Washington Commanders · Franchise era 2 of 7
The long decline: the Washington Commanders story
Franchise era
1946—1968
The long decline
Washington Commanders
The story in one sentence
Washington fielded gifted passers and receivers but went twenty-four seasons without a postseason appearance.
Individual stars cannot stop two decades of losing
Sonny Jurgensen, Bobby Mitchell and Charley Taylor gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for allen restores belief.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1946
What came before
The franchise moved from Boston to Washington, and Baugh's arm, punting and defensive play made it one of the league's early powers.
1946—1968
The long decline
Washington fielded gifted passers and receivers but went twenty-four seasons without a postseason appearance.
After 1968
What came next
Vince Lombardi's brief season and George Allen's veteran teams immediately restored winning and delivered a Super Bowl trip after the 1972 season.
The core