Morale is pretty low among the Washington Commanders fan base right now, and with good reason. They were expecting another deep postseason run in 2025, not to be 3-6 with their hopes of playoff football all but evaporated two games before their bye week.
Couple this with more key figures out through injury, and it's not hard to see why pessimism is so high before Washington's home game against the Detroit Lions in Week 10.
Not many are holding out much hope for the Commanders moving forward. That's not an opinion from those in the building, as typified by a message from wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. during his weekly media availability.
Deebo Samuel still believes the Commanders can achieve their objectives
Samuel, who was the subject of intense trade speculation before the deadline, isn't ready to throw in the towel yet. He pointed to his experience with the San Francisco 49ers as an example of how quickly things can turn around. He is confident that the Commanders can do the same if the resolve remains strong.
"It's pretty frustrating. I don't like to revert back to the team I played with, but I've been on a team that started 3-5 and made the NFC Championship. I still have all the belief in the world in this team that we can turn it around and get going. We've got to continue to come out there with great energy, practice well, and just bring each other along. We're still capable of winning. We're still capable of doing the things that we set out to do."
Deebo Samuel Sr. via 7News DC
Commanders WR Deebo Samuel staying positive.
Deebo said, "I still have all the belief in this team that we can turn it around and get going." pic.twitter.com/fGqh7dfM5X
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 5, 2025
The sentiment is nice, but the reality is much different.
Washington is severely understrength. Their talisman, quarterback Jayden Daniels, is out with a dislocated shoulder, likely for the season. Marcus Mariota is a dependable backup, but his limitations are apparent. And that's not counting Joe Whitt Jr.'s woeful defensive unit, which cannot find the correct adjustments to its ongoing flaws.
Samuel isn't going to say anything else, at least publicly. He's still working hard, especially considering his contract expires in 2026. His production between now and season's end will have huge ramifications on his future in Washington or elsewhere. The fact that general manager Adam Peters didn't trade him gives him a chance, but others must also meet their end of the bargain.
It's a tall order, starting this weekend. The Lions are gunning for revenge after Washington beat them in the divisional playoff round last season. A trip to Spain comes after that, before two games against the Philadelphia Eagles down the stretch.
Things are not looking great. But make no mistake: Samuel will not give up without a fight.