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Why this former player has high expectations for Commanders
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Why this former player has high expectations for Commanders this season

The Washington Commanders were one of the best stories in the NFL last season as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels helped them win their first playoff game since the 2005 season.

Not only did that 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put an end to the league's third-longest active playoff win drought, the Commanders added another win over the high-scoring Detroit Lions to reach the NFC Championship game, where their season ultimately came to a close at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Former player and current ESPN NFL analyst Damien Woody was on Tuesday's edition of "Get Up" and had nothing but high expectations for the Commanders when asked what their ceiling is.

"Super Bowl is on the table for the Washington Commanders and primarily, because of their quarterback," Woody said. "I think Jayden Daniels is going to be a superstar in this league. We saw what he did in his rookie year. It was an unprecedented rookie year for a rookie quarterback. And so, when you have him as a centerpiece, they've upgraded their offensive line, obviously the trade for Laremy Tunsil being one of the pieces. You trade for Deebo Samuel, another piece added to the offensive side and now you're talking about better protection, better run game, more explosiveness on the perimeter and it all adds up to the Washington Commanders being one of these teams that we're gonna talk about in the NFC representing that conference."

Daniels was nothing short of sensational during his rookie season. His completion percentage (69%) was sixth in the NFL. His 4,459 total yards were seventh, ahead of 2024 NFL MVP Josh Allen and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.

He accounted for 31 total TDs and only nine interceptions. In the two postseason wins, he played arguably two of his best games all season with four TDs and zero interceptions between the pair of outings.

While the offensive line has been upgraded, guard Sam Cosmi was officially placed on the physically unable to perform list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL in his right knee he suffered during the 2024 divisional game against the Lions.

He was one of Washington's best pass blockers, as his 74.3 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus would indicate, placing him 21st among guards.

Not only did Washington bring in former San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel, it finally re-signed its own star, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, to a three-year extension worth up to $96M on Monday.

A Super Bowl run is certainly not out of the question for the Commanders, especially if they improve on a defense that was tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the 22nd-most points per game allowed in 2024 (24.9 PPG).

There is certainly a lot to like about this franchise right now after years of disappointing results. With Daniels under center and some talented play-makers around him, there is a good chance they find themselves in Super Bowl contention once again.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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