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Commanding the Playoffs: Washington’s Cinderella Season Fuels DMV Pride

The Washington Commanders have advanced to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991. Will the Commanders make it to the Super Bowl? That depends what happens against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. Sunday (Photo: Emilee Fails/Washington Commanders)

By Kristin Edwards

Howard University News Service

The Washington Commanders fans are using the phrase “Cinderella Run” to describe the team’s playoff journey to the Super Bowl.

Since 2020, the Washington Commanders have undergone major transformations, including changes in ownership, new head coaches and the rise of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. As underdogs who had not won a playoff game since the 2005 postseason, the team has now secured two victories this year drawing attention for its progress and leadership.

The Commanders defeated the Detroit Lions (15-3) in the divisional round playoffs on Saturday. The Lions were 9.5-point favorites against the Commanders (14-5), according to Larry Hartstein’s expert pick for the matchup.

With Washington’s 45-31 victory, the team advances to the National Football Conference championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at 3 p.m. Sunday. The winner of that matchup goes to the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.

The Commanders’ “Cinderella story” has sparked pride and excitement throughout the community. Washington native Angela Marsh-Coan and close friends shared their excitement while watching the Commanders/Lions game at the Madhatter near Dupont Circle.

“It’s been exhilarating to watch this season,” she said. “We’ve all been wanting this team to succeed for literally our entire lives, and to see them do so has been unbelievable.”

Marsh-Coan added that she has witnessed only a few exciting regular seasons, but never any playoff success — until now. “With this team, they continue to amaze me,” she told HU News Service.

Fans and the community have shown strong support for the team, particularly after their impressive playoff victory against the Lions. The Commanders’ performance highlights not only their potential for success this season, but also future franchise success.

“I think this playoff run has revitalized the fan base,” Marsh-Coan said. “All the fans here love the team and having a rookie lead the team to multiple wins in the playoffs just foreshadows what is to come in the future.”

Watch parties have been organized at sports bars, homes and other venues across D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) for people to follow and support the team during its playoff run. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also invited residents to attend a watch party at the Barry Farms Recreation Center this past weekend.

Howard student Josiah King shared his experience at a Commanders’ watch party at Whitlow’s on U Street Northwest.

“I’m from Boston, so I’m not even a fan, but I’m a sports fan by nature,” King said. “Being in D.C. and seeing the energy from the fans has been something I can’t miss out on. It’s like I’m a native the way I’m so hype in this environment.”

This season has attracted those who don’t usually follow the NFL playoffs, but are excited to cheer for their home team and support the community.

“I’m ecstatic they’re going to the championship for the first time in over 30 years,” said Anita Marsh, who isn’t a big football fan but closely follows the team.

“I’m impressed with the skill, talent and leadership of Daniels, and I’m happy the team has new executive leadership,” she said.

National reporter Eric Edholm said, “A new generation of Washington football has arrived.” He praised the teams’ leadership and made a prediction. “It’s hard to see this team dropping from the ranks of contenders anytime soon,” Edholm added, dubbing the Commanders the NFL’s “new darlings.”

With many changes within the franchise, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has earned recognition for his role in the team’s success this season.

Fans have a renewed hope and sense of pride in their quarterback and in their team. Daniels has become a saving grace for the community, showing leadership both on and off the field.

Commander’s head coach Dan Quinn spoke highly of Daniels coming out of the Lions’ game. Quinn told ClutchPoints reporter Ben Strauss that Daniels has a “different poise about him than most” and that he is a rare competitor.

This hope is carrying fans into the NFC championship matchup, with anticipation building for what could be the next chapter in the team’s promising journey.

Kristen Edwards is a sports reporter for HUNewsService.com.