The Dust Settles: what do we know about the Commanders?

Professional sport, and in particular, the National Football League, is unforgiving.

Sunday was a dreadful day at the office for the burgundy and gold. The third matchup of the year against the Eagles proved too much, and the barrage of self-destructive mistakes was all the more perplexing given the ultra-clean, error-free games against Tampa Bay and the Detroit Lions.

The Commanders weren’t favorites to win, but no one expected the Eagles to hang 55 points either.

There were reasons, of course. This roster isn’t good enough to lose arguably its best players in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The absence of Sam Cosmi at right guard and defensive tackle Daron Payne were hard to overcome, emphasizing the need to strengthen the offensive and defensive lines in free agency and the draft.

In many ways—whether we want to admit it or not—the Eagles are the blueprint under GM Howie Roseman for constructing a roster. In the NFL, success often starts and ends with dominance in the trenches.

When the dust settles, the the Washington 2024 season can only be viewed as a significant success for the Commanders. They overachieved considerably, surpassing the average prediction of 6-7 wins. Washington’s improvement was largely due to the stellar performances of 2024 quarterback pick Jayden Daniels, who posted record-breaking rookie numbers despite a middling offensive line and inconsistent weapons outside of Terry McLaurin.

So, as the season concludes, what do we know about the Washington Commanders and their readiness for 2025? What must they do to elevate from a 2024 surprise contender to a perennial challenger?

What We Know

1. The Commanders Are Set at QB Jayden Daniels had an electric first season under center. Despite playing behind an average offensive line and a lackluster running back group, Daniels thrived. Retaining veteran tight end Zach Ertz (a reliable safety blanket for a rookie QB) should be a priority for 2025.

2. The Commanders Do Not Need to Change the Coaching Staff Head Coach Dan Quinn not only led this group to the brink of the NFC Championship game but also fostered one of the most cohesive locker rooms in the NFL.

3. The Commanders Should Retain Some Key Free Agents Many 2024 signings were on one-year “prove it” deals or for veteran leadership. While loyalty matters, the front office must avoid overpaying and prioritize upgrades where possible.

4. The Fans Have Bought In—and It Matters A newfound pride has emerged among Commanders fans, and the players have taken notice. Coach Quinn cited the energized fanbase vs Atlanta as a motivator, and this momentum will only grow in 2025.

5. Washington Is Now a Destination for Free Agents Gone are the days when the franchise had to overpay to attract talent. Improved facilities, strong leadership from ownership, and a rising star quarterback make Washington an appealing destination.

Looking Ahead

With a franchise quarterback, a respected coaching staff, and renewed fan energy, the Commanders have a strong foundation. The 2025 offseason will be critical to addressing gaps in the trenches and building on this momentum. Stay tuned for the UKHTTC grades on the Washington 2024 rookie class and analysis of offseason priorities.