The Washington Commanders' fall last season was as drastic as their rise to the NFC Championship game in 2024. But after an impressive offseason overhaul from general manager Adam Peters, fans are hopeful once again.
That isn't an opinion shared by one NFL analyst, who wasn't buying into the growing hype around Washington.
Peters couldn't have done much more with the assets available, and the Commanders still have plenty of cash to spend on veterans if the right opportunities present themselves. There appears to be more balance and athleticism across the roster. Putting it all together when the real action arrives is critical.
Commanders slapped with pretenders label despite Adam Peters' offseason shakeup
It's hard to envisage a scenario where the Commanders don't make improvements. But for Gary Davenport of The Bleacher Report, there are too many concerns for Washington to be classed as anything other than pretenders.
"While the New England Patriots were going from also-ran to the AFC title last year, the Washington Commanders were hurtling in the opposite direction. Much of the reason for that collapse was the NFL's worst defense, and the team went hard at that situation in the offseason.
"In an NFC East that is shaping up to be a much harder division in 2026, the Commanders have a better chance of finishing last than first."
Nothing is decided on paper. The Commanders might look better. They might be younger. They might be focused on making the improvements needed. But that will count for nothing if they cannot make things happen more effectively during the regular season.
Head coach Dan Quinn will know this. Those who suffered last season will be striving to put things right. The new recruits, whether they're experienced free agents or draft picks, are looking to play their part. And the new coordinators need to make sure everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.
After that, it comes down to health.
The Commanders sustained more long-term injury complications than any team last season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels featured just seven times, and other influential figures also fell by the wayside. There is enhanced depth to cope with this time around, but if Washington wants to stand any chance of making a better go of things, the key men must be on the field.
As Davenport pointed out, the NFC East should be much more competitive next season. The New York Giants are led by John Harbaugh. The Dallas Cowboys have made some decent additions, and the Philadelphia Eagles are always in the thick of things. There are also a lot of unknowns attached, which could work in the Commanders' favor with a little bit of luck along the way.
It's a precarious situation, of course. But after an eventful offseason, the Commanders look more like contenders than pretenders.
On paper, anyway...
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