The NFL doesn't come up for air at any stage during the calendar year. But for the first time in months, Washington Commanders fans and others around the league have a regular-season contest firmly in their sights.
It was an unbelievable turnaround from the Commanders in 2024. Dan Quinn spearheaded a cultural renaissance that saw the squad go from bottom feeders to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his leadership. More is expected this time around.
Maintaining these high standards is the tricky part. The Commanders might think they are still the hunters, but they are now the hunted to everyone else.