By Edward G. Robinson III
A new NFL season has arrived and expectations are sky high for the Washington Commanders.
That’s not a joke.
Last season, Commanders fans experienced a level of success that had eluded the franchise for more than 20 years. Inspired by the coolheaded performances of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin, and thankful for the leadership provided by new coach Dan Quinn, fans celebrated in their living rooms as the Commanders marched to the NFC championship game.
The Philadelphia Eagles, an NFC East rival, prevented the Commanders from reaching Super Bowl LIX with a 55-23 victory. Still, they finished the season 14-6 overall with two playoff wins – earning a berth in the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991.
Nothing stokes excitement in Washington, D.C. – home to Super Bowl Champions in 1982, 1987, 1991 – like its hometown football team winning, especially when there’s a sensational quarterback at the helm, a running back tandem in the backfield and a cadre of talented receivers roaming the field with their hands up.
“I think we’re getting better each and every day,” Daniels said, in a press conference. “It’s not going to be perfect and obviously you don’t want to peak right now in early August. It’s going to be a gradual build for us, but I like the trajectory and the path we’re on.”
Poised in the pocket and shifty in the open field, the second-year QB from LSU passed for 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns.
He returns as the team’s top quarterback and expectations are high for his sophomore season, particularly as the Commanders recently retained the services of two-time Pro Bowl McLaurin – who conducted a “hold-in” during training camp before signing a contract extension.
McLaurin, who was drafted by the Commanders in 2019, caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 TDs. He’s led the franchise with five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
Commanders fans screamed in tandem when the news of McLaurin’s signing was announced.
They immediately flooded social media with well-wishes, knowing the wideout is a key component to the team’s success. He spent most of training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from an ankle injury.
“I’m really pumped that he’s here, man,” Quinn said during a preseason press conference before the actual signing. “He’s such an awesome competitor.”
McLaurin’s signing was critical as the team prepares for its opening game against the New York Giants on Sept. 7 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. Despite ample opportunities other wideouts have been inconsistent and struggled to impress during the preseason.
In an effort to add depth at wide receiver, the Commanders signed veteran Deebo Samuel, whose hard-rock running style and versatility has reminded many of his time with the San Francisco 49ers where in six seasons he’s caught 334 passes for 4,792 yards.
He’s quickly teamed with Daniels and could be a sure-handed target downfield or a threat on an end-around.
“Anything we ask him to do, whether we put him inside or outside, he’s going to go at it a thousand miles per hour,” Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. “He’s so strong. Running through [he] can play at a high speed that guys have a hard time staying with him. Great addition for us.”
Meanwhile, the Commanders continue to develop their offensive line strategies, Quinn said, with better protection for Daniels and quick-strike pulling for running backs. Injuries have forced offensive linemen to rotate among positions during training camp and prevented the unit from finding its most formidable combinations.
As the front line figures out responsibilities, Washington’s brass adjusted the running back room by trading starting back Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco in exchange for a six round pick. Quinn said the move improved the cohesion in the room.
Running back-by-committee features Austin Ekeeler, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. It’s a group with some speed, power and elusiveness mixed in, though who will make an impact will be determined on game day.
Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed “Bill,” has drawn praise from coaches and teammates for his play-making abilities at 5-foot-11, 208 pounds. For sure eyes will be locked on him when his number is called. Will he cause trouble for defenses?
“I was the underdog at one point,” he said. “I still got so much that I want to prove.”
Opposing offenses have long identified Pro Bowl linebacker Von Miller as a problem they needed to solve.
The Commanders signed the 15-year veteran after stints with Denver, Los Angeles and Buffalo. No doubt, his job will be to rush the quarterback.
“They are going to let me rush,” he said, during preseason camp. “That’s what I do. … I can still roll out of the bed at 36 years-old, with my house shoes on and still rush the passer.”
Miller comes at a time when the linebacker corps need a figurative shot of wheatgrass. Bobby Wagner, who begins his 14th season, leads a youthful group.
With the arrival of Miller, the Commanders have added packages to give the linebackers – Wagner, Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, Nick Bellore, Frankie Luvu – more freedom. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has enjoyed Miller’s in-camp rush clinic.
“He can still get off the ball,” he said. “He can bend the corner, he can bend, he can spin.”
If the defense is to stop anyone this season, players must tackle better individually and as a group.
For reference, flash back to last season’s NFC Championship game, where the Eagles’ star running back Saquon Barkley rushed for a 60-yard touchdown on the team’s first play from scrimmage. He took a toss out of the backfield left and broke upfield, shedding arm tackles and sprinting into the end zone.
The details will make a difference this season. Quinn and company will not surprise anyone in the NFC East or the rest of the NFL for that matter.
Commanders fans will look to Daniels for his leadership and poise and McLaurin for his speed and hands. Their expectations are echoing down from the cheap seats at Northwest Stadium, with hopes that the team can deliver another magical season.