Despite a 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship, Washington Commanders fans exude unwavering optimism for the future. They celebrate the team's new ownership, coaching staff, and promising young talent, viewing the defeat as a stepping stone for future success.
Commanders fans from Rockville, Maryland gather for a game of beer pong to kick off their NFC championship game tailgate. Photo by Molly Parks.
English says it’s all about showing up for players that, to him, reflect the heart and soul of the city: “They’re representing us, they’re putting their bodies and lives on the line. We’ve got to come out and support them while they represent us.” Despite watching the Commanders fail to contain start Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver A.J. Brown, English came out of the game with hope for the future.
Against the Eagles, Daniels made NFL history, setting the record for most postseason passing yards by a rookie in the first quarter—and finishing the game withpostseason passing yards. Daniels both threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin and danced his way through the Eagles defense for a 10-yard touchdown run of his own.
Speaking of awakenings: renowned superfan Tailgate Ted has seen his tailgates skyrocket from what he called “depressing” turnouts in the past few years to parties of over 700 people. Ted says he doesn’t blame any lapsed Commanders followers for hiding out over the last few years, and welcomes all with open arms: “DC is naturally divided by politics. We live in a city where you’re either on the left or on the right. But this team is a unifying force that we can all get behind.
DC-born and Montgomery County-raised sisters Lee Ocasta and Melissa Leon also have supported the Commanders since birth because of their families, and both are passing that legacy to their children. Ocasta remembers gathering around her uncle’s tiny television with all her cousins, cheering with her family to support the franchise. “Now we see that in our kids,” Ocasta said.
Commanders fandom has helped cement the friendship between Northern Virginia natives and UVA graduates Chris Colliton, Jake Letson, and Drew Cook, who also traveled to Tampa and New York for games this season. The three experienced decades of pain during the Snyder era. “Because Snyder is gone, the weight has been lifted,” Letson said. Added Cook: “Even on the best of days before, there was a dark cloud. But now it’s blue skies ahead.
COMMANDERS NFL NFC CHAMPIONSHIP PHILADELPHIA EAGLES JAYDEN DANIELS FUTURE SUCCESS
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