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No More Surprise Attacks By Commanders In 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders were one of the season's surprise packets last year, but after a Rookie of the Year performance from Jayden Daniels, a 12-5 record, and an NFC Championship appearance, the NFC East franchise is now on notice.

They can't attack from the shadows of uncertainty anymore.

The rest of the league knows they're coming and what makes them so good.

With an offseason to double down on their 2024 exploits, as Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel were signed, the Commanders have again had another solid group of signings.

And for Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano, who gave Washington an A- for its work, there is no sneaking up on the competition in 2025.

"The Commanders went all in to capitalize on Jayden Daniels’s rookie contract," Manzano writes. "The organization aided the second-year star quarterback with the trades for Samuel and Tunsil. Washington then continued to bolster the receiving corps and offensive line via the draft, selecting standout tackle Conerly in the first round and dynamic wideout Lane in the fourth round.

"This roster has come a long way since coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters were hired in 2024, but Washington won’t be catching the division by surprise in ’25."

The biggest test for Dan Quinn and Co. is how they handle the pressure of being a top team, plus how they navigate all the different things the opposition throws at them.

Granted, that is part of the Commanders' journey, and with Daniels leading the way, the franchise does feel poised to return to the playoffs.

As we know, success isn't as straightforward as it might seem. Even a good offseason and a quality roster don't guarantee anything—Washington will be starting from the bottom again.

And this time, they won't be able to attack from the shadows of uncertainty.

Teams know what weapons they possess and how to disarm them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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