The time for talk is almost over.
After one of the most eventful offseasons in franchise history, the Washington Commanders will get the chance to showcase their progress in the regular season. The sense of anticipation is growing exponentially. Yet this remains a journey into the unknown for all involved after so many widespread alterations to the organization.
The Commanders are almost unrecognizable from top to bottom. New general manager Adam Peters gutted the roster with ruthless efficiency. Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff galvanized their players, giving them a sense of energy and purpose that Ron Rivera couldn't seem to muster. Tempering expectations would be wise initially, but fans are hopeful that improvements can arrive in some capacity.
Washington's status remains precarious until further notice. Many expect them to make significant strides in Year 1 and potentially enter the playoff picture. Others expect the changes to come gradually, which isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
Another fascinating campaign awaits with some dark clouds lifted from the organization. With that being said, here are five bold Commanders predictions for the 2024 season.
Bold Commanders predictions for the 2024 season
Commanders RB tandem gains 2,000 rushing yards
The Washington Commanders have a potentially prolific running back tandem heading into the campaign. Brian Robinson Jr. looks like a breakout candidate after catching the eye in 2023. He's joined by veteran free-agent signing Austin Ekeler, who's got a lot of tread on the tires but should thrive in a more specialist role.
Ekeler wanted to join a team with an already-established young running back in place to prolong his NFL career. Robinson is exactly that, so there's a lot to like about this tandem working alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels - another with proven capabilities to gain significant yards on the ground.
If the backfield partnership of Robinson and Ekeler can get close to 2,000 rushing yards within Kliff Kingsbury's offensive system in 2024, that's an immensely positive foundation from which to build. It's a lofty bar for which to aim, but don't be surprised if they accomplish this feat when it's all said and done.
Mike Sainristil wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
All the hype has centered on quarterback Jayden Daniels. That's expected considering the position he plays and where he was drafted. However, the Washington Commanders have another rookie who could potentially take the league by storm.
The Commanders believe they got a steal with Mike Sainristil at No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His productive college career at Michigan gained widespread plaudits. The gifted prospect brought this through to the pros, making an immediate impression and looking like the team's best cornerback heading into Year 1 of his professional career.
Sainristil doesn't carry himself like a rookie. He's determined, composed beyond his years, and has a natural playmaking ability that's hard not to love. If he takes this into a competitive setting, the Commanders have a potential franchise cornerstone piece on their hands.
Cornerbacks tend to go through more growing pains than most. The pace is quicker and the margins are finer, so taking the rough with the smooth is crucial. At the same time, Sainristil's maturity and outstanding start throughout the summer could make him an intriguing candidate to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year if the same trend continues.
Commanders become a top 10 defense
One of the biggest disappointments during a campaign to forget in 2023 centered on Washington's defense. Many thought the personnel available would propel them into the upper echelons of the NFL. It turned out to be anything but.
A lack of motivation and questionable schematic concepts saw Jack Del Rio lose his job. The Commanders also traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young, which negated any pass rush they had and the unit went through more turmoil. Ron Rivera couldn't turn things around and he also paid the price.
Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. are here to change all that. They've implemented an innovative defensive system and brought in players who can fit into this new way of thinking effectively. Asking them to become the league's best is pushing things, but there's nothing to suggest they cannot become a top 10 unit if everyone gets a clear run of luck on the health front.
Some questions at certain position groups could hold them back. But the talent and enhanced coaching should make them more competitive and give Washington's offense a fighting chance.
Jayden Daniels secures 4,500 all-purpose yards
This is a quarterback-driven league. The Washington Commanders have gone through a carousel of signal-callers since mismanaging Kirk Cousins' contract before he departed for the Minnesota Vikings. After so many failed acquisitions, the new regime feels like they have something special on their hands with Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders were confident that Daniels was the guy after making him the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. His seamless transition to the organization and exceptional preseason efforts saw head coach Dan Quinn name him QB1 right out of the gate. It was expected, but those in power wanted to make him earn the spot.
Daniels has the electrifying traits associated with productive modern-day quarterbacks. He's poised and accurate under center. He's got the ability to get out on the move and cause damage on the ground, although learning how to slide effectively is something to work on in pursuit of avoiding big hits.
There will be times of struggle for Daniels and his supporting cast must also live up to their end of the bargain. Achieving 4,500 all-purpose yards (passing and rushing) is a bold yet attainable objective for Washington's new face of the franchise.
Commanders win 10 games
Winning 10 games would be beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The Washington Commanders were among the league's worst teams last season - the last under previous head coach Ron Rivera. Getting into playoff consideration immediately is a stretch, but confidence is high that improvements can arrive in some capacity.
Dan Quinn and his staff know what it takes to win. The Commanders believe they have the personnel capable of being more competitive in 2024. Asking them to go on a deep postseason run is unfair and unrealistic in Year 1 of such a substantial rebuild. At the same time, there's a quiet optimism within the building surrounding their chances.
On-field progress might be more gradual. The Houston Texans proved that it can be done quickly - especially with a rookie quarterback under center. Tempering expectations initially would be smart, but there's just telling what this group could potentially accomplish if they come through a tricky opening to the campaign.
The stakes are high. Winning 10 contests would be a drastic improvement from the four triumphs they secured in 2024. It's not impossible. That said, it would be surprising all things considered.
