ASHBURN, Va. -- Back in the spring, well before Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels had been named the team's starter, veteran teammates such as tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a feeling the rookie would excel in the NFL.

Fueled by an ambitious new ownership group, a bold, first-year coach and a comet of a rookie quarterback, the Commanders have rekindled fan interest not only here, but also in D.C., and throughout

Washington has made a lot of changes since going 4-13 last season. Now, the team is in the NFC championship game for the first time in 33 years.

Early favorites, the Eagles will try to keep soaring against Jayden Daniels, who's led the Commanders to their best season since 1991.