Commanders coordinator issues challenge to offense after shutout

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As the season enters its final stretch, it has been a challenging year for the Washington Commanders, who currently sit at 3-10 on the year. After a season filled with injuries, the team has struggled to replicate the success fans enjoyed last year.
The contrast has been stark, and the pride and excitement from last season have slowly faded as the team navigates a difficult year.
A Humbling Loss
The frustration was evident last Sunday when the Commanders suffered a 31-0 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. For many, a blowout like that would make it difficult to find motivation for the remaining games.

But according to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, a loss like that should spark an opposite reaction. “I think if you’re a competitor, you should be more motivated than ever after a game like that,” Kingsbury said.
Despite a struggling offense this season, the team has managed to find ways to put points on the board in other matchups. “You know scoring zero points shouldn’t happen in the NFL,” Kingsbury said. An action that’s not indicative of who the Commanders are.
Preparing for the Giants
He emphasized that the recent shutout is just one bad game, and that they’re eager to bounce back this week against the New York Giants.
“For us to go out there and do that, I think all of us are chomping at the bit to get back out there, and show that that’s not who we are,” he added.

Putting the Vikings game behind them, Kingsbury is looking ahead and preparing the offense for this Sunday. “It's just, you know, was a bad game and I think that is the sentiment of the offense and so I'm excited to see how we attack the rest of the week and attack Sunday.”
Defining Their Identity
As the Commanders look to finish the season, motivation and execution will be key. With injuries still a factor, with Ertz having been ruled out for the season and Jayden Daniels sidelined again after re-aggravating his elbow injury, the team still has the chance to prove that losses don’t define them.
Kingsbury's message is clear: the team’s identity is not measured by a single defeat but instead by their resilience and their ability to bounce back.
The Commanders have the chance to finish the season with pride, proving that even with the tough year, their spirit remains intact.
READ MORE: Commanders must move forward after another Jayden Daniels injury
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Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.
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