Northwest Stadium was filled with energy which hadn’t been seen in years as the Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, took the field. New ownership and a young new roster have transformed the once gloomy and half empty stadium into a sea of burgundy and gold with waving white towels. The days of sorrow and sadness between the fans seem a distant memory as the intensity and excitement filled the air on Sunday, October 6th for the Commanders game against the Cleveland Browns.
The Commanders returned home after two road game wins against the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals. The Commanders were looking to ride the momentum of two thrilling and exciting games and were eager to continue to build on their success. The commanding games against the Bengals and Cardinals ignited excitement and hope throughout the DC fans. I was at the game on Sunday the 6th and the fans showed up, creating an unmatched atmosphere compared to the last sorrowful years. From the tailgates and pregame lounge, Legends Plaza, and to the final kneel, Commanders fans brought the energy through cheers, celebrations, and mockery of the now 1-4 Cleveland Browns. From the moment you walked into the stadium you could tell something was different about this year’s new regime. After the Commanders hot 3-1 start, the fans energy was unacquainted.
From the moment I walked into the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The sound of cheers and fans dressed head to toe, chanting the young and talented rookie quarterbacks name “Jayden Daniels.” Every Browns’ 3rd down was met with deafening cheers and boos and would often give the commanders the extra push to stop the Browns on critical plays. Early in the first quarter, Jayden Daniels launched a 66-yard, on the run dot to standout wide receiver Terry Mclaurin, and the crowd erupted with cheers which allowed the Commanders to get pumped with energy to score on the next drive. Unlike last year’s somber and muted crowds, filled with opposing fans, this game was filled with passion and excitement. Fans on their feet every big play and touchdown, as well as every critical 3rd down. The atmosphere was unlike the atmosphere in the past, it was contagious as every fan knew they were witnessing something special.
After every touchdown or field goal, the stadium rang out with the classic “Hail to the Redskins” song which has now been changed to “Hail to the Commanders” after the name change. The classic song reminisced the older generation of commanders fans to remind them of the glory days at the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Fans described the stadium as “comparable” to the old atmosphere when the Commanders were winning Super Bowls and going to the playoffs on a consistent basis.
Late in the 3rd quarter, Commanders fans did something special; They started a wave which swept through the fans creating an atmosphere that was special not only for the fans, but for the players, coaches and, ownership. The wave not only pumped up the crowd but symbolized the passion and a unifying moment between the fans. The Commanders dominated the Browns with a commanding win, 34-13. The Commanders, once again, showed dominance, making them first in the NFC East, Number 1 in points per game, and making the number 1 ranked offense in the NFL.
After the game, fans swarmed the gates while cheering and screaming phrases such as “We’re witnessing something special” and “We found our quarterback.” Happiness filled the air with fans, climbing outside their cars and waving commanders flags to fans giving strangers high fives after the big win. The Commanders have once again surged into a powerhouse of a team, with an electric fan base by their side.
