Acme Packing Company
This week, the Packers are at home on Thursday Night Football to take on the Washington Commanders, one of the hottest young teams coming into 2025. But who were they in 2024, and why did they generate so much buzz?
The Washington Commanders’ 2024 season represented one of the most remarkable turnarounds in franchise history, signaling the dawn of a new era under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. After years of mediocrity and rebuilding efforts, Washington finally broke through with its first winning season since 2016 and best overall campaign since 1991.
The team not only returned to the playoffs but advanced all the way to the NFC Championship Game, restoring hope and excitement for a fan base that had endured decades of frustration. Their combination of offensive efficiency, defensive resilience in key stretches, and the electrifying play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made them one of the league’s most compelling stories.
The offensive resurgence was at the heart of Washington’s rise. With Kliff Kingsbury calling plays, the Commanders finished fourth in the NFL in overall offensive EPA per play, a clear reflection of both efficiency and explosiveness. The rushing attack, in particular, set the tone each week.
Washington led the league with a rushing EPA per play of +0.13 and a rushing success rate of 49.6 percent, while generating a league-high 66.7 total rushing EPA. Their ability to consistently win on the ground opened opportunities through the air and allowed them to finish second in the league in percentage of drives ending in points. This balance made the offense one of the most efficient and sustainable units in football.
Daniels’ rookie year was exceptional: he completed almost 70% of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, earning a 100.1 passer rating. He also proved to be a dynamic runner, adding 891 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground.
Beyond the statistics, Daniels’ composure was outstanding; he posted a 104.6 rating against the blitz and orchestrated five 4th-quarter comebacks (four in the regular season, one in the playoffs), consistently performing under pressure.
The play below epitomizes his rookie season as a passer. Two minutes remained, the game was tied, and Jayden Daniels lined up in the shotgun. Washington came out...
