The Commanders committed the same grave sin that the Ravens and the Lions did in their divisional round losses. In the first Conference game between two divisional rivals since 1990, Washington couldn’t match up to the Eagles, losing 55-23. According to their minority owner, Magic Johnson, it was their fumbles and penalties that cost them the game.
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Johnson took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the Commanders’ heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship Game. While he admitted his deep frustration with losing, he graciously congratulated the Eagles on their victory and Super Bowl berth.
He pointed out that his team shot themselves in the foot with their ball possession, failing to protect it and turning it over four times.
“My Commanders hurt our chances of winning the game today with 3 fumbles and too many penalties. I want to thank all the Commanders’ plays, coaching staff, fans, and my great Commanders partners for a very good season! The Commanders are back!”
I hate losing so I’m mad that my Commanders lost but congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles for advancing to the Super Bowl. My Commanders hurt our chances of winning the game today with 3 fumbles and too many penalties.
I want to thank all the Commanders players, coaching…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2025
Despite the disappointment, Magic expressed optimism about the future. He commended his team’s valiant efforts throughout the season, emphasizing that their performance gives him confidence that they will remain competitive for years to come.
Fans flooded social media with reactions to Johnson’s tweet following the loss. Many expressed gratitude to the NBA Hall of Famer for his involvement with the team, noting that it was a solid year overall for the Commanders.
Others echoed Magic’s sentiment, agreeing that penalties played a key role in the defeat, while expressing optimism about the team’s future with Jayden Daniels at quarterback, believing he will keep them competitive for years to come.
Thanks for being such a great addition to this organization. It’s been a great year ending with a terrible disappointment, but this bitter pill makes us want another taste next year!
— Demosthenes Locke (@Wowtbc1965Locke) January 26, 2025
Another chimed in and added,
The penalties were their downfall today. Jayden and the Commanders will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time to come. Their future is bright.✨✨✨
— Debbie Tee (@bronzeone) January 26, 2025
Some fans pointed fingers at HC Dan Quinn, blaming his poor playoff track record during critical moments.
Should have known with quinn as coach his team got smoked in playoffs last yr with dallas then his meltdown against brady in superbowl average coach at best he his not joe gibbs…
— Steve (@StevenP14503312) January 27, 2025
The loss is undoubtedly painful and will linger for some time, but looking back, this was an outstanding season for the Commanders. They exceeded all expectations despite starting the year with a tough loss to the Buccaneers. Their matchup against the Bengals was a turning point, showcasing what Dan Quinn’s team, led by a rookie quarterback, is truly capable of achieving.
Kliff Kingsbury’s creative playcalling unlocked Jayden Daniels’ potential, while Quinn’s defensive schemes held firm despite injuries and a lack of roster depth. In the playoffs, they displayed remarkable grit, outplaying the Buccaneers and taking down the top-seeded Lions.
That said, the offseason presents significant challenges. The roster needs an overhaul, as the Commanders will face a tougher schedule next season without the advantage of a fourth-place slate.
Still, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. With rising expectations, the Commanders have shown they can compete—and there’s every hope they’ll continue to do so in the seasons ahead.
