15-34. If the Commanders scored a few touchdowns, they could truly win this. At 23-34 in the third quarter, Washington’s football team was progressing toward a win. But then, shortly but quickly, the Commanders began to disappoint their fans once again. 23-41, 23-48, and 23-55 were all in the same quarter.
The Commanders lose, and the Eagles proceed to the Super Bowl to face the Kansas City Chiefs. However, this win was truly different for the Commanders. Now, for the first time in 33 years, the Commanders appeared in an NFC Championship game.
WCHS senior Brooke Roberts has been a Commanders fan since the team’s previous name, the Washington Redskins, and has been rooting for them since she was in diapers. A typical Thursday and Sunday in the Roberts household is marked by the family sitting together, anticipating a win for the Commanders. In most seasons, the family prepares their hearts for several losses but this loss means something different.
“What made this game special was that it was the first time my siblings and I witnessed the Commanders get to this level in our entire lives,” Roberts said. “It was a great moment for family bonding due to our shared passion for football.”
After the big loss on Sunday, Jan. 26, several Commanders fans were distressed and experienced extreme anger at their team. This game marked a new beginning for the Commanders in NFL history even though the team lost; Commanders fans will now have a new sense of hope for their team throughout the remainder of the decade.
“I didn’t expect them to win but I was hopeful and I’m not mad they lost,” Roberts said. “I’m happy that the Commanders can prove themselves to the world and have more great seasons.”
The Washington Commanders ended their season with a 14-6 record, contrary to the previous season’s 4-13. With the team being sold by Dan Synder to Josh Harris after firing head coach Ron Rivera, this season began with new management. But the most effective change this season was the first-round draft pick of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels shook things up for the Commanders this season and quickly rose to being a fan favorite.
“I think [Daniels’] ability to stay calm in stressful situations is vital,” Roberts said. “As the rest of the team was stressed and fans were putting pressure on him, Daniels showed a calm face to the world.”
Although some Commanders viewed the loss as an opportunity for growth as Daniels did, others retaliated and became annoyed with the results. WCHS senior Zuzu Suliman has been a passionate Commanders fan for a while and was quite shocked by the results of the NFC Championship game.
“[The Commanders] would have won if more people united in the common hatred for the Eagles,” Suliman said. “I will never eat a Philly Cheesesteak again because I am heartbroken [by this loss].”
