The Washington Commanders Are Currently the Only Real Commanders in Washington – Opinion

Here at the sports desk located somewhere below decks of the Good Pirate Ship RedState, we’ve noticed that regardless of the turmoil and tumult roiling this mortal coil, there are certain consistencies upon which one can unfailingly rely. The sun will rise to the east. It will go down in the west. People will complain on social media about anything and everything that is done anywhere in the world to try to get some attention. The latest example is the NFL’s Washington Football Team (née Redskins) retitling itself the Commanders.

If one wishes to enter a debate that makes Trump supporters versus NeverTrumpers look like a social high tea, throw out the topic of Washington’s name change and get ready to run for cover. Is it possible that the name of the team should have been changed? If so, should it have kept the word “red” in it somehow, and if so, should its fight song have changed from “Hail to the Redskins” to this?

All that aside, let’s look at the new name, logo, uniforms, and helmets.

Name — Commanders is a relatively cool name, once you get past the obligatory commies and ‘going commando’ jokes. This name ties in to the military power that used to emanate from Washington, and will continue once a President occupies his or her White House residence. Since there is no team name on God’s green earth everyone will like, let the whiners and “influencers” whine.

The Logo — Someone got wise on this one, as there is no logo. We have not attempted to transform Commanders into a symbol. Instead, we have a simple “W” made to look somewhat like the same military stencil motif utilized with the uniform numbers. It is clean and simple.

Uniforms — Not changing team colors is always a good idea, the possible exception to this being the New Jersey Devils in 1992. It’s irritating enough when teams change logos for no good reason (here’s looking at you, Los Angeles Rams), but swapping out colors is more than aggravating for fans. It’s nice that the team chose to keep it simple with its home uniforms. They are fine for the road, but the gradients in the numbers don’t make them stand out. Third uniforms can also be acceptable; although almost every team is wearing a certain type of black jersey, it’s worth noting that the black jersey acts as a drummer solo in a rock concert. Cliché? Yes. However, it does work.

Washington’s future is now #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/MwkCLTkVAA

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022

The helmets — The home and road helmet keeps it simple: burgundy with a gold stripe down the middle and the logo in gold on either side. Black shell with logo and player numbers on the sides, this helmet is for the third jersey. This helmet has an interesting retro look.

Now that the name change and ancillary questions are answered, the team that used to have a name – until it didn’t – and now has one again can move on to more pressing matters. For example, Taylor Heinicke’s status as a starting NFL quarterback. And how is Chase Young’s rehab of his ACL injury coming along? Although name changes and new merchandise may be entertaining, Commanders have to win more often.

Although, they’ll always matter to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Have been a loyal Washington fan since 1982. #TakeCommand https://t.co/pLN4YVooJu

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 2, 2022