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The Washington Commanders had the second overall pick in the draft last year and took quarterback Jayden Daniels. While they were expected to improve, nobody expected them to reach the NFC championship game and finish 12-5.
They lost to division rival and the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, but they still showed a lot of promise throughout the season.
This offseason, rather than bask in the unexpected success, the front office has set out to maintain the level of success by adding some key pieces.
The Commanders have added defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Jonathan Jones, traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and resigned Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner.
The team is in a great position to once again compete for the division and top team in the NFC, especially with the Eagles losing some key pieces on defense.
That means, along with the Detroit Lions, who the Commanders defeated before losing to the Eagles in the playoffs, the Eagles and Commanders seem like the top teams in the NFC. If the Commanders win the division, they could even be the top seed in the conference.
The main thing that could hold the team back is a sophomore slump from Jayden Daniels, but after the team added a top left tackle and solid WR2 behind Terry McLaurin, that seems much less likely.
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Another concern for Daniels coming out of the draft was his recklessness running the ball leading to injury, but he played all 17 games as a rookie. The rookie of the year will have a full offseason under his belt to learn how to better protect himself next season, along with a top left tackle protecting his blind side.
Daniels's rushing ability also helps the team have a high floor. In the modern NFL, some level of rushing ability is important, as shown by Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts.
Daniels as a rookie, along with putting up a 69% completion percentage with 3568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions as a passer, put up 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Daniels is definitely already a top-ten quarterback and even has the potential to be a top-five quarterback after another stellar season.
After building lots of momentum in just one season with Jayden Daniels at quarterback and Dan Quinn leading the charge, the Commanders may be viewed as a one-hit-wonder.
However, after an offseason of adding and resigning key pieces and a young roster that should only get better, the Commanders should be viewed as legitimate contenders that can give the Eagles trouble.
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About the writer
Seth Quinn is a contributing sports writer based in Massachusetts. His focus is on sports, primarily the NFL and NBA. He has in depth ... Read more