 regular season games played with the Commanders.

On Saturday night, the Detroit Lions’ incredible season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end when they lost to the Washington Commanders 45-31 in the NFL Playoffs Divisional Round.

The Lions were defeated in every aspect of the game, which resulted in an early postseason departure after they had a historic 15-2 regular-season record and were the clear favorites to win the Super Bowl going into the playoffs.

Lions supporters have been outspoken over the unexpected setback, as was to be anticipated. Disappointed yet fervent admirers have been posting their reactions on social media in droves.

The team’s performance, especially quarterback Jared Goff’s unusual errors and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ outstanding performance for the Commanders, infuriated many. We’ve compiled some of the most noteworthy responses from Lions supporters following the unexpected loss below:

Daniels powers Commanders to shootout win over top-seeded Detroit. The moment was never too big for sterling rookie signal-caller Jayden Daniels, who diced up an injury-ravaged Lions defense like few this season.

From the opening drive, Daniels’ poise was steady despite a deafening Detroit crowd. After the first possession ended in a failed fourth-down attempt, Daniels zoomed the Commanders up and down the field, never punting in the first half while Washington put up 31 points.

Daniels made quick, easy reads, and, when they were there, dropped dimes downfield for explosive plays. The rookie’s 271 combined rushing and passing yards were the most in a first half of a playoff game since Tom Brady had 282 in a Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles. Daniels didn’t let this one slip away. Washington punted to open the third quarter, but after Detroit cut the lead to three, the rookie quarterback calmly guided a 15-play, 71-yard TD drive, including a massive fourth-and-2 conversion with his legs.

Each time Detroit threatened to come back, Daniels answered. Unlike his counterpart, Daniels made no big mistakes and proved his mettle in the heat of the postseason. He’s a rookie in name only.

Goff picks a bad day to have a bad day. Jared Goff turned the ball over four times in the first half, including a pick-six, a fumble in scoring range and another interception in the end zone to close the first half. A potential 13-point swing told the tale of a game that the Lions dug a hole they couldn’t get out of.

Jameson Williams added another interception on a trick play and Goff added a fourth INT to close the contest. Detroit matched some of the Commanders explosives and Jahmyr Gibbs (14 carries for 105 yards and two touchdowns) dominated for long stretches. However, the miscues cost Detroit dearly.

Following last season’s second-half collapse in the NFC Championship Game, everything appeared set up for the Lions. Dan Campbell’s club won 15 games, boasted the top offense in the league, captured the No. 1 seed, and the sole conference bye.

The Lions faced a mostly untested No. 6 seed in the Divisional Round before potentially hosting the NFC Championship Game for the right to go to their first Super Bowl. Instead of a coronation, the season turned to dust.

For a Super Bowl-or-bust squad, the way Saturday’s game unfolded, with uncharacteristic mistake after mistake was a brutal pill to swallow for the Honolulu Blue fans at Ford Field.

Quinn’s defense turns the tide. Dan Quinn’s defense stood tall in the face of a multifaceted offense and never blinked. From the opening snap, the Commanders D battled, forcing a quick three-and-out. Then came the turnover deluge. Washington’s front got Goff off his spot enough to make the QB uncomfortable. The tide-turning play came on the Lions’ third drive of the contest.

With Detroit holding a 7-3 lead and threatening to put more points on the board, Dorance Armstrong came around the edge and sacked Goff, forcing a fumble recovered by Frankie Luvu. In the second quarter, Quan Martin took a Goff overthrow to the house to stretch Washington’s lead to 10 points, a cushion it would keep much of the second half.

Washington’s D might give up chunks of yards, but the turnovers proved game-altering. It’s a testament to Quinn’s steady hand that his players were able to play disciplined ball in a hostile environment and capitalize when opportunities arose.

Lions D couldn’t get off the field. Aaron Glenn’s defense finally wilted. An injury-ravaged crew couldn’t get stops against Daniels and the Commanders offense and failed to generate pressure without bringing extra rushers.

As he’s done all season, Daniels ripped apart those blitzes with his arm and legs. A belabored secondary suffered yet another injury when Amik Robertson suffered a game-ending elbow injury early. From there, coverage busts, missed tackles and overmatched backups got torched to the tune of 481 yards. The Lions forced a single punt on the night.

It was a particularly brutal effort given how Glenn’s squad performed against Minnesota in Week 18. Detroit heads into the offseason with a host of ifs and buts, starting with how things might have turned out differently if the Lions weren’t devoured by the injury bug on defense.

Commanders continue Cinderella run to NFC Championship game.

Dan Quinn keeps dancing. The Commanders coach deserves a load of credit for having his players ready for the moment. His defense stood tall and his rookie QB play with a poise beyond his years. Washington came in a massive underdog, with many expecting them to bow out to the high-powered Lions. Instead, the Commanders took it to Detroit. The dog with nothing to lose ate. Quinn’s first fourth-down decision didn’t work, but he never shied away.

The next three fourth downs were converted. Against Detroit, Quinn knew he couldn’t settle for field goals. His club didn’t. Washington scored touchdown after touchdown and outplayed the No. 1 seed. The plucky underdog with the unflappable young star quarterback is on to the NFC Championship Game. For a team that was in disarray two years ago, the new ownership, new coach and new quarterback have the future looking endlessly bright.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Commanders-Lions (via NFL Pro): Jayden Daniels completed 12 of 16 attempts against the blitz for 191 yards and a touchdown, the second-most passing yards against the blitz by a rookie in a game since 2016 (in the regular season or postseason).

NFL Research: The Commanders, who had gone 32 straight seasons without appearing in a Conference Championship Game, snapped that streak Saturday. The last time they went to the NFC Championship Game in the 1991 season, they defeated the Detroit Lions before going on to win Super Bowl XXVI versus the Buffalo Bills.

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Jayden Daniels led Washington to their first playoff win in nearly 20 years. Photograph: Kim Klement Neitzel/USA Today Sports

The quarterback may be a rookie but he doesn’t play like one. And his skillset could well help the Commanders spring a surprise in Detroit on Saturday

There’s a legitimate argument to be made that if you’re a rookie NFL quarterback, and your team makes the playoffs, you are no longer a rookie. By your first postseason game, your opponent has a full season of your game tape and tendencies, you’re playing with more on the line, and the experience is completely different in both importance and intensity.

In the case of the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, we may have to forward that point a bit. Because Daniels, the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, rarely looked like a rookie when he was. In the regular season, he completed 69.0% of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 100.1, which ranked 10th among regular starting quarterbacks. Add in Daniels’ 148 rushing attempts for 891 yards (6.0 yards per carry) and six touchdowns, and it’s abundantly clear that he’s well past whatever limitations we can reasonably expect from a first-year quarterback of any stripe.

In Washington’s 23-20 wildcard win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Daniels pushed his credentials even closer to the fore. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 110.2. He also ran the ball 13 times for 36 yards and several crucial conversions against a Buccaneers defense that was set to attack him as a passer with the blitz, and as a runner with stacked boxes.

No matter what was arrayed against him, it didn’t work.

As a passer, Daniels was able to foil the Bucs’ frequent pressures because he’s an evolutionary reader of defenses pre-snap, and everything that happens in the play comes from his own understanding. Daniels’ second passing attempt of the game, a 35-yard completion to Terry McLaurin, was a perfect example. Tampa Bay’s defense had a complex blitz prepared for him. Daniels recognized it all, adjusted for the pressure, and eased one of his beautiful downfield throws as if he was relaxing with a backyard game.

This is not a rookie quarterback.

Jayden Daniels IDs the pressure and shifts the protection pre-snap, and has Antoine Winfield Jr. screaming right at him after the RB misses the blitz. No problem whatsoever. 33-air yard fade to Terry McLaurin. pic.twitter.com/pRbrw2sk7k

Daniels was pressured on 15 of his 40 dropbacks, and he completed seven of 12 passes under pressure for 97 yards, both of his touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 123.1.

As the game progressed, the 24-year-old was tasked to extend drives as a runner when the game was close. The most crucial play in that regard was his four-yard run on third-and-two from the Tampa Bay 19-yard line with 55 seconds left. The game was tied 20-20, and the first down was crucial because the Commanders wanted to run the clock down before kicking a game-winning field goal.

Tampa Bay defensive lineman Calijah Kancey actually did a marvelous job of crashing through Washington’s offensive line to create the potential for a negative play, but after a wicked counter fake handoff to running back Brian Robinson (we’ve written before about Washington’s multi-faceted run concepts) Daniels was able to escape Kancey’s grasp, and all Kancey got out of it was Daniels’ towel … and a full head of frustration.

I don’t want to say that the Buccaneers threw in the towel here… but at least they walked away with that. pic.twitter.com/3kp3V1pOL0

Kancey’s reaction after Daniels was able to pick up the first down epitomized how opposing defenders have generally felt about having to deal with him all season long. One kneeldown later, Zane Gonzalez “doinked” the Commanders to the divisional round with the franchise’s first playoff win since the 2005 season – also over the Buccaneers.

Safe to say that Commanders announces Bram Weinstein and London Fletcher were excited at Zane Gonzalez’s game-winning field goal.