This offseason, the Washington Commanders made their top priority clear. That, of course, was to protect star quarterback Jayden Daniels.
They acquired five-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil via trade from the Houston Texans. Then, they complemented him on the other side of the offensive line by drafting Oregon's Josh Conerly Jr. with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Both tackles will make a major difference from last season's unit, which gave up 50 sacks. This was tied for seventh-most in the league.
The offensive line's improvement could be the key to an NFC East title. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports writes that three teams — the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, and Washington — will all have a chance to win the division in 2025.
Commanders' revamped offense can help them win a competitive division
The Eagles are the defending Super Bowl champions, giving them a theoretical leg up on the field. However, no team has repeated in this division since 2004, the last of Philadelphia's four straight crowns at the time.
The Commanders, after a surprise season in 2024 in which they went 12-5 and made the NFC Championship game, figure to be the Eagles' biggest threat. Although Washington was lucky in close games and features a vulnerable pass-rushing unit, there is also much reason for optimism as the team looks to maximize its young star quarterback.
Podell's assessment backs this up, primarily citing the additions to the offensive line and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
Trading for Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowler, and drafting Oregon first-team All-Big Ten offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. 29th overall should help clean up Daniels' pocket. Trading for Samuel should provide a nice safety value underneath for Daniels while McLaurin goes to work downfield. Year 2 under head coach Dan Quinn could lead to better play defensively simply because of familiarity with his playbook.Garrett Podell
The importance of a quality offensive line can never be understated. All the proof Washington needs lies within the team they and the rest of the division are chasing.
Philadelphia built its powerhouse around an advantage in the trenches. This is not only the catalyst for their trademark "tush push" play, but it also allowed running back Saquon Barkley to take his game to new heights last season, leading a run-first offensive attack that carried the Eagles to Super Bowl glory.
Washington is attempting to follow suit. In an ideal world, it will lead to similar results.
