The last six weeks, every day, the Washington Commanders were in the news one way or another.
They became their third name in four years on February 2, when Doug Williams declared, “We are the Commanders” live on NBC TV from a freezing FedEx Field. Their new crest listed the wrong seasons they were NFL champs. Embarrassing news, until corrected in a few weeks.
More allegations arose against the football organization, but this time against owner Daniel Snyder, who was hit with new sexual harassment claims.
Not to be discouraged, Washington coach Ron Rivera repeatedly told the NFL world he needed a quarterback. Apparently, every team where a quarterback might be available was contacted.
Was it going to be Aaron Rodgers? Well, Rodgers was more interested in getting $50 million per year, only to watch the Packers have to begin restructuring contracts, cutting Za’Darius Smith, and trading away Davante Adams.
Washington then offered Seattle three first-round picks for Russell Wilson. Pete Carroll publicly stated Seattle had “no intention” of trading Wilson. However, we learned they had already been in trade talks with the Broncos. Wilson was dealt to Denver for a combination of 25 Broncos and draft picks — or something like that.
Oh, the Washington fans were excited it was going to be Deshaun Watson. But if ever there was a team who could not trade for a superstar accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with 22 women, wasn’t it the organization under NFL investigation for workplace inappropriate sexual behavior?
Surely they would talk with Kyle Shanahan to make a deal for Jimmy Garoppolo, which was a hot topic for a couple of days. But he was injured, having surgery and Rivera needs to win this year. So, they were not going down that road “hoping” he recovered by training camp.
There were the Mitch Trubisky stories, podcast and radio segments. He would come to Washington because he could start. Sitting behind Josh Allen for a season had been good for Trubisky, reasoned hopeful Commanders fans. You know, to clear his head, give him a fresh start.
The NFL draft, yes, that is where Washington was going to draft Kenny Pickett because he was the most prepped QB in the 2022 class ready to play this season. Then they were going to sign a veteran like Trubisky and draft Malik Willis preparing him to be ready to play in 2023.
BAM! Out of nowhere March 9 came not a rumor, but actual news! Washington had suddenly obtained Carson Wentz from the Colts for two day-two draft picks, while Washington would also receive a seventh-round choice this year.
Wentz, on Thursday, joined his third team in three years, wearing a Burgundy dress shirt with a bright gold jacket, proclaiming, “It is an opportunity to grow.”
What a month. We can all take a deep breath now, look in the mirror, realizing we too can grow.