The Washington Commanders have a pulse.
Sure, they came up just short of upsetting the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. They were just a 2-point conversion away.
But that doesn't mean they didn't show the whole NFL world something. This Commanders team under Dan Quinn doesn't seem likely to lie down, and they're getting healthier, too.
That could be major news in the NFC East race, because Washington still has multiple games left against its divisional foes.
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ESPN's John Keim laid out the spoiler situation in an article on Monday:
"After consecutive overtime defeats, the Commanders finally look like a competitive team again. They still have NFC East games left versus Dallas (at home) and two versus the Eagles. Washington is in better shape to finally spring an upset and perhaps impact the playoff race. In the two games since coach Dan Quinn took over defensive playcalling duties, the Commanders have allowed a combined 42 points. They have a healthier group of receivers with Terry McLaurin back, and quarterback Jayden Daniels should return soon. At 3-9, it's a lost season, but their improved play could help decide the NFC East."
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This is the kind of late-season situation that can earn players and coaches their jobs for next season and beyond.
It can say a lot about character what someone does when the only incentive to do it is for pride.
And if the Commanders keep playing like this, they can shape the playoff race. They won't be in the bracket themselves, but they can impact how it looks.
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