It's taken a collective effort to get the Washington Commanders into the postseason. Dan Quinn's squad deserves enormous credit for bouncing back from their midseason slump. They produced some professional displays and came through in the clutch to book their place in the knockout rounds.
This is a remarkable accomplishment in Year 1 of Quinn's tenure. Nobody expected the Commanders to be in the playoffs this season. Almost everyone anticipated some improvement, but nothing of this magnitude. It's a testament to the culture being built by the new regime and the shrewd personnel choices made by general manager Adam Peters to hit the ground running.
The future is incredibly bright for Washington. Fans are rejuvenated and everyone around the league is starting to look at this once-downtrodden organization differently. This should ensure they'll be a coveted destination for pending free agents when the 2025 offseason arrives.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and other high-profile names are gaining the lion's share of media attention for the team's success. However, the Commanders don't make the postseason if some less heralded individuals don't stand up and make their presence felt.
With this in mind, here are five unsung heroes from the Commanders' late-season surge into the postseason. We'll start with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.
Unsung heroes from Commanders' late-season surge to the playoffs
Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR
The Washington Commanders were dealt a blow when wide receiver Noah Brown went to injured reserve. He was the undisputed No. 2 opposite Terry McLaurin, leaving rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels short of dependable options in the passing game with the playoffs in sight.
Someone needed to step up. Olamide Zaccheaus answered the call.
Zaccheaus is a proven rotational piece throughout his NFL career. When the time came for more involvement, the former undrafted free agent out of Virginia seized the moment with both hands. Something that didn't go unnoticed by Daniels, who's looked in his direction frequently over the last few contests.
The performances from Zaccheaus over the final two home games were especially pleasing. His assured hands and aggressive running after the catch were exactly what the Commanders were looking for at a crucial stage of the campaign. It's also enhanced his chances of an extension beyond 2024 despite Washington's need to strengthen the receiving corps this offseason.
Noah Igbinoghene - Commanders CB
The best compliment one could pay Noah Igbinoghene is that you don't hear the Washington Commanders cornerback's name called all that much. There's nothing flashy about his performance levels, but it's been encouraging to see him flourish with increased responsibilities this season.
Dan Quinn saw enough in the former first-round selection to bring him on board during the spring. They worked closely together on the Dallas Cowboys last season, although he didn't feature much on the defensive rotation. The player also credits the coach for developing his skill set effectively when all hope seemed lost.
Switching Igbinoghene from the boundary to the slot was an outstanding call by the primary decision-makers. The Auburn product is thriving on the interior, displaying accomplished coverage capabilities and assisting well against the run for good measure.
Igbinoghene's increased urgency on the stretch run benefitted the Commanders enormously. While the likes of Michael Davis and Benjamin St-Juste have struggled in the absence of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore, he's been a beacon of dependability. He's given up just 289 receiving yards from 61 targets this season, which increases the chance of another contract — perhaps with long-term security attached — when the campaign concludes.
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
Being in contention so late into the campaign is a strange feeling for the Commanders. It's a new-look roster, but those who were around under the previous regime haven't experienced anything like this before.
These nerves started to show in the weeks leading up to the bye. The Commanders looked hesitant and like they were feeling the pressure. Leaning on those who've tasted legitimate success was essential to get out of this slump and finish the campaign strongly.
Nick Allegretti's role on and off the field was a core component of Washington's late-season surge. He won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining Washington. The interior presence played a significant role in their 2023 triumph with two starring efforts in the AFC Championship and on the biggest stage of all.
Allegretti knows how to win. He knows what's needed to come through in pivotal moments. He took on a leadership role when times got tough. That's the sort of mindset this franchise lacked before the new regime came into the fold.
The former Illinois standout's on-field production is decent enough without being spectacular. Allegretti's experience of being a perennial contender is equally influential.
Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders OLB
Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival in free agency came with mixed reviews. The Washington Commanders were expected to utilize him in a rotational role and nothing more. His previous connection to Dan Quinn throughout a rollercoaster NFL journey allowed him to make a seamless transition.
Fowler quickly emerged as the team's most prolific pass-rusher. The Commanders picked and chose their spots with the veteran exceptionally well. His on-field production and relentless effort went down extremely well with the fanbase.
The former first-round selection has 10.5 sacks on the season, which is more than even the brightest optimist envisaged before the campaign. Fowler accumulated 43 pressures as a result of his efforts and came up with two big sacks in consecutive weeks versus the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Quinn trusts him fully to come through in the highest stakes.
Considering how others in the edge-rushing room have struggled to make an impression, Fowler's ability to produce the goods represented a significant boost. That won't stop the Commanders from finding alternatives this offseason, but the chances of him sticking around on another extension are high all things considered.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
The draft picks made throughout Ron Rivera's four-year tenure are few and far between these days. Most high-end choices have been waived or traded. Those taken further down the order were cast aside with little fanfare attached. Very few look capable of carving out a successful career for themselves under the new regime.
Quan Martin is one of them.
The safety took time to adjust within new defensive schematic concepts implemented by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. The former second-round pick overcame some early jitters and gradually progressed. His performances over Washington's final few outings represent the most consistent run of his professional career to date.
This centers on being physical and more disciplined. Martin's positional sense came on significantly throughout the campaign. It was always going to take time to form a new safety partnership on the backend with Jeremy Chinn. The duo is starting to see the fruits of their labor in recent weeks.
Martin's athletic attributes are emerging as a tremendous scheme fit. The Illinois product looks comfortable and is growing as a pro. There is more development needed, but the defensive back is on the right track.
