It's not going to be easy for the Washington Commanders to repeat the success they saw as a team in 2024. Head Coach Dan Quinn achieved a 12-5 record (the most wins by a first-year head coach in franchise history) and the team ended its 32-year drought of making it to the NFC Championship.
"The deeper you go [into the playoffs] the better chance you have of somebody getting hurt and that's why the preseason games were so important. It's about the 53rd man on the roster," said former Washington defensive back Fred Smoot. "At one point, some second string, third string guys are going to start some games for us this year."
Smoot, joined by fellow "Command Center" analysts Logan Paulsen and Santana Moss, discussed the main components of a successful season in 2025, and depth and preparation were their key themes.
"Dan is so conscientious of how he loads training camp," Paulsen said. "How he manages guys in the week. You see older players come here and have better resurgences and I think that's one of the reasons why it's such a priority."
One of those veterans was tight end Zach Ertz -- a go-to target for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Ertz was second to McLaurin in receiving yards last season and put up playoff career highs with 11 receptions for 104 yards in the NFC Championship. Ertz is about to go into his 12th season in the NFL.
Paulsen also emphasized that the team needs to protect Daniels at all costs and having stronger pieces along the offensive line will help ensure that he is set up for success.
Washington brought in some notable additions over the offseason by drafting offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. out of Oregon and trading for Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans. These moves would also allow Brandon Coleman to move to left guard.
Moss added, "When a guy like Cosmi is out, we can use a guy like Wylie. That to me is hard to find in this league. I've been on a lot of teams where you lose a guy, you're done. You're not going to find a better replacement."
With these new pieces on the offensive line and how Quinn manages the veterans, the Commanders' offense could look different. The newfound depth could be the key to unlocking a successful season.
