8 Commanders spearheading remarkable franchise culture shift in 2024

The Washington Commanders took drastic action during their first full offseason under new ownership. This was welcome and necessary in equal measure considering how the organization was struggling to tread water, rooted among the bottom feeders. Fans were increasingly disillusioned and disconnected from the team. It was time for that to change.

Many thought the Commanders would improve this season. Not many anticipated them to be sitting at 4-1 through five games with dreams of winning the NFC East and making some serious noise in the postseason.

This is further ahead than those in power probably anticipated. The positivity surrounding the Commanders cannot be ignored. Everything feels different. Everything feels better. It's a stunning turnaround in fortunes that lends hope that Washington can return to its rightful place among the NFL's elite after decades of decay under the previous owner.

With this in mind, here are eight Commanders who are spearheading this remarkable franchise culture shift in 2024.

Commanders spearheading remarkable franchise culture shift in 2024

Commanders coaching staff

We'll get to the top guy a little later in the piece. However, the unified purpose being displayed by the Washington Commanders' coaching staff under new head coach Dan Quinn is a major reason behind this team's turnaround.

The signs were there throughout the summer. Washington's newly formed staff brought energy, desire, and fire to every practice session. This brought an immensely positive response from the players and got everyone singing from the same hymn sheet quickly.

This staff has the right blend of youth and experience. Former head coaches are working under Quinn and some harbor similar ambitions later in their respective careers. But instead of this being a 'too many cooks' scenario, they are all working towards a common purpose.

It's a collective mindset that the Commanders desperately needed after one of the worst prolonged spells in franchise history. This also helped ignite a complete culture restoration across the franchise for good measure.

Bobby Wagner & Frankie Luvu - Commanders LBs

The Washington Commanders were devoid of inspiration on defense last season. Even prominent leaders such as Jonathan Allen were visibly frustrated and dejected as another campaign under head coach Ron Rivera spiraled into oblivion. Addressing this was high on the team's list of priorities in Year 1 of their substantial rebuild.

Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu were early targets who bought into the proposals being offered by those in power. They've brought a unique blend of passion and winning standards to the organization. They're setting the example for others to follow. Their contributions so far have been nothing short of inspirational.

Things took time to mesh on defense after so many changes. Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit has excelled over the last seven quarters of competitive action after the defensive coordinator simplified the schematic strategy. Wagner and Luvu were at the forefront as expected, keeping spirits high and providing a sense of assurance at the second level that was sorely missing previously.

Wagner seems to have a lot of good football left and is on course for another new deal if he wants it. Luvu looks like a franchise cornerstone piece for years to come. That's a sensational early return on Washington's investment.

Adam Peters - Commanders GM

There was only one man for the vacant Commanders' general manager position. Other candidates were interviewed, but it was merely a formality. Josh Harris' ownership group and special advisor Bob Myers honed in on Adam Peters immediately. After waiting for the right opportunity, the respected front-office figure saw this as a project worth being part of.

Peters had an ambitious plan in place and wasted no time turning the Commanders around. There is a collective purpose and improved infrastructure in the front office. He turned over almost two-thirds of the playing personnel while maintaining financial flexibility in the coming years. There's an emphasis on building through the draft and rewarding those who prove their worth. Sam Cosmi's lucrative contract extension is a prime example.

The Commanders also hit on their quarterback at No. 2 overall if Jayden Daniels' performances through five weeks are any indication. Getting the chance to build around a rookie contract is the biggest positive imaginable. After so much roster mismanagement and failed moves during Ron Rivera's tenure, Washington finally has the right guy in place.

This is just the start for Peters. His plans might pivot slightly thanks to the Commanders' sensational start, but fans can relax safe in the knowledge he'll do the right thing.

Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C

The Washington Commanders were extremely active in free agency. They knew this roster needed a significant overhaul to become more competitive moving forward. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but the front office did an incredible job of laying the correct foundations for a successful future.

There were a few veterans who immediately became high-priority targets. Tyler Biadasz was one of them. The center signed a three-year, $29.25 million deal that came with a $13.5 million signing bonus and $20.5 million guaranteed. He came highly recommended by head coach Dan Quinn from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. Looking at the way he's applied himself so far, it's not hard to see why.

Biadasz has been an absolute revelation. He's set the tone with consistent production, exceptional communication pre-snap, and impressive leadership. His 79.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus is ranked No. 3 among centers - something that's helped rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels enormously during his important transition.

This was an overlooked acquisition compared to others. It's quickly becoming one of the most important and the entire offensive line is thriving as a result.

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

It's hard to believe a rookie quarterback starting his NFL journey can be partly responsible for a culture shift across an entire organization. However, that's exactly what Jayden Daniels is doing with the Commanders.

The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft made his presence felt immediately. Daniels won over veteran teammates with exceptional work ethic and a quiet aura that they naturally gravitated towards. He took nothing for granted, knowing that being drafted high and his college accomplishments meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. He embraced the challenge and the Commanders are thriving sooner than expected.

Daniels' on-field talent has been on full display. He's off to a borderline historic start that has fans dreaming of brighter days. There's a poise and purpose to his presence more akin to a seasoned pro than a first-year player. Everyone in the Commanders believes because they have the Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU under center.

One only has to see how established locker room figures speak about Daniels to see how he's galvanized the franchise. This is nothing short of astonishing considering he's just beginning to carve out his path.

Dan Quinn - Commanders HC

Many fans and some in the media thought Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a near certainty for the Washington Commanders' head coaching job. A late U-turn from the candidate while those in power were in the air to meet him for a second interview led the franchise to Dan Quinn.

The Commanders were always extremely high on Quinn. They felt this was the right leader to guide them into a prosperous new era. He was eager to make the most of a second opportunity. Everyone bought in quickly thanks to his passionate teachings and preaching of the importance of building relationships within their brotherhood.

The results have been immediate. It's not just the results, which are night and day from previous regimes. It's the vibrant atmosphere within the locker room and how each player is fighting for one another. That's the biggest positive above all else.

Sam Cosmi acknowledged that being part of a genuine culture wasn't something he's experienced previously. He's adjusted and is embracing the changing tide, which is something Quinn deserves enormous credit for.

Josh Harris - Commanders owner

It took a long time for someone to wrestle the Commanders from Dan Snyder's grasp. Even with the constant stream of allegations and scandals he brought to the organization, he stayed in power and the franchise descended into decay. Frustrations reached a boiling point in 2023 and he eventually sold to Josh Harris' ownership group.

Harris and his wealthy benefactors spent the first few months assessing the organization and forming plans for the future. They acted swiftly once the 2023 campaign concluded, implementing their strategy and vastly improving the infrastructure.

His previous experience owning sports franchises helped. Harris was an interested onlooker rather than being heavily involved in the recruitment process. He allowed the football men to make the decisions, providing them with anything they needed and sparing no expense in pursuit of one common goal.

This was no more evident than in Week 4. Harris likely spent huge sums for the Commanders to stay in Arizona and practice at Arizona State University before their game against the Cardinals. That wasn't cheap, but it came with a resounding victory.

Washington is in good hands with Harris. And with any culture shift, it starts at the very top.

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