The NFL doesn't come up for air at any stage during the calendar year. But for the first time in months, Washington Commanders fans and others around the league have a regular-season contest firmly in their sights.
It was an unbelievable turnaround from the Commanders in 2024. Dan Quinn spearheaded a cultural renaissance that saw the squad go from bottom feeders to the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his leadership. More is expected this time around.
Maintaining these high standards is the tricky part. The Commanders might think they are still the hunters, but they are now the hunted to everyone else. Opposing teams will see them as a major scalp to knock off. This brings a different set of pressure, which is also why general manager Adam Peters was more aggressive than ever during his second recruitment period at the helm.
A sold-out crowd awaits the Commanders at Northwest Stadium this weekend as they kick off their campaign against the New York Giants. Most fans are expecting a comfortable victory for Quinn's squad, but Week 1 games are always notoriously difficult to predict. And there's a growing sense that the G-Men might not be the walkover they once were.
The result is all that matters. And if these five bold predictions come true, that should be enough for the Commanders to make a statement.
Bold Commanders' predictions that could power a Week 1 statement
Josh Conerly Jr. doesn't concede a sack
After showing immense promise at training camp and during his preseason involvement, the Washington Commanders look set to start rookie Josh Conerly Jr. at right tackle in Week 1. That's the best-case scenario for the player and club, but the former Oregon standout is about to embark on a legitimate baptism of fire.
The New York Giants boast a ferocious pass rush. They have three first-round picks leading the charge in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and No. 3 overall selection Abdul Cater. Washington must be supremely confident in Conerly's progression to throw him into the fire against such imposing opposition.
Expect the Giants to target Conerly heavily, especially with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil manning the blindside. They'll look to confuse the rookie with stunts and shifts. It wouldn't be surprising to see almost every blitz centered on the right-hand side, which is something the Commanders must be ready for.
Getting some extra help from blocking tight John Bates will be crucial. But with stud right guard Sam Cosmi missing the opening four games, if not more, the test awaiting Conerly cannot be overstated.
A daunting challenge is ahead. But if Conerly can emerge from the game without giving up a sack, that equates to a fantastic afternoon at the office.