Commanders are about to embarrass analyst's laughable 2025 prediction

Dan Quinn achieved more than anyone thought possible during his first season as the Washington Commanders' head coach. However, some believe this sensational turnaround in fortunes will even itself out when competitive action begins in 2025.

The Commanders went all-in this offseason. Adam Peters knew their Super Bowl window was open, and he needed to do everything possible to maximize quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. The moves were aggressive and impressive in equal measure, sending shockwaves through the league and confirming Washington means business.

Expectations for another bold playoff bid are glaring next season. It'll be more difficult with a tougher schedule and a bigger target on their backs, but Washington's roster looks well-balanced. A couple of problem positions could hold them back. Still, it would be a huge disappointment if they couldn't build on the team's newly acquired positivity.

Commanders projected to regress after league-wide ranking plunge

NFL analyst Logan Ulrich wasn't convinced, placing the Commanders at No. 11 in his final off-season power rankings. He thought Washington's incredible statistics in key areas last season weren't sustainable. Something that could lead to regression when it's all said and done.

The Commanders caught lightning in a bottle in so many ways last year. Sure, there's an element of forecasters just getting it wrong, but it's also true Washington found a way to punch above its weight. The Commanders were remarkably successful throwing the ball deep, converted 87 percent of their fourth-down attempts and were 8-2 in one-score games. All of those stats have an element of randomness to them and tend to gravitate toward the mean year over year.Logan Ulrich

It's a viable argument, to a certain extent. But to have the Commanders so low in the NFL's pecking order is nothing short of disrespectful.

League history is littered with one-season wonders; teams that catch fire before flaming out almost as quickly. What Ulrich failed to mention was the presence of Daniels under center and the exceptional locker room culture shift installed by Quinn. That should be more than enough to keep standards high.

The Commanders believe something special is afoot after decades of misery. This sleeping giant woke in the best possible way in 2024. There's always a slight danger it will be fleeting, but Peters has done everything possible to avoid this scenario during another eventful recruitment period under his leadership.

If complacency doesn't become an issue, the veteran players keep performing well, the new additions hit the ground running, and the young stars progress accordingly, the Commanders won't be far away. It will also make this ranking look extremely foolish.

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