NFL season preview: Daniels, Commanders hope to bounce back
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Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are hoping for a bounce-back season. Photo: Nic Antaya/Getty Images
After injuries and a shaky defense derailed last year's high hopes, the Commanders are chasing a return to playoff form as the 2026 season begins.
Why it matters: Washington looked like one of the NFL's rising teams after the 2024 season, when rookie-of-the-year quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Commanders on a deep postseason run.
- Instead, the 2025 squad crashed back to earth. Daniels got hurt, the defense was terrible and the team finished 5-12.
Reinforcements: Washington overhauled that defense this offseason and could field eight new starters out of 11.
- Among the additions: veteran Leo Chenal pairs with touted rookie Sonny Styles at linebacker, while free agent additions Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson will rush opposing passers.
- The team also hired Daronte Jones, a disciple of vaunted Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, as its new defensive coordinator.
The Commanders also sought help for Daniels on offense, adding veteran receiver Stefon Diggs to pair with Terry McLaurin.
- But questions remain about the offensive line, which lost center Tyler Biadasz.
🤨 The intrigue: The team promoted David Blough to offensive coordinator, a move that surprised some, as he has only two years of experience coaching and has never called plays in the NFL.
- The former journeyman quarterback's playing career ended in 2023.
🫣 What they're saying: Nicki Jhabvala, who covers the Commanders for The Athletic, raised alarms when she posted on X during a practice that the team's offense was "the worst" she'd seen it "in years."
- "Inoperable offensive line," she added.
🔮 What they're predicting: Sportsbooks have set the Commanders' win total at 7.5 games, which suggests Vegas thinks this is a better team than last year's — but not a playoff team.
- The Athletic's Playoff Simulator gives the team a 14% chance to make the postseason and just a 6% chance to win the NFC East.
What's next: Time to find out. Washington opens Sunday on the road against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.
- 📺 4:25pm on Fox.