NFL brutally disrespects Commanders with sickening regular-season opener

The Washington Commanders are riding on the crest of a wave right now. That didn't stop the NFL's schedule-makers from disrespecting their 2024 accomplishments with a sickening regular-season opener on primetime.

Washington's division rival, the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles, were guaranteed to host the first game of the season following recent traditions. But instead of putting the Commanders into the slot for a rematch of the NFC Championship game, they went with the Dallas Cowboys instead.

That's right, the team that gets hyped up beyond recognition every offseason before failing miserably is getting the same treatment this time around.

Commanders should use regular-season opener snub as motivation

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones hasn't achieved much on-field success over the last two decades, but he's an expert at keeping the Cowboys in the spotlight more than any other franchise. They still drive ratings, which is why Dallas received this prestigious honor versus a fierce division rival.

This was met with derision by fans, especially in Washington. They're getting tired of having the Cowboys shoved down their throats with almost no substance attached to their undeserved hype. It's nauseating, but this news confirms it shows no signs of slowing down.

It should serve as extra motivation for the Commanders. They became the league's Cinderella story last season, reaching the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under head coach Dan Quinn. If they can ensure this is the start of something special and keep the Cowboys as a distant third within the NFC East, that'll mean more than opening the campaign with the national spotlight glaring.

Regardless of when the Commanders and Eagles lock horns this season, it'll be a must-watch. There is a bitter hatred between the two. Now that Washington is relevant again and Philadelphia is looking to defend its Super Bowl crown, the excitement is going to be nothing short of palpable.

The Cowboys will be widely projected to make the postseason and, in some cases, go deep in the playoffs en route to conference championship consideration. They'll probably flatter to deceive once again, but that doesn't seem to matter to Jones if Dallas hogs the headlines.

Washington has loftier ambitions than that. And who knows, they might be hosting the 2026 season opener if everything goes better than anticipated.

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