The Commanders' most obvious weakness could sink their season

After their surprise run to the NFC Championship game last season, the Washington Commanders are suddenly legitimate title hopefuls entering the 2025 campaign. But one glaring flaw could hold them back.

The Commanders beefed up their offensive line with the additions of five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil and first-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. They brought in wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. to pair with Terry McLaurin in what figures to be an explosive group of offensive weapons.

They also figure to have a better secondary, with a healthy Marshon Lattimore and development from a pair of second-round picks in Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos.

One area that Washington inexplicably neglected this offseason was the defensive front. And if the Commanders disappoint in 2025, that will likely factor into why.

Commanders' defensive line will determine how far they can go in 2025

Moe Moton from The Bleacher Report published an article titled "1 roster flaw that can derail the 2025 season for each NFL Super Bowl contender". It should come as no surprise to Commanders fans what Washington's entry was.

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

The Commanders did sign Javon Kinlaw, who has been productive when healthy for the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets. But it's still hard to see him moving the needle in a major way for a unit set to feature Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong Jr., and either Clelin Ferrell or Deatrich Wise Jr. as its other starters.

Last year, Washington's best pass rushers were the linebackers. That may be the case again in 2025 as Frankie Luvu and the ageless Bobby Wagner both return, but they'll need some help up front.

Perhaps one of the Commanders' free agent signings in Kinlaw, Wise, Jacob Martin, or Eddie Goldman emerges as a major bargain. And in an ideal world, 2024 second-rounder Johnny Newton will make massive strides.

If not, the Commanders could be in some trouble.

The Commanders managed to punch above their weight last year by grinding out close games with their high-octane offense. However, this team won't be sneaking up on anyone in 2025.

Teams will be more prepared for what Dan Quinn's squad brings to the table. Preparation starts with identifying the opponent's biggest weakness.

Washington must hope it can win despite it.

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