Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters had no choice but to prioritize defensive reinforcements during his third offseason at the helm. But for ex-team head coach Jay Gruden, the concerns about the offense cannot go unnoticed.
And in all honesty, he might have a point.
Gruden was less than complimentary when discussing Washington's offensive outlook next season with Kevin Sheehan of 106.7 The Fan. He's got doubts; big ones. He doesn't think there is enough dynamism to create explosive plays frequently. Aside from quarterback Jayden Daniels or wide receiver Terry McLaurin, he wonders where the legitimate productivity will come from at the skill positions.
Commanders' offense gets harsh assessment from Jay Gruden before training camp
This might be a harsh assessment, but it's relatively in keeping with the general consensus.
"I'm very concerned about it. I'm concerned about the tight end room, to be honest with you. I'm not overly impressed with the kid from Tennessee, and where's the juice coming from the running backs? Where's the big hitters going to come from besides Jayden (Daniels) and maybe Terry (McLaurin) if he's 100 percent healthy?
"You've gotta have some splash plays, and I don't know where the splash plays are gonna come from other than Jayden on a scramble or a zone read or Terry on a post over the top."
If Gruden sees it, there is a good chance that Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, and offensive coordinator David Blough do as well. There is a quiet belief within the franchise that the available options can all thrive in a new system, but it remains a journey into the unknown for everyone.
Should they fail to meet the required standards at training camp and into the preseason, that's a big problem.
Peters is always assessing. He's always examining where things stand and what more might be required to enhance Washington's chances. And despite navigating an aggressive offseason on the recruitment front, the front-office leader maintained financial flexibility for additional moves if he wishes.
In an ideal world, the young players will step up and prove their worth as long-term pieces of the puzzle in Washington, Blough's scheme will be a big hit, and the Commanders' top-level performers will all avoid the injury bug. Anything else, and Gruden's offseason worries about this unit may become something much more.
The Commanders are clearly eager to see what those on the books right now can do before taking any drastic measures. It was an up-and-down minicamp, especially for the wideouts. The lingering cloud of Brandon Aiyuk and possibly even Stefon Diggs potentially joining the squad before Week 1 is looming large. If that doesn't provide an extra source of motivation, nothing will.
There is a significant amount at stake for the Commanders in 2026. Failure is not an option, especially given Quinn removed both coordinators. Improvements are demanded, and the repercussions will be severe if they don't arrive.
Let's hope Gruden's assessment proves false. The Commanders are counting on it.
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