Washington Commanders

Lore & Background

The franchise was founded by George Preston Marshall as the Boston Braves in 1932, were renamed the Boston Redskins the following year, and became the Washington Redskins upon moving to Washington, D.C., in 1937. The Redskins name and logo drew criticism for decades before they were retired in 2020 as part of a wave of name changes during a period of racial unrest in the United States. The team played as the Washington Football Team for two seasons before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022. The Commanders play their home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and have a headquarters and training facility in Ashburn, Virginia. The team will begin playing at the New Stadium at RFK Campus in 2030.

Reader's Guide

The Commanders have played more than 1,300 games and have won more than 600. Washington was among the first NFL franchises with an original fight song, 'Hail to the Commanders', which has been played by their marching band after home game touchdowns since 1937. The franchise won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942 and Super Bowls XVII (1982), XXII (1987), and XXVI (1991). The Commanders have finished a season as league runner-up six times, losing the 1936, 1940, 1943, and 1945 title games and Super Bowls VII (1972) and XVIII (1983).

Washington has 14 NFC East division titles and 26 total playoff appearances. All of Washington's championships were attained during two 10-year spans. From 1936 to 1945, the team went to the NFL Championship six times, winning two of them under general manager Jack Espey and head coach Ray Flaherty. Washington appeared in four Super Bowls and won three under owner Jack Kent Cooke, general managers Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly, and head coach Joe Gibbs from 1982 to 1991.

From 1946 to 1970, Washington posted just four winning seasons and never reached the playoffs. They went without a single winning season from 1956 to 1968 and achieved their worst regular season record in 1961. Since their last Super Bowl victory in 1991, the team has won just five playoff games and four division titles.

Historical Origins and Divisional Alignment

The Commanders were originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932 by George Preston Marshall. After one year, the Braves changed their name to the Redskins in the 1933 season. Following the success of the 1932 NFL Playoff Game, the league divided its teams into two divisions, with the Redskins being placed in the Eastern division. The Eagles were founded in 1933 by Bert Bell and Lud Wray. They were placed in the Eastern division, becoming divisional rivals with the Redskins. However, it would not be until the next season when the Eagles and Redskins faced off for the first time.

Defining Moments and Infamous Games

Throughout decades of competition, several specific contests have become legendary for their intensity and brutality. The 1990 matchup infamously known as the 'Body Bag Game' stands out as a dark chapter where the Eagles injured nine Washington players during a single contest, highlighting the physical toll of this rivalry. In 2010, the Eagles scored 59 points in three quarters against the Redskins in a game known as the Monday Night Massacre. These games are not merely statistical anomalies but represent the high stakes and fierce animosity that define the relationship between these two franchises, creating memories that resonate deeply with fans of both organizations.

Playoff History and Competitive Balance

While regular-season meetings have been frequent, postseason encounters remain rare yet pivotal in defining the rivalry's hierarchy. The Commanders currently hold a slight edge in the all-time series with a record of 91 wins to Philadelphia's 88, including six ties. However, their playoff history is split evenly across two memorable meetings. Washington secured a victory in their first postseason clash during the 1990 Wild Card round, marking an early high point for the franchise against this divisional foe. Decades later, the dynamic shifted dramatically when Philadelphia defeated Washington in the 2024 NFC Championship Game. These critical playoff outcomes underscore the competitive parity between the teams and add significant weight to every regular-season meeting.

Evolution of Identity and Rivalry Name

The identity of this rivalry has undergone a formal transformation reflecting broader changes within the NFL landscape. Historically referred to as the Eagles–Redskins rivalry, the matchup is now officially known as the Commanders–Eagles rivalry following Washington's rebranding efforts. Despite the name change, the core intensity and historical significance remain unchanged, preserving the status of this contest as one of the most heated in the league. The connection extends beyond the gridiron, mirroring other regional sports conflicts such as the Capitals–Flyers hockey rivalry or the D.C. United–Philadelphia Union soccer matchup. This enduring competition continues to captivate audiences, serving as a cornerstone of NFC East drama and maintaining its place among the most notable rivalries in football history.