"With Jayden Daniels in Year 2, Washington was expected to build off its stunning run to the NFC Championship and compete for a Super Bowl. But games aren't won with one player, and when the franchise signal-caller struggled to stay on the field, it was exposed just how far away the Commanders still are from hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy."
"Washington ranked dead last in yards allowed league-wide and sixth-worst in points conceded, while only forcing more turnovers than the New York Jets. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was demoted midway through the season, and when Quinn took over his role, the improvements were only marginal."
"There was a lot, but the play style and the speed and violence that I love when we play with... the most disappointing part was to not see that on a consistent basis. When you play with that type of energy and connection and joy, then it's takeaways and great tackling and all that can bring. So that's at the top of the pile, to recapture that."
After a surprising run to the NFC Championship, the Commanders entered 2025 with hopes of Super Bowl contention behind Jayden Daniels in Year 2. Frequent injuries to Daniels exposed broader roster weaknesses as Washington's defense finished last in yards allowed and sixth-worst in points conceded, generating only marginal turnover production. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was demoted midseason, and head coach Dan Quinn assumed play-calling duties with limited improvement. Quinn identified a lack of consistent speed, violence, tackling and energy as primary failures. Fixing personnel and scheme will be a priority for 2026 under new coordinator Daronte Jones.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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