5 scary Commanders narratives that could derail 2025 season

There is more hope and expectation surrounding the Washington Commanders than at any stage over the last two decades. This brings a different, yet extremely welcome, pressure for head coach Dan Quinn and his talented players.

The Commanders went from a toxic pariah to the NFL's darling in the blink of an eye. Their run to the NFC Championship game resulted in eight standalone contests in 2025, five of which are on primetime. With a new venue at the RFK Stadium site agreed upon pending city council approval and the 2027 draft coming to D.C., it's a far cry from how things looked under the previous owner.

A sleeping giant has awoken, and a big-market fan base was galvanized. Still, this remains a precarious situation for the Commanders with a bigger target on their back.

They won't be a surprise next season. Their schedule is a lot tougher. They have no routine from week to week. These are tests that must be successfully navigated, but Quinn is confident that his squad can continue on their rapid ascent to the NFL's elite.

Of course, things could go wrong for one reason or another. With this in mind, here are five scary Commanders' narratives that could potentially derail their 2025 season.

Scary Commanders' narratives that could derail the 2025 season

Marshon Lattimore's bounce-back

The Washington Commanders formally announced themselves at the league's top table last season. This was officially confirmed when general manager Adam Peters secured the services of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 deadline.

This was a major statement of intent. Lattimore's time in New Orleans fizzled out, but the Commanders were confident their new locker room culture could help get the former first-round pick back on track. That wasn't the case, so the pressure is on to make the strides needed in pursuit of avoiding similar complications.

In fairness to Lattimore, he was dealing with a hamstring issue that never seemed right. Peters threw his support behind the player after his underwhelming contribution, with mitigating circumstances attached. The Commanders think that a bounce-back is well within his capabilities once the complication fully heals. No-showing voluntary OTAs wasn't a great look, but it doesn't change the overall objective.

The Commanders need Lattimore to remind the world why he was considered among the league's most prolific shutdown corners once upon a time. If his regression last season becomes the start of something more concerning, Washington has a big problem on its hands.

Commanders lack of edge-rushing urgency

The Washington Commanders have a plan in place for long-term, sustainable growth. Adam Peters focused his primary investments this offseason on the supporting cast around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels. Although positive, it did nothing to diminish fans' concerns about the team's edge-rushing options.

Peters tweaked the unit rather than urgently rectifying this issue. Deatrich Wise Jr. brings another veteran presence into the fold. Jacob Martin is a versatile piece, but he cannot be seen as anything other than a downgrade on Dante Fowler Jr., who left in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys.

That was about it. The Commanders didn't sign a big name in free agency. They didn't draft a pass-rushing force from an immensely deep class. They didn't even sign one when the undrafted free-agent frenzy began.

That's a supreme vote of confidence in the options available, even if it appears misguided from the outside looking in.

Washington was middle of the pack with 2.4 sacks per game last time around. They lost 10.5 sacks when Fowler bolted for their bitter division rival. Jonathan Allen was also released, so those tasked with filling the void cannot put a foot wrong.

There's a chance Washington will add another prominent veteran before Week 1 against the New York Giants. But for now, fans are right to feel a sense of trepidation.

Commanders' running back trust

Much like the edge-rushing situation, Adam Peters placed considerable faith in the team's running back unit this offseason. That's a calculated risk that could make or break Washington's chances of going deep into the playoffs once again.

Brian Robinson Jr. is getting another shot to lead the charge. Kliff Kingsbury is seeing raised urgency and renewed focus from the player in a contract year. It's a high-stakes situation, and muddling around the 800-yard rushing mark is not going to cut it anymore.

Austin Ekeler should be the pass-catching relief option. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. got one-year extensions this offseason, but their respective statuses depend on how quickly seventh-round selection Jacory Croskey-Merritt picks things up.

There is a real sense of intrigue surrounding Croskey-Merritt, who saw his draft stock plummet after his 2024 eligibility was revoked by the NCAA after just one game. He's got a chip on his shoulder and is looking to stake a massive early claim. That'll help, but expecting miracles right away is unrealistic.

If the ground game cannot benefit from an improved offensive line and displays the same inconsistencies that reared their head over the second half of the previous campaign, expect wholesale alterations when the 2026 offseason commences.

Jayden Daniels' sophomore slump

Jayden Daniels is a superstar. The Washington Commanders were convinced that he could become a franchise-caliber quarterback. Not many anticipated his immediate surge to elite-level standards during a rookie campaign that will live long in the memory.

This was an incredible start from Daniels. Making sure this is only the beginning of a phenomenal career is the next challenge.

The Commanders recognized the need to maximize Daniels' rookie contract. Peters secured bold trades for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. They drafted Josh Conerly Jr., Jaylin Lane, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Washington also maintained continuity by keeping some key contributors in the passing attack.

Daniels cannot be anything other than thrilled by the offseason moves. This should put him in a good position to excel further, but the dreaded sophomore slump remains a slight concern.

NFL history is littered with quarterbacks who start well as rookies before regressing the following season. Daniels has a different mindset and a fierce will to be the very best. He never settles or gets complacent. The former LSU standout set a high bar for himself, but there's nothing to suggest he cannot reach even greater heights.

The Commanders will go as far as Daniels takes them. Any regression will have grave consequences attached.

Commanders' betting on experience (again)

The Commanders set out their stall last season. They relied heavily on experienced players with proven production, and the results spoke for themselves. It came as no surprise to see Adam Peters adopt the same ethos during his second recruitment period at the helm.

Washington has one of the league's oldest rosters as a result. That'll help keep standards high and the entire locker room focused on the task at hand. However, there are also potential risks attached that cannot be ignored.

Father Time catches up to everyone in the end. Some leading figures within the Commanders fended this off during a campaign to remember in 2024. But if they cannot maintain the same standards, or the recently acquired veterans don't meet their billing, Washington is going to suffer the consequences.

It's another risky yet understandable mindset from Peters. The Commanders have some dynamic young talent too, but most of the starting spots are filled by experienced figures at the tail end of their respective careers.

The Commanders are in win-now mode. The more players they have with accomplished production in the playoffs, the better their chances will be. But if it goes wrong, which couldn't be completely ruled out, it might be time for a shift in approach next spring.

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