Commanders Fans Told To Expect Bad News in 2025

Last season, the Washington Commanders were the feel-good story of the year after reaching the NFC Championship game in Jayden Daniels' first season.

Winning 12 regular season games and two playoff outings is a tough thing to replicate, and now, with the rest of the league having a full offseason to work out Washington's weaknesses, some think a regression is coming.

And let's be clear, fans: that is bad news … relatively speaking.

In an ideal situation, the Commanders would at least be as good as last season, and the drop-off would not be too steep. The Athletic's Jacob Robinson has the Commanders' win total set at 9.5, with pressure on the defense to step up their game.

"Adding size was the offseason focus for Daniels and Washington’s defense," Robinson wrote. "The latter needed it more, as the Commanders’ run defense allowed 1.93 yards before contact (fourth-most) and 4.8 yards per carry (tied for third-most). Their line needs DT Daron Payne to revert to Pro Bowl form. Early reports are promising."

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5).

© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

It wouldn't be the end of the world if Washington was 10-7 next season or even 9-8 (less than ideal), but the steps made last season can't be for nothing. 

The Commanders have a tricky schedule, and Daniels will be fighting the sophomore slump narrative as well. Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil were signed to fix two key areas, so the pressure will be on them to bring their A-game to Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

But also, the defense has to step up, and with Dante Fowler Jr. allowed to walk in free agency after leading the team in sacks, many wonder who will attack the quarterback for Joe Whitt Jr.

That looms as the biggest concern, and if the Commanders are to avoid regression, the offense must maintain its high standards and hope the defense has enough firepower to follow suit.