Commanders clean out lockers following NFC Championship loss
Commanders hope to continue success next season after NFC Championship loss
As the Washington Commanders fairytale season comes to an end, the players cleaned out their lockers and reflected on what took place over the last few weeks. FOX 5's Julie Donaldson has the latest details.
ASHBURN, Va. - After a magical postseason run, it was locker room cleanout day for the Commanders at their practice facility in Ashburn Monday.
Some reflective players, sharing their thoughts on the season and its tough finish yesterday in Philadelphia.
Commanders players reflect on loss to Eagles
What they're saying:
Players told FOX 5 the loss stings, no mistake about it.
"Obviously, it sucks. I mean it’s my first one, in this fashion. When you’re this close to achieving something that hasn’t been done in a while, it sucks. But I love that locker room, I love the group, the guys we had in that locker room," said quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Offensive Lineman Tyler Biadasz said the closer you get to success, the more hungry you get.
But still, a sense that this season gave a lot to build on going forward.
Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin had this reflection about the fans.
"The support that we’ve had, and I’ve had from this fan base is second to none and it’s really cool to see that they’re able to proudly be Commanders fans, and you know, it’s just great to have that kind of support and see the way they showed up for us. I really appreciate that and I don’t take it for granted," McLaurin said.
Over and over again, players talked about the culture here in Washington now. McLaurin said what this team did this year is now Washington’s standard moving forward.
That’s going to be incredibly important because we’re likely to see a lot of new faces on this roster next year, many of the veterans brought in were for one-year-deals, and the team is expected to have the third most salary cap space to sign players.
Commanders clean out lockers following NFC Championship loss
The Washington Commanders cleaned out their lockers Monday following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game Sunday. Players reflected on the season, and how it felt to come so close to a Super Bowl just one year after a four-win season.
Rookie Mike Sainristil says it’s important for him to impart onto new players the culture that made the team successful this year.
"I think just understanding what the standard is currently after this season. And anyone who comes in this building after the season has to match that standard. Terry said it best. The commander standard is now what this team has put out there, so that’s what everybody has to match moving forward," Sainristil said.
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Commanders suffer devastating blowout loss to Eagles in NFC Championship, 55-23
Saquon Barkley dashed 60 yards for a touchdown on Philadelphia’s first play and finished with 118 yards and three scores, Jalen Hurts rushed for three TDs and the Eagles soared into the Super Bowl with a 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Punter Tress Way is the longest-tenured Washington Commander. He’s seen players and coaches come and go. Fox 5 asked him what made this year "work":
"The identify of just humble competitors. And that is from our owner down. That is, you get, you’re lucky to have a conversation with AP and him not give you a little bro hug or ask how the family is doing. DQ. I had more conversations about me and my family than I did punting with DQ all year. So its’ just that mixed with you are absolutely expected to go out and cut it loose on gameday, and that is just a fun balance to play for," Way said.
In a news conference Monday evening, Head Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Adam Peters said the loss to Philadelphia is tough.
Quinn said he wants to continue building a culture that will set the team up for success decades from now.
As for fans, Quinn said he really felt their presence towards the end of the season as the team kept winning critical, close games. Quinn specifically mentioned the Atlanta game at home Week 17, and noticing burgundy and gold Week 18 in Dallas, the first round playoff game in Tampa and fans in Detroit and Philadelphia.
"We feel it. We feel it. And we know how important football is to this community. To know that we’re a part of that, it’s awesome," Quinn said.
No rest for the weary.
General Manager Adam Peters said he was heading to Mobile, Alabama Tuesday for the Senior Bowl to scout players for this spring’s NFL Draft.
The Source: Information for this story comes from FOX 5 DC reporting.