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Analyst Questions Commanders Defense Ahead of 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After a season of shock and awe and surprising many opponents early, the Washington Commanders made their first NFC championship game appearance since 1991 last year.
That’s thanks in large part to a rebuilt coaching staff, a rookie quarterback phenom and a new ownership group.
In 2025, the Commanders won’t surprise anyone, and opponents will be better prepared for the Jayden Daniels-led offense.
Knowing that, can the defense keep up and make sure the team is competitive?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes the defense still needs some work heading into training camp.
“It's not hard to love the offense. Jayden Daniels is a transformational talent. They added Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to give them a legitimate franchise left tackle and sidekick to Terry McLaurin," Ballentine wrote. "The defense is another story. The Commanders' moves on that side of the ball were less splashy. They added Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise, but both are on the wrong side of 30. Will Harris is coming off his best season in New Orleans, but he isn't a needle-mover. Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman should help with interior line depth, but neither is going to take the group to the next level.
“The good news for Washington is that Dan Quinn has a great track record of getting the most out of his defenses. But if the Commanders don't live up to the hype in Daniels' second season, it's most likely because the defense just didn't materialize.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
After a season of shock and awe and surprising many opponents early, the Washington Commanders made their first NFC championship game appearance since 1991 last year.
That’s thanks in large part to a rebuilt coaching staff, a rookie quarterback phenom and a new ownership group.
In 2025, the Commanders won’t surprise anyone, and opponents will be better prepared for the Jayden Daniels-led offense.
Knowing that, can the defense keep up and make sure the team is competitive?
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes the defense still needs some work heading into training camp.
“It's not hard to love the offense. Jayden Daniels is a transformational talent. They added Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to give them a legitimate franchise left tackle and sidekick to Terry McLaurin," Ballentine wrote. "The defense is another story. The Commanders' moves on that side of the ball were less splashy. They added Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise, but both are on the wrong side of 30. Will Harris is coming off his best season in New Orleans, but he isn't a needle-mover. Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman should help with interior line depth, but neither is going to take the group to the next level.
“The good news for Washington is that Dan Quinn has a great track record of getting the most out of his defenses. But if the Commanders don't live up to the hype in Daniels' second season, it's most likely because the defense just didn't materialize.”
Related: Commanders' Second-Year Wideout Tabbed for 'Breakout Season'
Related: Commanders to Retire Hall of Fame Receiver's Jersey During Nov. 2 Game
Related: Commanders to Retire Hall of Fame Receiver's Jersey During Nov. 2 Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...