A pair of shocking wins have the Washington Commanders in a spot they have not reached since the 1991-92 season

They find themselves in the NFC Championship game, one win away from a Super Bowl LXIX berth.

Their win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Wildcard weekend raised some eyebrows.

But Saturday’s demolition of the No. 1 seeded Detroit Lions made perhaps the most resounding statement from this franchise in decades. Washington’s magical season not only has them on the verge of a conference championship, but also in place to shake things up at a more fundamental level. …

A level at which the Dallas Cowboys sit.

The Commanders have won the NFC East once since 2015, taking the division in the 2020 season with a lackluster 7-9 record.

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have jousted for the crown in every year besides that singular campaign. Coming into the season, that figured to be the same story.

Dan Quinn’s team around a promising young quarterback in Daniels figured to be a player in future seasons.

That process, however, has accelerated in a significant way. The Commanders have the look of a team ready to contend annually in their division.

Nonetheless, the Commanders’ upset and surprising postseason run has signaled a dynamic shift in the East. A win next week over the vaunted rival Eagles in the NFC Championship game would further that point and that game remains front of center in terms of where the teams focus lies. This doesn’t suddenly relegate Dallas to being a second-class citizen.

Jerry Jones’ team has a talent base to bounce back from this 7-10 season. Nonetheless, the Commanders have the makings of a consistent contender, a reality that fans can positively embrace regardless of the outcome next Sunday.