The Washington Commanders have a rich NFL history of memorable moments and championship triumphs. But it’s been decades since Washington’s last appearance in the NFC Championship game, a milestone just days away for long-suffering fans.
With the franchise’s dedicated fan base ready to return to glory with an appearance in the NFC Championship game, let’s revisit the team’s last NFC title game appearance and the journey that brought them there.
When Was Washington’s Last NFC Title Game Appearance?
The Commanders’ most recent NFC title game appearance was on Jan. 12, 1992, during the 1991 NFL season. For perspective, the national average gas price was $1.13, the internet was just a scattering of a dozen websites used exclusively in academia, and Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Led by Hall of Fame head coach Joe Gibbs, Washington dominated the NFL with an impressive 14-2 regular-season record on their way to the conference championship.
Thanks to a tremendous defense and the arm of quarterback Mark Rypien, tough running by Gerald Riggs, touchdowns by receivers Gary Clark and Art Monk, and a pick-six by cornerback Darrell Green, Washington trounced the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship, 41-10 and secured their spot in Super Bowl 26.
Washington’s 1991 NFC Title Game Legacy
This NFC Championship win paved the way for the franchise’s third Super Bowl victory in ten years, as Washington defeated the Buffalo Bills, 37-24. The 1991 season remains one of the most celebrated in franchise history, remembered as the pinnacle of the team’s success.
That 1991 season marked the end of an era for Washington, as the team has struggled to replicate similar success in subsequent years. Despite sporadic playoff appearances, the team has not returned to the NFC Championship game until this season, leaving fans nostalgic for the glory days of the first Gibbs era.
Commanders Finally End Playoff-Win Drought
With a 23-20 divisional round upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Commanders ended its decades-long playoff-win drought. Washington’s last postseason win came in Gibbs’ second go-round in 2005 when they defeated Tampa Bay 17-10. Washington joins the 2023 Texans as the only teams in NFL history to win a playoff game the same year they drafted a quarterback top-two overall.
Not many, including Commanders faithful, expected the team to be where they are today. A rookie quarterback in Jayden Daniels, a new head coach in Dan Quinn, and the new system that comes with those changes typically experience growing pains.
Of course, the Philadelphia Eagles, whom Washington split the regular season series with, are no slouches. The division rivals last met in Week 16, with the Commanders narrowly pulling off a 36-33 win. Daniels threw for 258 yards and a career-high five touchdowns, but Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts exited the game early in the second quarter with a concussion.
Expect another hard-hitting, high-scoring matchup on Sunday for a chance to advance to the Super Bowl.