Why did the Washington Commanders collapse so quickly?

The Commanders' collapse this season is attributed to numerous injuries to key players, including starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, and a general underperformance compared to their previous successful year.

How many Washington Commanders players made the Pro Bowl?

Only one Washington Commanders player, linebacker Bobby Wagner, ranked in the top 10 at his position in Pro Bowl voting this year.

What happened to the Washington Commanders last season?

Last season, the Washington Commanders finished 12-5 and reached the NFC Championship Game, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels being a breakout star.

Home / Sports / Commanders' Collapse: From NFC Champs to NFL Laughingstock

Commanders' Collapse: From NFC Champs to NFL Laughingstock

23 Dec

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Summary

Commanders went from NFC Championship Game one year ago to last place.
Multiple key injuries, including QB Jayden Daniels, derailed the season.
Only one Commanders player, Bobby Wagner, made the Pro Bowl top 10.

Commanders' Collapse: From NFC Champs to NFL Laughingstock

Exactly one year ago, the Washington Commanders were celebrating a successful 2024 season, marked by a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels emerging as a breakout star. However, the 2025 season has been a stark contrast, defined by injuries and underperformance.

Multiple injuries to Jayden Daniels, along with significant setbacks for key players like Terry McLaurin, Austin Ekeler, and Zach Ertz, have derailed the team's momentum. Washington is now on its third-string quarterback, with 39-year-old Josh Johnson expected to start. This season has been marked by a pervasive sense of things going wrong.

The Commanders' struggles are further reflected in declining fan interest, evident in a home stadium dominated by opposing fans. Pro Bowl voting also underscores this steep decline, with only linebacker Bobby Wagner ranking among the top 10 at his position. This stands in sharp contrast to the previous year, when ten Commanders players achieved similar recognition, highlighting the team's dramatic fall from grace.