There were similarities.
The Commanders and Patriots selected franchise quarterbacks with consecutive picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Both organizations tabbed new leaders for their front offices and brought in new coaching staffs to lead the team on the field. Washington and New England simultaneously stepped to the starting line in a race many figured would resemble a marathon.
The Commanders, though, sprinted out in front and dusted the Patriots.
New England now holds the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and Washington is one of four teams still fighting for the Lombardi trophy.