In a matchup that tested the Washington Commanders' grit, a narrow 20-19 victory over the New Orleans Saints pushed the team to 9-5 and solidified their best start through 14 games since 1992.
While the Commanders seemed poised for a decisive win after a dominant first half, the game’s dramatic ending reflected the unpredictable nature of their 2024 campaign.
Dan Quinn, in his inaugural season as head coach, added his name alongside George Allen as the only head coaches in franchise history to secure nine-plus wins in their debut season. Postgame, Quinn described the thrilling contest as "another wild game," praising his team’s perseverance while acknowledging areas for improvement.
“Another wild game. For us to come down and get one on the road, that’s a big deal," said Quinn. "Going in, to have the time of possession, that’s when we play at our best because now, third downs are more manageable. I thought emphasizing that coming out of our bye, on both sides of the ball on third down, that was going to be big. We knew we could find ways to improve upon that… In a game of missed opportunities, penalties and missed plays, those can get frustrating. Lot’s to clean up on to those.”
Despite leading 14-0 at halftime, Washington’s offense slowed in the second half, producing just two field goals while the Saints rallied for 19 points. The game came down to a crucial stop on a Saints two-point conversion attempt, sealing the victory. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led Washington with 226 passing yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
“To go all the way down to the end to the last play. You’ve heard me talk about the fight of the group, and that’s one of the things I really admire about our team,” Quinn added. “We’ve been in a lot of close games, so we’re getting battle-hardened.”
Washington now turns its focus to a pivotal NFC East clash with the 12-2 Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 at Northwest Stadium. The showdown will test the Commanders’ mettle as they aim to solidify their playoff position against the division's top contender. The Eagles are on a 10-game win streak, having defeated two of the AFC’s top competitors including their week 15 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
