Adam Peters could do no wrong during his first season running the Washington Commanders' front office in 2024. The general manager's drastic roster overhaul paid dividends, with head coach Dan Quinn's squad going on a fairy-tale run that culminated in the NFC Championship Game.
Expectations were high that this could provide the platform for a prosperous new era in Washington. Fans were dreaming big, especially after being starved of success for so long during the tyrannical reign of Dan Snyder. However, it didn't take long for things to come crashing back down to earth.
The Commanders went 5-12 this season. Everything that could go wrong did. Injuries didn't help their cause, but it's clear this project wasn't as far ahead as everyone thought after last year's phenomenal exploits.
Peters must flip his approach again in the coming months. The Commanders parted ways with Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. Reports of behind-the-scenes disconnect represent a far cry from the brotherhood preached by everyone in the building. Some harsh truths need to be taken on board to ensure this torrid campaign doesn't become the catalyst for something more concerning.
Nothing else will do.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are three major hits and four costly errors from Peters' second season in Washington.
Major hits and costly errors from Adam Peters' second Commanders season
Costly Error No. 1
Commanders' edge-rushing recruitment
The Washington Commanders took an unusual approach to improve their edge-rushing room this offseason. Fans were crying out for younger, more dynamic pass-rushers capable of generating havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Instead, Adam Peters acquired aging veterans at the tail-end of their careers on one-year deals.
Fans were deeply concerned that Peters didn't do enough to fortify this critical unit. They were right to be worried. Injuries decimated the group, leaving the Commanders scrambling for band-aid solutions as their campaign completely unraveled.
Deatrich Wise Jr. was the first to suffer a season-ending injury. Javontae Jean-Baptiste swiftly followed. Dorance Armstrong Jr., who was in the midst of a breakout year, saw his momentum halt abruptly with a trip to injured reserve. He wasn't seen again.
Von Miller finished as the team leader in sacks, which speaks for itself. Peters' gamble blew up in his face. But fortunately, he's going to take an alternative approach this spring.
Peters acknowledged the need to prioritize the pass-rush during his end-of-season media availability. Several new faces would be desirable, as the last thing Washington needs is the same problems unfolding during a make-or-break season for head coach Dan Quinn.