PHOTOS: Top moments from Washington Commanders’ season of surprises

The Washington Commanders fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 23-55 Sunday in the NFC championship, one victory short of the Super Bowl.

But it was a surprising and rousing season for the team, with the Commanders reaching the playoffs for the first time in decades.

Here are some highlights of the past season in photos.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<p>Sept. 7, 2024: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made his NFL debut, running for two touchdowns in a season-opening 37-20 loss at Tampa Bay. Quinn and the coaching staff talked a lot in the aftermath of that game about Daniels “remaining a passer” and not taking off and running as much as he did against the Buccaneers.</p>

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) makes a pass attempt during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

Sept. 7, 2024: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made his NFL debut, running for two touchdowns in a season-opening 37-20 loss at Tampa Bay. Quinn and the coaching staff talked a lot in the aftermath of that game about Daniels “remaining a passer” and not taking off and running as much as he did against the Buccaneers.

<p>Oct. 27, 2024: Seven days after leaving a 40-7 rout of Carolina with a rib injury that limited his practice snaps, the Commanders beat Williams and the Bears on Daniels’ Hail Mary touchdown throw to Noah Brown.</p>

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches a 52-yard touchdown pass in the end zone as time expires to give the Commanders an 18-15 win over the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Oct. 27, 2024: Seven days after leaving a 40-7 rout of Carolina with a rib injury that limited his practice snaps, the Commanders beat Williams and the Bears on Daniels’ Hail Mary touchdown throw to Noah Brown.

<p>Dec. 29, 2024: In a game flexed to Sunday night and with fellow top-10-drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his second NFL start, Daniels connected with Zach Ertz for the winning touchdown in overtime to beat Atlanta and send the Commanders to the playoffs.</p>

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Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) catches the game-winning touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)

Dec. 29, 2024: In a game flexed to Sunday night and with fellow top-10-drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. making his second NFL start, Daniels connected with Zach Ertz for the winning touchdown in overtime to beat Atlanta and send the Commanders to the playoffs.

<p>Jan. 12, 2025: Zane Gonzalez banked the game-winning field goal off the right upright and through, and the Commanders upset the Buccaneers 23-20 in the wild-card round. It was Washington’s first playoff win in 19 years, setting up a trip to the top-seeded Detroit Lions.</p>

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Washington Commanders place kicker Zane Gonzalez, right, is congratulated by teammates after kicking the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Jan. 12, 2025: Zane Gonzalez banked the game-winning field goal off the right upright and through, and the Commanders upset the Buccaneers 23-20 in the wild-card round. It was Washington’s first playoff win in 19 years, setting up a trip to the top-seeded Detroit Lions.

<p>Jan. 18, 2025: Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard TD, the defense forced five turnovers and the Commanders ran the Lions out of their own building with a 45-31 victory. Washington reached the NFC title game for the first time in 33 years, going back to the 1991 season — the team’s third and most recent Super Bowl championship.</p>

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates his touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Jan. 18, 2025: Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin turned a short pass from Daniels into a 58-yard TD, the defense forced five turnovers and the Commanders ran the Lions out of their own building with a 45-31 victory. Washington reached the NFC title game for the first time in 33 years, going back to the 1991 season — the team’s third and most recent Super Bowl championship.

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