In their first season with a brand new quarterback (QB), offensive coordinator (OC), head coach (HC), general manager (GM), and owner, it is more than fair to say that the Washington Commanders blew the door on their expectations. It has been a season for the ages for Commanders’ fans, and everyone knows it is the start of an era. In the preseason, their projected win total was set at 6.5, but led by their rookie sensation QB, Jayden Daniels, they achieved 14 wins (including playoffs) and played in the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship. They were fantastic this season, and one thing is for sure: the Washington Commanders will be a major competitor in the coming years.
The Commanders’ offense was the driving force that took them to the NFC Title game in the 2024 season. Led by the leadership of OC Kliff Kingsbury and Louisiana State University (LSU) QB Jayden Daniels, the offense progressed to one of the league’s best. In the first year of this new-look offense, they ranked fifth in points a game at 28.5, third in rushing yards a game at 154.1, and seventh in total yards a game at 369.6. These are awe-inspiring numbers for a team that did not have the firepower like the Philadelphia Eagles. The only reason the Commanders were even in the playoff race was their phenom, Jayden Daniels. Daniels had the fifth-best completion percentage (min. 15 games), fourth-best quarterback rating (QBR) and the second-most rushing yards for a QB. The partnership between Daniels and Kingsbury meshed and Kingsbury aided the rookie QB by giving uncomplicated play calls. They hit a little bit of a wall midway through the season but the offense got going again after their bye week in Week 15. The Commanders used the wide receiver (WR) screen often, as well as many slant routes, read option run plays, and the occasional deep ball to keep defenses on their toes. Kingsbury simplified it for Daniels, which is why the offense ran so cleanly with few mistakes.
Along with Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin was also a standout player. He was second in receiving touchdowns (TD) and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in his fifth straight season. McLaurin has been through the lows of this team, and even with the inconsistent QBS he has had in his tenure at Washington, he has been their most reliable player. Daniels and McLaurin showed chemistry this season and have blossomed into one of the league’s best duos.
Down the stretch in the playoffs, the Commanders’ defense got exposed in certain areas of the field. The group allowed the third least passing yards a game in the regular season; however, the third most rushing yards. They must bolster the run defense in the offseason because it was a glaring vulnerability the entire season. In all three games against the Eagles this season, running back (RB) Saquon Barkley had more than 115 rushing yards and tore the run defense up. Even throughout the regular season, they were getting carried by the offense in a lot of instances and the defense lacked superstars, especially up front. A new acquisition in the past offseason, Bobby Wagner led the team in tackles and ranked 18th in the category. As a linebacker, Wagner shut down a lot of plays, and his veteran leadership in the locker room made the group stronger. Jeremy Chinn, at safety, was also one of the better players throughout the season and a key piece in their secondary.
As seen this past season, Jayden Daniels has made himself one of the NFL’s elite QBs and could arguably be the best QB in the NFC. Daniels was forced to scramble a ton, and even though he is a mobile QB, it puts him in positions where he can take more hits or sacks. Washington has to build a stronger offensive line and keep Daniels more protected than he was this campaign. Another piece of offense that the Commanders should be looking at this offseason is an elite weapon. McLaurin is the only elite player they have currently and that is not enough. WR Tee Higgins would be a good signing as he is a brilliant receiver, and it would make the passing game significantly superior. An added benefit for the Commanders is that they have the third most cap space in the NFL. As he is a rookie, Daniels is on a rookie contract for three more years (with an option for one more year), and his salary currently is not a lot considering the salary of other NFL players who get paid $40 or $50 million a year. The Commanders have a three-year window to add many players before paying Daniels the big bucks. In 2024-25, Daniels’ total salary was $6.9 million and next season, it will increase to $8.6 million. Once the rookie contract expires, Daniels will be receiving paychecks in the $40 million+ ranges per year. The defense also needs multiple key acquisitions and the pass rush is a clear area they must target in the upcoming offseason.
Even though the Commanders made it to the NFC Championship this season, it will not get any easier next season. Many can argue that the Commanders’ 12 regular season wins resulted from them having the 12th easiest schedule in the NFL, and they may be right. Since the Commanders performed admirably with a 12-5 record, their 2025 season will be significantly tougher. According to NFL Nerd on X, the Commanders have the eighth toughest strength of schedule in the 2025-26 season. Some of their out-of-division opponents include the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers. It will not be easy by any means next season, and it will be a real testament to how good this Commanders team actually is. They have to prove to the NFL that they are one of the league’s best, and there is no better way to do that than by defeating the league’s giants in 2025.
In conclusion, it was a breathtaking season for the Commanders and with immense positives to take away from the 2024-25 season. Their epic season filled up their home stadium and has given their fans tremendous hope. The future is bright in Washington; they are a real team to watch out for. After their Cinderella season, the Commanders have built a strong group and a team that will be attractive to many free-agent players in the offseason.
“With a revitalized spirit in the locker room, transformative play on the field, and the resurgence of this brand, the Commanders are a team that players want to be a part of.” The Commanders’ co-owner, Magic Johnson, said.
