The NFL is all about surprises. Sure, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs seem unstoppable right now, but the league’s setup- things like the draft, salary cap, and free agency- gives every team a shot at greatness. That’s why it’s so exciting when a team flips the script. This season, the Washington Commanders are doing just that. They’ve gone from rock bottom to one game away from the Super Bowl.
But how does their impressive rise stack up against the 1999 St. Louis Rams, who pulled off what many call the biggest turnaround in NFL history? Let’s know both stories and see if the Commanders have a case for the crown.
Washington Commanders’ New NFL Era
Last season, the Commanders were among the league’s worst. Their defense allowed the most points and yards in the NFL, and their offense fared only marginally better. Despite Sam Howell showing flashes of potential early in the season, the team spiraled into an eight-game losing streak, finishing 4-13. The collapse led to head coach Ron Rivera’s dismissal and Howell’s release.
The offseason marked a pivotal moment for Washington. Owner Josh Harris hired Dan Quinn, a proven defensive mastermind from Dallas, as the new head coach. Harris also used the No. 2 overall draft pick to select quarterback Jayden Daniels. The pick has already exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, with Daniels becoming the catalyst for one of the fastest turnarounds in NFL history.
Against all odds. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/aZt0HoZjNJ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 17, 2025
Daniels, displaying veteran-like poise from his first day in training camp, energized the franchise. While the Commanders lost their season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Daniels and the team demonstrated significant improvement against a playoff-caliber opponent. Washington then won seven of their next eight games, quickly climbing the NFC standings.
A midseason three-game losing streak raised doubts about the team’s staying power, but the Commanders answered with a five-game win streak to close out the regular season. They clinched a playoff spot and defeated the Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, marking Washington’s first playoff win in over 7,000 days. After upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, the Commanders stand one game away from the Super Bowl, potentially rewriting history.
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Also Read: Why Did The Washington Commanders’ Change Their Name?
The 1999 St. Louis Rams’ Turnaround
The 1999 Rams set the standard for incredible NFL turnarounds. A year prior, St. Louis endured a miserable 4-12 season. Head coach Dick Vermeil’s team struggled across the board, and starting quarterback Kurt Warner barely saw action, attempting just 11 passes in 1998.
The Rams retooled during the offseason, making key moves that would change their fortunes. They acquired Marshall Faulk in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and used the sixth overall draft pick to select wide receiver Torry Holt. Vermeil also made a bold decision to bench Steve Bono in favor of Warner, a former Arena League quarterback who had once stocked grocery shelves.
One yard short.
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2024
24 years ago today, Mike Jones made "The Tackle" in Super Bowl XXXIV. (Jan. 30, 2000) pic.twitter.com/nrxiQ4BDYh
What followed was nothing short of magical. The Rams stormed out of the gate with six straight wins and finished the regular season 13-3, earning the NFC’s top seed. Their high-powered offense, dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf,” shattered records with Faulk, Holt, and wide receiver Isaac Bruce leading the charge.
In the playoffs, the Rams dominated the NFC, setting up a Super Bowl showdown with the Tennessee Titans. The game came down to a legendary play: Mike Jones’ last-second tackle at the one-yard line preserved a 23-16 victory, securing the Lombardi Trophy and completing one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history.
Who Holds The NFL Crown?
The 1999 Rams and 2023 Commanders went from bottom teams to playoff contenders in just one season. The Rams’ Super Bowl win made their legacy, driven by a dominant offense and roster moves. However, the Commanders’ revival, led by a rookie quarterback and a new head coach, has been equally impressive- especially considering the franchise’s poor performance before.
The 2000 Rams are widely regarded as "The Greatest Show on Turf!"
— MGM+ (@mgmplus) January 17, 2025
2025 @RamsNFL: "Hold that thought…" 🐏🐏🐏
Watch the Season 4 premiere of #NFLIcons now on #MGMplus pic.twitter.com/NJ1gIFb9EX
If Washington caps off this season with a Super Bowl win, they may dethrone the Rams for the greatest turnaround in NFL history. Until then, “The Greatest Show on Turf” remains the gold standard.
Will Washington make history? We’re about to find out.
Also Read: What Are The Greatest Super Bowl Moments In NFL History?
