The Washington Commanders have taken the NFL by storm at the quarter point of the 2024 season. Head coach Dan Quinn led his team to three straight victories after their opening weekend defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They're gaining national headlines for all the right reasons and seem to be clicking much sooner than anyone anticipated after so many changes throughout the offseason.
This couldn't be going better. And the Commanders still have one more ace up their sleeve.
Washington confirmed that Jordan Magee's 21-day practice window is officially open after his spell on injured reserve. The rookie linebacker made a phenomenal impression throughout the offseason to surge his way into consideration. This positive momentum came to an abrupt halt thanks to a knee injury that required a minor procedure.
The Commanders will take their time with Magee. They can ill afford any further issues emerging by putting too much on his plate too soon. The No. 139 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is probably chomping at the bit to get involved and make a contribution to this rapidly ascending project, but erring on the side of caution is a luxury Quinn has thanks to the presence of Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu at the defensive second level.
Commanders must take their time with Jordan Magee initially
Wagner and Luvu have both come into their own over the last fortnight. They were at their tone-setting best during an impressive victory in Week 4 at the Arizona Cardinals, leading a defensive resurgence over the final three quarters that played a leading role in their eventual triumph.
If Magee can find his football legs quickly and show the sort of form that got everyone associated with the Commanders to pay attention throughout the offseason, a rotational role won't be too far behind. His physicality, explosiveness, and instincts make him an intriguing addition to Washington's defense. The former Temple star will also be a surprise most teams won't see coming.
The Commanders will likely integrate Magee into the lineup gradually. He's been missing for a few weeks and might not be at 100 percent health initially. This is also going to be a steep step up from anything he experienced in college.
Giving him a few defensive snaps and special teams involvement seems like the realistic avenue of pursuit right out of the gate. If the second-level presence comes through the first couple of games unscathed, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. can ramp up his usage if the consistency matches the talent.
Adam Peters' first draft is bearing fruit immediately. Jayden Daniels is a superstar. Brandon Coleman looks like a long-term left tackle despite sharing responsibilities with Cornelius Lucas. Luke McCaffrey, Johnny Newton, Mike Sainristil, and even seventh-rounder Javontae Jean-Baptiste are contributing. This is exactly how you build sustained success in the NFL.
Washington is riding on the crest of a wave right now. Enthusiasm is growing among the fanbase and the atmosphere within the locker room is rejuvenated. If Magee picks up where he left off this summer, it's another string to their defensive bow that Whitt can put to good use.
