5 bold Washington Commanders predictions for the 2024 season
By Dean Jones
Jayden Daniels secures 4,500 all-purpose yards
This is a quarterback-driven league. The Washington Commanders have gone through a carousel of signal-callers since mismanaging Kirk Cousins' contract before he departed for the Minnesota Vikings. After so many failed acquisitions, the new regime feels like they have something special on their hands with Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders were confident that Daniels was the guy after making him the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. His seamless transition to the organization and exceptional preseason efforts saw head coach Dan Quinn name him QB1 right out of the gate. It was expected, but those in power wanted to make him earn the spot.
Daniels has the electrifying traits associated with productive modern-day quarterbacks. He's poised and accurate under center. He's got the ability to get out on the move and cause damage on the ground, although learning how to slide effectively is something to work on in pursuit of avoiding big hits.
There will be times of struggle for Daniels and his supporting cast must also live up to their end of the bargain. Achieving 4,500 all-purpose yards (passing and rushing) is a bold yet attainable objective for Washington's new face of the franchise.
Commanders win 10 games
Winning 10 games would be beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The Washington Commanders were among the league's worst teams last season - the last under previous head coach Ron Rivera. Getting into playoff consideration immediately is a stretch, but confidence is high that improvements can arrive in some capacity.
Dan Quinn and his staff know what it takes to win. The Commanders believe they have the personnel capable of being more competitive in 2024. Asking them to go on a deep postseason run is unfair and unrealistic in Year 1 of such a substantial rebuild. At the same time, there's a quiet optimism within the building surrounding their chances.
On-field progress might be more gradual. The Houston Texans proved that it can be done quickly - especially with a rookie quarterback under center. Tempering expectations initially would be smart, but there's just telling what this group could potentially accomplish if they come through a tricky opening to the campaign.
The stakes are high. Winning 10 contests would be a drastic improvement from the four triumphs they secured in 2024. It's not impossible. That said, it would be surprising all things considered.
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