Commanders Enter 2025 with Hope and Plenty of Questions
The preseason is in the books, and while Washington didn’t win a game in August, there’s no shortage of optimism heading into the regular season. Dan Quinn’s second training camp brought energy, and Jayden Daniels remains the centerpiece of a new era. Now the focus shifts to building on last season's progress. Still, plenty of questions linger as the Commanders prepare for Week One.
1. Is Jayden Daniels Ready to Lead Right Away?
Last year’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year is now the unquestioned starter, but his preseason was uneven. Daniels flashed his trademark explosiveness yet also looked shaky at times, with stalled drives and missed reads. Backup Marcus Mariota barely played, so depth remains a concern. For now, Washington’s success rests squarely on how quickly Daniels can settle in once the games count.
2. What’s Going on with Terry McLaurin?
Terry McLaurin didn’t play a single snap in the preseason, and his status remains unresolved. If he’s back in the lineup, Daniels regains his most trusted weapon. If not, the Commanders’ receiver room looks much thinner, with Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore forced into bigger roles. However it shakes out, McLaurin’s future looms large over the offense.
3. Has the Offensive Line Really Improved?
Fixing protection was an offseason priority, but the early returns were mixed. New pieces rotated in, and the unit still gave up pressure too easily. For Daniels to thrive, the group up front has to stabilize quickly. The offense can’t afford to let protection issues dictate its ceiling.
4. What Will Dan Quinn’s Defense Look Like When It Counts?
Aggressive and fast in spurts during the preseason, Washington’s defense looked the part, but mostly against backups. Last year’s unit wore down late, particularly in losses to playoff-caliber teams. Quinn’s scheme brings energy, but the bigger test is whether the group can sustain it against elite competition for possibly 17 weeks or more. Building on strides they made a season ago will be key to making that happen.
5. Who Can Emerge as a Surprise Playmaker?
Every good team needs someone unexpected to step up. Rookie backs Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt both made strong cases in August, or someone like a young defensive back could also rise. Daniels is no longer the “rookie spark.” Washington may need another fresh face to energize the roster as the season unfolds. Who fills that role could shape the identity of this year’s team.
The Commanders have momentum off the field, a new identity under Quinn, and a young quarterback who inspires belief. For that optimism to carry into wins, these questions have to be answered. Starting in Week One, Washington will find out if it can build on last year’s progress and turn optimism into real momentum. The answers won’t come overnight, but the foundation for something bigger is already in place.
