Quan Martin - Commanders DB
Nobody associated with the Washington Commanders needs a report card on Quan Martin's 2025 season. Fans and even some national analysts were expecting a breakout campaign in Year 3 of his professional career, but things fell completely flat.
However, all hope may not be lost with Martin just yet.
The former Illinois star looked lost and devoid of any sort of confidence last season. Washington had to keep him in the lineup amid its injury crisis, but once people started getting healthy, head coach Dan Quinn took him out of the firing line.
Martin was projected as a trade or cut candidate this offseason. General manager Adam Peters kept faith, and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is confident he can return to his old form in a system better suited to his physical attributes.
Clues are already emerging. According to those in attendance at OTAs, the Commanders are using Martin a lot more in the nickel. This is where he played — and played well — as a rookie. Moving to the back end hasn't gone nearly as favorably, so this could be the spark that reignites his career outlook.
The stakes are still high for Martin in a contract year. But he could be a prime bounce-back candidate next season.
Commanders' new offense
With pressure building after a five-win campaign, Dan Quinn took drastic measures in pursuit of turning the tide. Instead of remaining loyal, as he has in the past when things aren't going well, he cut ties with both coordinators.
Joe Whitt Jr.'s departure was inevitable from a long way out. Kliff Kingsbury's was more surprising, but it's clear that Quinn's vision for the offense was no longer aligned with his now former play-caller.
Quinn took a leap of faith by promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator amid significant interest from the Detroit Lions. He was an assistant position coach until midway through the 2025 campaign, and he's got no play-calling experience whatsoever. It's a big gamble, but there are emerging signs this could be a masterstroke.
Blough's innovative concepts have already gone down well with his players. There is more collaboration, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels. There are pro-style concepts that will make things easier for everybody. The former signal-caller is detail-oriented, ready to maximize this opportunity with the weapons available.
The Commanders could use another productive veteran in the receiver room. There is also a good chance the younger players will flourish within Blough's schematic concepts. And if his offense takes off during the regular season, it might not be much longer before head-coaching interviews arrive.
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