Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong and defensive end Clelin Ferrell. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders must improve in one major position to win Super Bowl

Originally posted on Washington Commanders on SI
By Jeremy Brener | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 9:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders are a talented team, but they are far from a perfect roster.

The team made it all the way to the NFC Championship last season, but there are a few reasons why some are concerned that the team won't make it that far in 2025.

Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton identified the Commanders as one of 10 Super Bowl contenders, but thinks the pass rush could hold them back.

Commanders need pass rush fixed

"Washington lost its 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., in free agency. It needs defensive tackle Daron Payne to get after the quarterback as he did in 2022 with 11.5 sacks, or Dorance Armstrong must take a significant leap in his second year as a full-time starter on the edge," Moton wrote.

"At linebacker, Frankie Luvu can supplement the pass rush. He's logged 20.5 sacks over the last three years.

"Without a consistent push up front, though, the Commanders can find themselves in several scoring shootouts because of their lackluster pass rush."

The Commanders are one of the best team's in the league, but a weak pass rush could separate them from the pretenders and contenders.

Washington may improve from within as a pass rush unit, but it wouldn't hurt to add another veteran piece or two before the season.

If the Commanders can get better pressuring the quarterback, it might be what puts them into the Super Bowl.