We've made it. Training camps around the league begin this week. And for the Washington Commanders, the stakes are higher than they've been in decades.
Dan Quinn and Adam Peters masterminded a revolution of epic proportions in their first year of leadership. The Commanders went from having the No. 2 pick to the NFC Championship game during a remarkable campaign that galvanized a fan base and put the franchise back into the national spotlight for all the right reasons.
That was immensely positive. But the next challenge is to ensure this fleeting success becomes the start of a prosperous new era for the organization.
This is often much trickier.
The Commanders' schedule is tougher. They won't be a surprise package anymore. Expectations are high with so many games in primetime or standing alone, which means there will be almost no routine from week to week. There are stumbling blocks aplenty, but the roster looks in tremendous shape after another aggressive offseason of recruitment.
It's also a strong-willed group. Last season was great, but nobody is getting complacent. Everyone is working towards the next goal, which centers on toppling the Philadelphia Eagles and other legitimate contenders in the NFC en route to the Super Bowl.
The foundations will be laid at training camp. Ahead of the most critical stage of preparations, we projected how the Commanders' 53-man roster could shake out before the twists and turns commence.
Commanders' 53-man roster projection before training camp chaos begins
Commanders' special teams projection
Special Teams (3): Tress Way (P), Matt Gay (PK), Tyler Ott (LS)
There's nothing big to figure out at the key special-teams spots where the Washington Commanders are concerned. It's been a long time since the franchise had stability in this critical area, so this cannot be seen as anything other than positive heading into training camp.
Tress Way is the legendary team punter who's back for another season. The Pro Bowler is still performing at a high level despite his advancing years. There is nothing to suggest a drop-off in production is coming, which could lead to another new deal when the 2025 campaign concludes.
The Commanders pivoted at the kicking position. Zane Gonzalez was initially re-signed, but those plans changed quickly once Matt Gay became available on the open market.
Washington believes this is an upgrade. They also gave Gay the most guaranteed money on a one-year deal for any kicker in NFL history, which raises expectations that must be met.
Tyler Ott is back for another year as the team's long-snapper. His assured performance levels last season should continue when competitive action begins in the coming weeks.