The Washington Commanders’ impressive 2024 season came to an end on Sunday.
The Commanders were facing off against the division-rival Eagles for a spot in the Super Bowl but ultimately fell by a score of 55-23. The Eagles collected 459 total yards of offense, and the Commanders were simply unable to match that output.
Although the Commanders’ season ended disappointingly, it was still a remarkably successful campaign. The team, led by elite quarterback Jayden Daniels, is in prime position to return to the postseason next year.
Now, let’s identify the studs and duds from the conference championship.
Stud: TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz had a big game against his former team. The tight end caught 11 passes for 104 yards, leading the Commanders in both categories.
The veteran was largely a non-factor in the playoffs, but he came through against his old team. It’s just a shame that the rest of the offense didn’t have a great day like Ertz did.
Even in a loss, it had to feel good for Ertz to have his best game of the season against the Eagles. The TE showed he still has plenty left in the tank.
Dud: Offensive line
The Eagles boast one of the league’s deepest and most talented defensive lines, so it’s not surprising that the Commanders’ line struggled.
Still, seeing the unit struggle as badly as they did was disappointing. The Eagles collected three sacks, four tackles for loss, and 99 total rushing yards allowed.
The line’s performance would’ve looked much worse if it weren’t for Daniels’ incredible athleticism. Daniels avoided several sacks and ended the day as the team’s leading rusher.
Stud: Frankie Luvu
Frankie Luvu had a great game for the Commanders on Sunday. The veteran linebacker racked up four tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss.
Luvu and Dorance Armstrong Jr. were the only Commanders to collect a sack on Sunday. Luvu has been solid all year, so it was nice to see the veteran continue that production through the end.
If the team had a couple more Frankie Luvu’s on Sunday, the defense may have been able to pick up a few more stops. There just aren’t too many other positives from this defensive performance.
Dud: Running backs
For the last month or so, the Commanders’ running back room has largely underperformed. That was the case again on Sunday against the Eagles.
Jayden Daniels led the team in rushing yards with just 48. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler combined to rush 19 times for just 51 yards. Jeremy McNichols didn’t receive any carries, but he lost a fumble on a kick return.
You just can’t have a one-dimensional offense against a great defense like Philadelphia. Too much pressure was placed upon Daniels to make something happen.
Stud: Bobby Wagner
Bobby Wagner is exactly the type of player every team wants to have. At 34 years old, Wagner still led the Commanders in tackles on Sunday and showed a ton of heart.
Wagner ended the day with nine tackles and one tackle for loss. Like Luvu, Wagner has been solid all year and ended the year on a positive note, showing he still has gas left in the tank.
Unfortunately, this is where the compliments end for the defenders.
Dud: CB Marshon Lattimore
Marshon Lattimore had a nightmare day for the Commanders. The defensive back allowed A.J. Brown to have a great game, catching six passes for 96 yards and one score.
Brown also antagonized Lattimore into a penalty for unnecessary roughness. Just one play before that penalty, Lattimore was called for pass interference, giving the ball to the Eagles at the 1-yard-line.
In his prime, Lattimore would’ve never had a day like today. It’s clear the veteran may have lost a step after his disastrous performance.
