What Austin Ekeler just said about the Commanders has fans buzzing

“I think there's even going to be more growth this year, which is awesome because of where we are at with our team and have a lot of players back,” Ekeler said in the interview. “We still have a lot of playmakers. We still have to get Terry paid. Oh man, we are going to be looking like a powerhouse out there.”

Fans already saw flashes of that firepower in 2024, largely thanks to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Ekeler, who signed with the team this offseason, was impressed by how quickly Daniels adjusted to the pro game and how he thrived under pressure as a top draft pick.

“He definitely exceeded expectations,” Ekeler said. “I think that's a good thing, not that I have low expectations for him, but you really don't know. With quarterbacks that come in, and I've been around long enough to know how much they have on their plate, there's a lot they have to acclimate to. Especially learning a new playbook, getting into a new organization, and you were the second-overall pick with a lot of high expectations.”

Ekeler continued: “It was like, ‘Yeah, I'm expecting you to play well.’ Now, go out and kind of have an MVP-caliber type season and be in those conversations you typically don't get that from players [so early].”

That kind of growth from the quarterback position is one reason the Commanders’ offense has momentum going into training camp. Another key factor: the return of a strong supporting cast. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, whom Ekeler publicly said deserves to “get paid,” remains the heartbeat of the offense. Add in weapons like Deebo Samuel, dynamic tight ends, and Ekeler himself, and Washington looks as dangerous as it has in years.

If Jayden Daniels continues to grow, if Terry McLaurin gets locked in for the long haul, Washington could make good on Ekeler’s vision: a powerhouse, not just in potential, but in production.