Commanders receive unsurprising fall in FanSided's Week 2 power rankings

Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to be a completely functional operation in Week 1. The team made some landmark alternations across the organization this offseason in a bid to turn around their long-term fortunes. Panic cannot set in at any stage throughout the campaign, but their loss versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a glaring indicator of the hard work ahead before they are ready to contend.

Despite the positivity surrounding the Commanders - especially on the defensive side of the football following the appointments of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. - it was another largely lackluster showing. Perhaps more concerning was the same complications that laid ruin to the defense in 2023 were still prevalent.

An inability to convert pressure into sacks, giving up big plays in the passing game, and failing to get off the field on third down were constant frustrations throughout the contest. Things should improve once additional familiarity is generated, but time is of the essence if the Commanders want to get their campaign off on a positive note.

Commanders drop to No. 29 in FanSided's NFL power rankings

Their disappointing outing was reflected in Cody Williams of FanSided's power rankings ahead of Week 2. He placed Washington at No. 29 - down one spot from the preseason - with only the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Carolina Panthers behind them.

"It was an offseason of monumental changes for the Washington Commanders. This is going to be a long rebuilding project based on their first showing of the season. They were soundly beaten by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, displaying the same concerning play despite coming into the game with an unrecognizable roster from the previous campaign. Jayden Daniels' performance left reasons for encouragement, but things might get worse before they get better for the Commanders unless significant adjustments are made."

- Dean Jones via FanSided

The Commanders have a lot of soul-searching to do. Fortunately for Quinn and his players, they've got a tremendous opportunity to put things right during their home opener against the Giants this weekend.

Brian Daboll's men were beaten down at home by the Minnesota Vikings, scoring just six points and looking like a team that could secure the No. 1 overall pick in 2025. Quarterback Daniel Jones was booed out of MetLife Stadium following another woeful display, but the Commanders cannot afford to take him lightly given previous performances versus Washington.

Fans will pack the stands at Northwest Stadium as excitement remains about the Commanders' future under the new regime. This should make for an inspiring atmosphere - something those taking the field must take advantage of to get their campaign on track.

It's only early, but anything less will not be well-received by an expectant fanbase. This is a team they can and should get the better of. Anything can happen when divisional rivals clash, so it's a test the Commanders must take on with professionalism and purpose.

Sunday's defeat was a small bump in the road. There are 16 more games to go. And if the Commanders can get one over on the Giants this weekend with a polished performance, all will be right with the world again.

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