Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to reach the final four last season, but it happened. Fans and analysts could scarcely believe what was unfolding in front of their eyes as this perennial underachiever defied the odds to announce itself back in the big time.
Sustaining or perhaps even exceeding this exceptional start is the next challenge. Fans are confident that the necessary roster improvements have been made this offseason. But one NFL analyst believes the most glaring potential flaw could be their undoing unless some offseason gambles pay off.
It's no secret that the Commanders were desperately short of productive edge rushers. Adam Peters ignored this need, for the most part, signing journeyman Jacob Martin, run-stopper Deatrich Wise Jr., and Von Miller. That bolsters the experience in the group, but there is a distinct lack of vibrant explosiveness.
Commanders' edge-rushing concerns tipped to spearhead 2025 regression by NFL analyst
Sayre Bedinger from NFL Spin Zone highlighted this concern after placing the Commanders at No. 10 in his weekly power rankings. He acknowledged the offense's strengths, but head coach Dan Quinn might have his work cut out in his attempt to squeeze some life out of this current edge-rushing unit.
"I’m not going to say that the Commanders caught lightning in a bottle last year, or that what we saw from them was a flash in the pan, but I do think we could see this team take a slight step back in 2025. Jayden Daniels got a new weapon with Deebo Samuel joining Terry McLaurin. He got a couple of new linemen in front of him in Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. The question for the Commanders is not about their offense, but their defense. Dan Quinn is going to have to work his magic with a rough group of pass rushers."Sayre Bedinger
This is a calculated risk. Peters is banking on experience to lead the way as the Commanders go all-in to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. They should be competitive, but that's not guaranteed by any stretch of the imagination.
A lot of the hopes are pinned on Dorance Armstrong Jr. making strides. He's the youngest of those expected to play legitimate reps. He flashed as a pass-rusher last season. Finishing off plays more effectively might be enough to get his sack numbers up.
Miller and Wise have limitations at this stage of their respective careers. Martin is a rotational piece but nothing more. Javontae Jean-Baptiste is raw from a technical standpoint. That means a situation could emerge where versatile linebacker Frankie Luvu ends up being Washington's most productive edge force.
Peters and Quinn will be watching developments closely. The Commanders have enough spare cash to bring in another proven veteran still looking for work. However, there is quiet confidence in the building that Washington's defensive front seven has more than enough.
Just how long that'll last is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.