Harsh Truth No. 1
Commanders 2024 draft class might not be good
Adam Peters struck gold with his first draft pick as general manager by taking quarterback Jayden Daniels. He's the franchise player, but the rest of his inaugural class isn't looking too promising right now.
Several high selections were expected to make jumps this season. Aside from Luke McCaffrey, who was on a Pro Bowl trajectory as a kick returner before injury, it's been largely underwhelming from others.
Mike Sainristil hasn't reached the heights of his rookie year. The Commanders are still trying to work out where he's best suited, and the cornerback's muffed punt return in Week 11 was a microcosm of how things have unfolded for the Michigan product in 2025.
Ben Sinnott and Johnny Newton have been non-factors. Jordan Magee has flashed promise but nothing more. Brandon Coleman was benched after two games. Dominique Hampton was cut in the summer, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste got hurt early on.
If Peters hadn't hit the jackpot with Daniels, this class would look even worse.
Bright Spot No. 2
Commanders still have an elite punter
There haven't been many players who have emerged from the campaign with credit so far. However, the Commanders can at least take solace from the fact that they still have an elite punter at their disposal.
Tress Way is the team's longest-serving player. Like most of Washington's roster, he's in the twilight of his career. But make no mistake; he is still performing at a high level as all around him seemingly crumbles.
The two-time Pro Bowler's 48.5 yards per punt average is his highest since 2019. Way is placing no fewer than 50% of his punts inside the 20-yard line, which is his highest percentage since 2018. Having this reliability was desperately needed, especially considering the offensive struggles on occasion.
Even though Way will be 36 years old next season, he has already done more than enough for another one-year commitment from the Commanders. Hopefully, he avoids the temptation to retire and continues his journey in Washington.
Harsh Truth No. 2
Commanders' roster gamble backfired badly
Adam Peters took a calculated risk this offseason. The Commanders ran it back with the large majority of the squad that reached meteoric heights in 2024. The general manager made two bold trades, one big free-agent splash, and filled out the roster with aging players looking for one last shot at the Super Bowl.
Injuries haven't assisted Washington's cause by any stretch of the imagination, but this risky approach from Peters has backfired spectacularly.
The NFL's oldest roster looks precisely that, especially on defense. Everything looks like hard work, and opposing teams know full well how to exploit the Commanders' weaknesses. The magic that enveloped the organization last time around is gone, replaced with far more questions than answers.
Peters didn't become a bad general manager overnight. He was right to be aggressive, but he should see this changing situation for what it is. The Commanders have to get younger, and it starts during the offseason.