Tanking is a popular term among sports fans, especially in the past decade. The best example of tanking comes from the Philadelphia 76ers over a decade ago. Coincidentally, the Sixers’ primary owner is Josh Harris, who is now the managing partner of the Washington Commanders. Philadelphia acknowledged the tank accident, calling it a “process.”
Tank’s goal is to get the highest possible pick in next year’s college draft. In the NFL, tanks don’t exist. Every team, from general managers to coaches, is feeling the pressure to win right now. Whether your record is 1-15 or 12-4 in Week 18, the goal is to win every game. After all, there are only 17 on the schedule.
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Which brings us to Commander 2025. After shocking the world with a 12-5 record last year and reaching the NFC Championship Game, Washington entered Sunday’s NFC East matchup against the New York Giants with a 3-10 record and the loss of eight straight games. The Commanders ended their losing streak on Sunday, improving to 4-10. With no hope of making the playoffs, Washington’s coaches and players prepared for Week 15 just as they did for Week 1. The goal is the same.
A popular long-time commander made his feelings about tanks clear after the victory in Washington.
If you thought Reeves was an exception, you’d be wrong. Almost every NFL player has the same goal. Dan Quinn went 12-5 in his first season as Washington’s head coach in 2024. In most cases, no matter how bad things get, he doesn’t struggle in year two. But this is the NFL. You never know. Sunday’s win was special for Quinn and his players, a reward for continuing their hard work during such a difficult season.
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Don’t you believe it? Look at the scene in the locker room after beating the Giants.
Sunday’s win didn’t turn around the Commander’s season, but it still felt good. So while many Washington fans were disappointed with the outcome, the players were not. Regardless, losing doesn’t guarantee anything. Remember when Washington fans hoped to lose to the Giants at the end of the 2019 season so they could get the second overall pick and select Ohio State defensive end Chase Young? What was the result?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Jeremy Reeves doesn’t care about draft order
