NFL analyst exposes brutal Commanders truth that could derail 2025 hopes

The Washington Commanders are widely expected to make another deep postseason run in 2025. It'll be more difficult this time around, but general manager Adam Peters is confident that the pieces in place can help them go toe-to-toe with some of the NFC's heavyweights once again.

That's an opinion shared by most of Washington's expectant fanbase. However, one NFL analyst put forth a brutal reality check that threatens to derail the Commanders' chances of going one better and into the Super Bowl.Ad Feedback

Analyst questions whether Commanders veterans can help get them over the hump

Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports laid out the biggest question of all, which will make-or-break the Commanders' postseason aspirations in 2025. This centered on whether the older veterans acquired have what it takes to get them over the hump.

Specifically, the team's major trade acquisitions this offseason.

We won't know this until crunch time of the 2025 campaign, of course, but Washington quickly and understandably pivoted to win-now mode after Jayden Daniels' magical debut. How new left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wideout Deebo Samuel pan out could determine their postseason ceiling.Cody Benjamin

The Commanders were more aggressive after reaching the NFC Championship game last season. It was a miraculous run that nobody thought possible, but Peters wasn't going to get complacent. He knew more was needed, and stopped at nothing to bring high-caliber performers into the fold.

Peters' free-agent strategy centered on adding proven players with experience of sustained playoff success. This allowed the Commanders to find value and take the best prospects available regardless of need during the draft. This was the right call to make, but their offseason success largely hinges on whether Tunsil and Samuel can reach the required level.

There's hope this can be accomplished with minimal fuss. Peters knows Samuel well. He knows his habits and work ethic, which inspires confidence. Things went stale last season with the San Francisco 49ers, but the former second-round pick out of South Carolina is highly motivated to maximize this new challenge in a contract year.

Tunsil's penalty numbers weren't great last season, which must be rectified. Even so, the five-time Pro Bowler remains an elite pass protector — someone capable of keeping Jayden Daniels' blindside free of pressure more effectively than Brandon Coleman managed to accomplish during the previous campaign.

The Commanders have some potential weak links at edge rusher, safety depth, and the running back spot. They'll also have a bigger target on their back with a more testing schedule next season. Going from the hunter to the hunted is a strange feeling, but the right culture is in place to take on this challenge and thrive.

Expectations are high. Meeting them is crucial.