Week 14 of the NFL season saw the Washington Commanders get totally humiliated by the Minnesota Vikings by a final score of 31-0. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned to the starting lineup, but it didn’t matter. He left the game in the second quarter after throwing an interception to Vikings’ linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. While trying to chase Van Ginkel, Daniels was blocked and fell on his left arm trying to brace his fall. He was taken out of the game and didn’t return.
The 3-10 Commanders looked lost and listless against the Vikings. The defense was once again unable to contain an opposing offense, allowing Minnesota to score on a 19 play, 98 yard drive to increase their early lead to 14-0. And the Vikings never looked back after that.
Washington has now lost eight games in a row, as the team’s overall ineptitude resurfaced after consecutive overtime losses to the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. In those games, at least the Commanders were competitive, losing by a combined total of four points. The Minnesota loss was utterly embarrassing, leaving many to wonder if Washington will win another game this season.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility for the Commanders to lose their final four games. They travel to the New York area to face the New York Giants in Week 15. The two teams faced each other in Week One, with Washington prevailing 21-6. While the Giants’ record is 2-11, their two wins were against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints have struggled all season, having earned a combined three wins between them heading into Week 14. The Titans defeated the Cleveland Browns on the road 31-29. while the Saints upset the NFC South division leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road 24-20. Each displayed a competitive fire that looked to be sorely missing from the Commanders on this day.
This isn’t to suggest that the Washington Commanders’ collective effort in Minnesota was lacking. But when your team has been consistently getting beaten in convincing fashion, it doesn’t take long for frustration to fester. If Washington continues on their current path, fans might clamor for roster and coaching staff changes. The Commanders need to do everything possible to avoid an inglorious end to an inglorious 2025 season.