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Ashburn, Va. — In the last 18 months, the Washington Commanders have gone from one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NFL to its first NFC Championship appearance in 33 years. What sparked the turnaround? A complete cultural change under first-year head coach Dan Quinn and the adoption of the “Commander Standard,” a mantra that is meant to reflect camaraderie, competition, and accountability.
When Quinn was hired last February, he set the tone right away, plastering the team’s auditorium with slogans like *”Anybody, anywhere, anytime”* and *”The only fight that matters is the one we are in.”* The results were immediate. The team finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, their most wins since 1991, and are now one victory away from a Super Bowl appearance.
Quinn’s approach has been transformative, not only in terms of strategy but also in fostering a culture of positivity, brotherhood, and shared accountability. “It’s a code we live by,” said wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler. “You hold yourself accountable, and your teammates hold you accountable. That’s what makes the difference.”
Quarterback Jayden Daniels had a historic rookie season with records in completion percentage (69.0%) and rushing yards (891), while engineering dramatic wins, like the Hail Mary over the Chicago Bears and postseason upsets over the Buccaneers and Lions. Daniels’s success has been buoyed by standout veterans Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Austin Ekeler, as well as the emergence of young stars like rookie Mike Sainristil.
Holdovers such as McLaurin and Brian Robinson Jr. have thrived under Quinn’s leadership, proving that a mix of seasoned talent and fresh energy can yield extraordinary results.
Owner Josh Harris has also come into play for saving the team from years of dysfunction under old owner Dan Snyder. Harris has worked in partnership with rookie general manager Adam Peters on focusing on producing an environment to create distractions less than the distractions and to clear their minds enough to focus strictly on football as the toxic culture once seen within that franchise has made way for philosophies of resiliency.
Quinn’s leadership style has been instrumental in this shift. He treats every week like a championship week, encouraging competition and empowering players to be themselves within the team’s culture. “DQ is a leader of men,” McLaurin said. “When you trust your coach and teammates, it makes all the ups and downs of the season easier to navigate.”
It emerged during offseason training sessions and has since become the team’s mantra. From the intense practices to spirited locker room card games and off-field bonding, the code fosters a deep sense of unity. It’s a no-excuse mentality that pushes players to live up to the standards they’ve set for themselves and each other.
Quinn has also changed the team’s mentality by rejecting the underdog or rebuild tag. Even though they are seen as long shots, the Commanders have taken on every challenge, including the NFC Championship against the Eagles.
As defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. put it, “There are very few times in life when you get to be part of the change and reap the reward simultaneously. We have that opportunity.”
They may still lose to Eagles, but certainly the Commanders have already revamped the meaning for belonging to its family. For Danielle and McLaurin, nothing but living under the “Standard of the Commanders” makes it worth one’s while to don the blue, white and gold.
We had a goal of being different and uncommon,” McLaurin said. “You can say the words, but if you don’t live them, they mean nothing. We live it, and that’s who we are.”
In preparation for this Sunday’s game, the Commanders stay sharp and focused in unison to show that their newfound culture is truly here to last.
