The Washington Commanders have emerged as perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NFL season. After a decade of struggle to put together an NFC-contending roster during the recent part of the Dan Snyder regime, owner Josh Harris has a 3-1 team.
However, how much should we buy in on the Commanders?
Here’s a look at why you may wish to believe and why you should remain skeptical.
Why we should believe in Washington Commanders
The Commanders’ rise comes one year after rookie CJ Stroud completely revitalized the Houston Texans. They are living proof that a rookie quarterback-led unit can be viable in the conference. Daniels has a completion percentage of a whopping 82.1%, putting just about every other quarterback to shame, per Pro Football Reference.
Terry McLaurin has been a household name for the Commanders for several seasons and finally appears to be getting a playmaker to match his skills. Plus, with the Cowboys and Eagles struggling at the moment, the door is open for the Commanders to lead the way this season. Additionally, with no Chiefs-esque franchise to point toward in the NFC, the conference is anyone’s to be had.
Why we should not believe in Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have had rookie quarterback success go down in flames before. Robert Griffin III played an impressive rookie season, taking his team to the playoffs but losing in their first game. However, that season was his peak, proving that even the best rookie quarterbacks can hit a wall.
If the Commanders follow in Robert Griffin III’s steps, they too could get stuck in their first playoff game.
The Commanders have reached the wild card round before, so as impressive as Jayden Daniels has been, it may not raise the team’s ceiling compared to recent years.
3-1 also does not automatically equate to a playoff spot or even a winning record. The Denver Broncos started 3-1 in 2017 and finished with a 5-11 record. Put simply, Daniels has a bit more to prove.
Overall, while his early start has been exciting, the defensive counter-punch is coming. It will be up to Daniels to prove he has more tricks up his sleeve for the Washington Commanders.
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