The Washington Commanders are focused on getting their own house in order after a dismal 2025 campaign. But make no mistake; head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters will be keeping a close eye on developments elsewhere in the NFC East.
And one bitter rival wasted no time in laying down a marker at organized team activities that won't go unnoticed by the Commanders.
While the division overall failed to meet expectations last season, that isn't expected to be the case this time around. Everyone believes they have gotten better, so it promises to be much more competitive.
Commanders on alert as first-round duo breathe new life into the Cowboys
Aside from their pending contract showdown with wide receiver George Pickens, it's been unusually quiet where the Dallas Cowboys are concerned. There is less drama and less hype. They've got their offseason business in order, and for once, they are going under the radar.
This is just how head coach Brian Schottenheimer likes it.
The Cowboys had a later start to OTAs, making them one of two teams to begin a week later than everyone else. However, there are growing signs that two high-profile rookies are ready to hit the ground running.
Do-it-all defensive back Caleb Downs, whom the Commanders passed up at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to select linebacker Sonny Styles, continues to draw significant buzz.
Dallas is using him in the slot rather than at safety, which brings him closer to the action and should smooth his transition. It's early days, but the rave reviews are in keeping with the player's pre-draft assessments, so big things are expected right out of the gate.
Not to be outdone, fellow first-rounder Malachi Lawrence is making the impression that isn't going unnoticed. Veteran edge rusher Rashan Gary cited his and Downs' supreme attention to detail as something that's stood out, while Schottenheimer acknowledged he's been among the legitimate standouts at this early stage.
Downs and Lawrence are coming to inject new life into the Cowboys' defense, and the Commanders must be ready to meet fire with fire.
Washington has a new scheme this season under offensive coordinator David Blough. Everyone is healthy and ready to right the wrong of 2025. Third-round pick Antonio Williams brings intrigue, and tight end Chig Okonkwo boasts an added sense of dynamism that veteran Zach Ertz didn't have in his career twilight.
Speculation persists that the Commanders may add another productive veteran receiver at some point, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Peters is riding it out with what he has for now. He is placing trust in the young pass-catchers behind Terry McLaurin to get the job done. Examining the optimism across the division, they'll need to be.
Quinn's job might depend on it.
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