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Commanders Reveal Reason For Primetime Appearances

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 19, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders' meteoric rise from cellar dwellers in 2023 to media darlings and NFC Championship participants in 2024 could be due to a host of factors.

The new culture, Dan Quinn's coaching, and anything in between—if we are being honest, it's down to one thing—Jayden Daniels.

The rookie quarterback who took all before him last season, as he helped transform the Commanders from a four-win team in 2023 to a 12-5 team in 2024.

Because of that, the Commanders in 2025 are now seen as must-watch in the regular season, and ESPN's John Keim knows it's all down to Jayden.

"Call it the schedule Jayden Daniels built," Keim wrote. "His popularity is one big reason why Washington will play five prime-time games and 10 games in what's considered a national window. The Commanders have seven national games in a row from Weeks 6-13, interrupted only by their bye -- with three night games in four weeks. It ties the record for the most prime-time games in franchise history -- they had five in 2013 and '17."

Washington's offseason paints the picture of a franchise that feels close to winning a Super Bowl, with trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel signaling their 2025 intent.

But more than that, the expected improvement from Daniels after his Rookie of the Year season, to now being a borderline star, is enough to get fans and media alike excited for what might be in store.

For so long, the Commanders have been the punchline of jokes, but it has taken Quinn, Daniels, and general manager Adam Peters just 12 months to change that.

The proof is in the pudding, with the Commanders being on prime time in 2025 for five weeks, tying the most the franchise has ever had.

And it's all down to Jayden.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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