Excitement around the Washington Commanders' season hasn't been this high for decades. The dark cloud of previous regimes is long gone, replaced by a vibrant new hope that stemmed from improved structure behind the scenes and a sensational run to the NFC Championship game in 2024.
Expectations have risen exponentially, which isn't surprising. This big market franchise has been in the proverbial shadows for too long. Their fans have been starved of success, so their quick rise back into the spotlight was exactly what they needed.
Building on this is the next challenge. Everyone will be gunning for the Commanders rather than treating them as an afterthought.