Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders find themselves without a surplus of praise being sent their way these days, but that wasn’t always the case. 

Before recent turmoil, and before the name Commanders came about, the franchise was a proud one that produced several Hall of Fame players over the years. 

The greatest of them all, however, is quarterback Sammy Baugh according to 33rd Team

“He was not only a franchise quarterback, but Baugh was an outstanding tailback before that,” says 33rd Team. “Oh yes, he was a ball-hawking defensive back. Wait, there’s more: Baugh was the NFL’s best punter.”

Indeed, calling Baugh a franchise quarterback is actually an understatement when you consider what he did for the franchise. 

On top of everything mentioned above the site points out that Baugh led the league in completion percentage eight times, completions six, and in yards per game five times.

He was also the best quarterback when it came to being intercepted in 1943 throwing just 11 and of course he also led the NFL in punting five of his 16 seasons.

Baugh is certainly deserving of this level of praise, and it didn’t come easy. 

Among Washington runner-ups are running back John Riggins, cornerback Darrell Green, and receiver Art Monk. 

It’s a tough job to pick the greatest player to ever come out of the Commanders franchise history, but we think 33rd Team did an admirable job of picking one here.

Of course, some current Washington greats are hoping to challenge for that title in the future. 

Perhaps quarterback Sam Howell could eventually be considered for a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he might even push Baugh to be the best in Commanders history. 

All he needs to do is work on that punting leg - so watch out, Tress Way.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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