Afterthesnap.com: Washington Commanders – Are They a Team to Watch in the 2025 NFL Season?
The echoes of FedExField are still ringing from a 2024 season that saw flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency from the Washington Commanders. But as the calendar turns to 2025, a renewed sense of optimism permeates the DMV. With key acquisitions, a promising young core, and a revamped coaching staff, the question on every Commanders fan’s mind is: Are they finally ready to contend? Or will they remain on the periphery of the NFL elite?
The Dan Quinn Effect: A Defensive Renaissance?
The Commanders’ defense, once a hallmark of the franchise, has struggled in recent years. Enter Dan Quinn, the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator, now tasked with revitalizing Washington’s defensive unit. Quinn’s track record speaks for itself; he transformed the Cowboys’ defense into a league-leading force, known for its aggressive pass rush and opportunistic turnovers.
Can Quinn replicate that success in Washington? The early signs are promising. The Commanders’ front office prioritized defensive upgrades in the offseason, bringing in veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu from the Carolina Panthers and safety Jeremy Chinn, also from Carolina. Luvu is expected to bring a much-needed edge and playmaking ability to the linebacker corps, while Chinn’s versatility and hard-hitting style should solidify the secondary.
The development of young players like defensive end K.J. Henry and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes will also be crucial. Henry showed flashes of potential in his rookie season, and Forbes, despite some early struggles, possesses the talent to become a lockdown corner. Quinn’s ability to mold these young players into consistent contributors will be a key factor in the Commanders’ defensive success.
Offensive Overhaul: Can Kliff Kingsbury Unlock the Potential?
While the defense is undergoing a transformation under Quinn, the offense is also set for a significant makeover with the arrival of Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Kingsbury, known for his innovative passing schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks, brings a fresh perspective to the Commanders’ offense.
All eyes will be on second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the highly touted prospect drafted to be the Commanders’ franchise quarterback. Daniels possesses the arm talent, athleticism, and intelligence to thrive in Kingsbury’s system. However, he will need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
The Commanders’ front office has invested heavily in upgrading the offensive line, a unit that struggled mightily in 2024. The addition of veteran center Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys should provide stability and leadership to the interior of the line. The development of young offensive tackles like Andrew Wylie and Trent Scott will also be critical in protecting Daniels and opening up running lanes for the running backs.
The Antonio Gibson Departure: A Running Back by Committee Approach?
The departure of running back Antonio Gibson to the New England Patriots leaves a void in the Commanders’ backfield. While Gibson’s versatility and pass-catching ability will be missed, the Commanders appear poised to adopt a running back by committee approach.
Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to be the primary ball carrier, bringing a physical and downhill running style to the offense. Chris Rodriguez Jr. provides a change of pace with his elusiveness and receiving skills. The Commanders may also look to add another running back through the draft or free agency to further bolster their depth at the position.
The Terry McLaurin Factor: A Consistent Target in the Passing Game
Despite the offensive struggles in recent years, one constant for the Commanders has been the exceptional play of wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin has consistently produced at a high level, even with inconsistent quarterback play and offensive schemes.
As Daniels develops and Kingsbury implements his offensive system, McLaurin should see even more opportunities to shine. His route-running ability, strong hands, and deep-threat capability make him a valuable asset in the passing game. The Commanders will need to find other reliable targets to complement McLaurin and prevent defenses from focusing solely on him. Players like Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown will need to step up and contribute consistently.
The NFC East Gauntlet: A Brutal Road to the Playoffs
The Commanders’ path to contention in 2025 will not be easy. They play in the NFC East, arguably the toughest division in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants all pose significant challenges.
The Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and a high-powered offense, have been a perennial contender in recent years. The Eagles, with quarterback Jalen Hurts and a dominant defensive line, are always a tough opponent. The Giants, under head coach Brian Daboll, are looking to build on their playoff appearance in 2022.
To compete in the NFC East, the Commanders will need to win their division games. They will also need to steal some wins against other top teams in the NFC. The Commanders’ success in 2025 will depend on their ability to navigate this challenging schedule.
The Commanders’ X-Factor: Special Teams Improvement
Special teams play is often overlooked, but it can be a critical factor in determining the outcome of games. The Commanders’ special teams unit has been inconsistent in recent years. Improvement in this area could provide a significant boost to the team’s overall performance.
The Commanders will need to find a reliable kicker and punter. They will also need to improve their kick and punt coverage. A strong special teams unit can provide valuable field position and scoring opportunities.
Are the Commanders a Team to Watch? The Verdict
The Washington Commanders have made significant changes in the offseason, bringing in a new coaching staff, upgrading their roster, and instilling a new sense of optimism. While they still face challenges in a tough division, the Commanders have the potential to surprise some people in 2025.
The development of Jayden Daniels, the performance of the defense under Dan Quinn, and the overall improvement of the team’s special teams will be key factors in determining their success. If these things come together, the Commanders could be a team to watch in the NFC. At the very least, they should be more competitive and entertaining than they have been in recent years. Whether that translates into a playoff berth remains to be seen, but the foundation for future success is being laid in Washington.