Latest news with #AdamPeters
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Did the Washington Commanders win the offseason?
Did the Washington Commanders "win" the offseason? Don't tell that to longtime Washington fans who were accustomed to winning the offseason under former owner Dan Snyder. In those days, Snyder would make multiple flashy offseason moves that went nowhere. That was a long time ago. Long before Snyder sold the team, he quit spending money, and Washington was as bad in the offseason as it was during the season. The Commanders found themselves in a unique position this offseason. They were coming off a 12-win season and an appearance in the NFC championship game. And while Washington has more needs than most teams that won 12 games, the focus was on improving the roster, not overhauling it. Most importantly, the Commanders weren't looking for a quarterback. Jayden Daniels was everything they envisioned and more last season. So, this offseason was about building around Daniels. Advertisement How'd they do? While Washington didn't go crazy in free agency, mainly focusing on short-term deals with veterans and re-signing key internal free agents, general manager Adam Peters swung for the fences in two trades. The Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil in different trades, filling massive holes at those positions. Bucky Brooks of believes that Washington, along with four other teams, did win the offseason: It's hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league's elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin's contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut. Defensively, the additions of Deatrich Wise and Jonathan Jones fortify a unit that is coming into its own under the direction of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. If the Commanders continue to receive key contributions from their young defensive backs (Mike Sainristil, Quan Martin and Trey Amos), the reigning NFC runner-up could take the next step in 2025. My expectation for 2025: The Commanders are built to run through the NFC with a superstar quarterback surrounded by a stellar supporting cast. If Washington can secure the NFC's No. 1 seed, we could see a championship parade in the nation's capital come February. It's hard not to like how Peters approached the offseason. While questions remain about the pass rush, the Commanders worked hard to strengthen their run defense and add valuable depth to the secondary. It's challenging to fill every need in one offseason, but in two years as Washington's GM, Peters has restocked three of the NFL's most important positions. The Commanders have a franchise quarterback, two bookend offensive tackles and quality cornerback depth. That's a tremendous offseason. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Analyst names Commanders as an offseason winner
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Kingsbury Reveals 'Thrill' To Work With New All-Pro Stud
Commanders' Kingsbury Reveals 'Thrill' To Work With New All-Pro Stud originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders signaled their Super Bowl intentions this offseason as general manager Adam Peters executed two significant trades. Advertisement The first was for San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Deebo Samuel, and the other was for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Both are key upgrades as both positions, and both should push this Commanders team forward to where Dan Quinn's team is a Super Bowl contender. It is up to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to mesh it all together, and with OTAs and minicamp now complete, Samuel has made an impression on Kliff. "He's got a natural feel for things as he's figuring this offense out, but [I] couldn't be more thrilled having seen it up close and personal for those years to actually get to work with him," Kingsbury said via the team's official website. New Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images With the Commanders, one of the best rushing teams last season (149.1 yards per game), now we add Deebo, who, while not a fully-fledged back, can moonlight to devastating effect in the backfield. Advertisement Plus, what he can do as a pure receiver with his brutal running style and YAC ability sets to bring a different element to the Commanders' offense, which was one of the best in football last season. And Kingsbury has Jayden Daniels to bring it all together. Granted, there are still some skeptics on whether or not Deebo can still be "Deebo" in 2025, but based on what we have seen and heard this offseason, Samuel appears ready to have one hell of a revenge tour this year. Related: Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin Related: Commanders Running Back Turns Heads In Important Offseason This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Ranking NFL teams' odds of going worst to first in 2025 season
Look no further than the Washington Commanders for the example that has provided hope to much of the rest of the league throughout the offseason. After going 4-13 in 2023, the franchise opted to wipe the slate clean, bringing aboard coach Dan Quinn, general manager Adam Peters and quarterback Jayden Daniels. Most figured that such an extensive reworking would lead to a transition season, but Washington rocketed to a 12-5 mark and an appearance in the NFC championship game for the first time since the 1991 season. But the organization's rise still eventually hit its ceiling, with the Philadelphia Eagles capturing both the NFC East title and rolling the Commanders in the conference title game to reach Super Bowl 59. Now, as teams prepare to break for the summer, many of the league's incumbent cellar-dwellers are holding out hope for a similarly stark turnaround - and maybe even a little more. Identifying teams capable of making such a stark surge can be tricky, as the Commanders ranked low on this list last year. But here is our ranking of the league's eight last-place finishers based on the likelihood they can pull off a worst-to-first transformation this fall: What's working for them: It's easier to bounce back rather than build from the ground floor. Having reached at least the conference championship game four times and won the division three times in the five years prior to last season, San Francisco clearly has the solid foundation that so many others on this list lack. That starts at both coach, where Kyle Shanahan's adroit play-calling confers a massive advantage, and quarterback, with Brock Purdy now no longer facing questions about his worth after reaching a five-year, $265 million extension that hardly seems lofty. The 2024 edition of the squad was snakebitten at an unparalleled level, so getting back the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams after injury-riddled seasons is sure to fuel an offensive upswing. The defense also has hopes for better days ahead, too, with Robert Saleh sizing up as the right man to clean up various issues as he begins his second stint as a coordinator with the organization. The NFC West seems at least somewhat manageable to navigate after having the smallest gap between in wins (five games) between any division's champion and last-place finisher. What's working against them: Recapturing their previous winning ways isn't merely a matter of the 49ers calling a mulligan on last year. There's been significant attrition, especially on a defense that needs several young replacements - especially along the defensive line - to step up. With Aiyuk still working his way back from torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and Deebo Samuel Sr. traded to the Commanders, second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall will have to make a sizable mark to keep the passing game going. Rediscovering a finishing touch will be essential after the 49ers were outscored 165-88 in the fourth quarter and had dreadful results in the red zone on both sides of the ball. The NFC West doesn't offer any easy outs, either, and the Los Angeles Rams shouldn't be expected to slide. Bottom line: There's usually a clear front-runner annually in this exercise, and San Francisco clearly stands apart from the other entrants. There's enough change in the last 12 months that an immediate return to form is hardly a foregone conclusion, but this version of the 49ers might have what it takes to reclaim the divisional crown, even if it has ceded its place as the definitive favorite. 2. Tennessee Titans What's working for them: Cam Ward might not have cleared the cliched bar of a "generational" quarterback prospect, but it's easy to see why Titans brass figured he could be a transformative figure for the franchise. In combining high-end pocket poise with unique out-of-structure ability, he can immediately recalibrate an offense that was too frequently thrown off tilt by Will Levis' backbreaking mistakes in the face of pressure. The offensive line also looks to be as solid as it has been in years thanks to the signings of left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and right guard Kevin Zeitler. New special teams coordinator John Fassel, who is widely regarded as one of the league's most innovative minds in his concentration, should clean up the rampant mistakes that further doomed last year's team. With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts undergoing their own major adjustments and the Houston Texans yet to assert themselves as truly dominant, the AFC South seems more open than many other divisions. What's working against them: If only it were so easy for every talented young quarterback to follow in the footsteps of C.J. Stroud, who engineered the league's last worst-to-first bid in 2023, and Daniels. Handing the keys over to a rookie typically entails a series of setbacks, and Ward has several overaggressive tendencies that will need to be tamped down in order to avoid a repeat of last season. But for all of the focus on how the No. 1 pick will fare, it might be the defense that ultimately drags this group down. Tennessee simply didn't do enough to upgrade a group that ranked 30th in scoring, and it undoubtedly will cost them in the short term. And while the Texans might not be world-beaters, they don't need to be in top form to remain several notches above the Titans and the rest of the division. Bottom line: If Ward's playmaking prowess carries over to the pros without a rough patch, watch out. But even with the most fortuitous circumstances, the Titans will be hard-pressed to vault all the way to the top of the AFC South. 3. Chicago Bears What's working for them: There might not have been a more consequential offseason addition than Ben Johnson. Not only could the new head coach and play-caller revolutionize the Bears' long stagnant attack, his decision to come aboard after a famously discerning approach to exploring opportunities cemented Chicago as an organization to be reckoned with in the coming years. Caleb Williams weathered the calamitous conditions of his rookie season about as admirably as anyone could ask, and his abundant creativity could finally be unlocked by Johnson. And between the overhauling of the interior line and the continued boosting of the receiving corps, there's room for this group to make a seismic leap in the fall. On defense, coordinator Dennis Allen should be a steadying force, especially as Johnson learns the ropes of handling the top job. What's working against them: It's easy to get excited about everything new to the Bears in 2025. But don't assume it all will click right away. How Williams handles the demands Johnson places on operating within structure and on schedule will bear watching, as it could be an early pain point. Meanwhile, merely importing several veterans up front might not be a cure-all after Chicago posted a league-worst sack rate of nearly 10%. And with the NFC North featuring three playoff teams - two of which vied for the conference's No. 1 seed in the final week - it'd take almost everything hitting right for Chicago to climb past all of the competition. Bottom line: Johnson's appeal stems not only from his play-calling acumen but also his ability to implement the culture refresh that helped the Detroit Lions flourish under Dan Campbell. Bears fans should keep the latter point in mind as the organization makes progress that might not be linear or lead to the mountaintop by the end of the coach's debut season. What's working for them: With patience running thin in Foxborough at the beginning of the post-Bill Belichick era just as it did at end of the legendary coach's run, Robert Kraft again took drastic action to reshape the organization from top to bottom. And in flocking to free agency to patch holes throughout the roster, the Patriots made it clear they expect to return to at least the precipice of postseason competition in short order. Mike Vrabel is a fitting choice to take on that task, and the former Titans coach no doubt will be looking to restore a culture of accountability after things reached a breaking point at the end of Jerod Mayo's lone season. The drumbeat regarding the upward trajectory of Drake Maye's development has only amplified throughout the offseason, and the installation of Josh McDaniels' more streamlined offense and the addition of several formidable weapons (receivers Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams as well as running back TreVeyon Henderson) should only accelerate the quarterback's ascent. But the personnel overhauls might provide the most immediate returns on defense, where defensive end Milton Williams, cornerback Carlton Davis III and linebacker Robert Spillane can be difference-makers for a unit desperate to add more. What's working against them: For all the change here, was enough done to lift up an offensive line that repeatedly let Maye and the running game down? First-round left tackle Will Campbell sparked plenty of questions regarding whether he can hang on the blind side against NFL edge rushers, and the other additions weren't exactly splashy. Even if the front does eventually come together, it might take some time before a group that ranked 31st in ESPN's pass block win rate metric and last in run block win rate finds its footing. An edge rush counting on castoffs Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson to provide a boost remains lackluster at best. And barring a long-term injury to Josh Allen, the Bills seem to have more than enough to again trample the rest of the division for their sixth consecutive AFC East title. Bottom line: Lots of new pieces here. How quickly they all coalesce will determine the extent of the Year 1 improvement. Bet on a boost - perhaps even to the level of relevance in the wild-card race - but don't get carried away. 5. New Orleans Saints What's working for them: For once, there's change afoot in New Orleans. After several years of stagnation led to the franchise bottoming out with its worst mark (5-12) in nearly 20 years, the Saints are embarking on a new path rather than repeatedly doubling down on an aging and costly roster, with Kellen Moore taking over as the NFL's youngest head coach. The pivot begins behind center, where rookie Tyler Shough seems to have the inside track to replace Derek Carr after the veteran's retirement. The second-round signal-caller has the arm strength and confidence to take advantage of arguably the league's speediest receiving corps, featuring downfield blazers Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks. One of the biggest elements in New Orleans' favor, however, extends beyond personnel: The NFC South seems far more fluid than most other divisions, with the Saints having split their series against the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons last year. What's working against them: This rebuild is still something of a half measure, with a sizable amount of cap work still to be done in the coming years before a clean slate will come into sight. Given his struggles to make snap decisions, Shough could be in for a shock to the system as he adjusts to NFL speed - a problem that could be exacerbated by the Saints' uneven offensive line. The aerial attack also might struggle to find its form if Olave again misses substantial time after sitting out nine games last season. The 30th-ranked defense will have to depend on new coordinator Brandon Staley to cover for its myriad shortcomings, especially in a suspect secondary bound to feel the sting of Paulson Adebo's departure. And while the division might not be as imposing as others, it seems unlikely that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' grasp, which has lasted four years, will loosen anytime soon. Bottom line: Sorting out the bottom half of these rankings essentially amounts to dartboard throws. The Saints' problems have compounded for years, and they might take a similar timeline to unwind. Moore likely will have to endure some tough times before the franchise can launch its true reset in earnest. What's working for them: If the Raiders' core aim is to establish baseline competitiveness, Pete Carroll and Geno Smith seem to be fitting leaders for that mission. With Chip Kelly designing the offense, the coach and quarterback could rekindle the spark that allowed them to defy expectations in Seattle. Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashon Jeanty's arrival should immediately change the complexion of a historically putrid ground game, while the receiving corps added pieces to lighten the load on Brock Bowers and move on from the disappointing Davante Adams era. And the Silver and Black might be the only ones in their home city who can count on better luck in short order after their -16 turnover differential finished tied for the second-worst mark in the NFL. What's working against them: Chiefly (no pun intended), it's the division. If Kansas City's nine-year claim to the AFC West is to come to an end in 2025, the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos - both returning playoff outfits - would be the natural candidates to assume the top spot. Las Vegas was one of only two teams to go winless in its division last season, and an overall talent deficiency will be hard to compensate for. That particularly seems like the case on defense, where a unit that doesn't offer much beyond Maxx Crosby will be relying on several veteran stopgap solutions to make up for several free agency losses, which Carroll admitted the group couldn't afford. Bottom line: If this list were merely about odds of improvement, Las Vegas would surely claim an elevated spot. But with the organization focused on finally getting back to a place of legitimacy after several rocky years, the Raiders should take a page from Carroll and focus on competing against themselves rather than measuring their progress against their AFC West competitors, though closing the gap would certainly constitute a significant win. What's working for them: While the Giants resisted blowing things up at the very top of the organization, the team took a far more aggressive tack to reconfigure the quarterback room, which welcomed Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and first-rounder Jaxson Dart. With Wilson set to take over as starter, Big Blue will no doubt be more aggressive in attacking downfield, with Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton looking more than up to the task of hauling in the veteran's signature "moon balls." More big plays also seem in store for a defense that fortified its greatest strength in its pass rush, as adding Abdul Carter alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux could make this one of the league's most effective crews at creating chaos. And if Dexter Lawrence again plays at a level that will put him in conversation for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, New York's front could be a legitimate problem. The Giants were 1-7 in one-score games last season - even if some, such as the Thanksgiving flop against Dallas, weren't as close as they appeared - so a bit of improved fortune could be a boon to the bottom line. What's working against them: Wilson didn't prove to be a tenable starting option for a Pittsburgh Steelers team that offered far more support than New York does. If the Giants fall in an early hole - which seems likely given that the first month brings matchups with the Commanders, Cowboys, Chiefs and Chargers - how long will Brian Daboll keep Dart on the shelf? A shoddy offensive line looks ill-equipped to support either option and could spoil any visions of a more prolific passing game. Then there's the matter of the NFC East. Between the Eagles and Commanders being entrenched as established contenders and the Cowboys possibly in line for a bounce back, the climb out of the basement appears steep. Bottom line: Keeping a hot-seat coach often has catastrophic results, and the Giants might be the latest to rue retaining their current regime for another year. Short of Wilson engineering a stunning late-career renaissance or Dart getting an early look and dazzling, there's not enough ammo here for a substantial turnaround. 8. Cleveland Browns What's working for them: Things can't be as bad as last year ... right? However uninspiring the teams' quarterback choices are, Deshaun Watson's ineffectiveness and Jameis Winston's interception-happy play proved to be an anchor on the entire operation, leaving the once-dominant defense repeatedly saddled with unfavorable situations. With mainstay left guard Joel Bitonio indicating earlier in June that the Kevin Stefanski-helmed attack looks due to get back to its run-centric roots, even small strides in efficiency for a group that tied for the NFL lead with 34 giveaways could have a significant ripple effect. Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward remain elite presences capable of pacing the defense, and first-round defensive tackle Mason Graham and second-round linebacker Carson Schwesinger help provide the youthful backing that went missing in recent years with the team's draft capital sapped by the Watson trade. What's working against them: The shortage of talent behind center might make this one of the shakiest quarterback competitions of the last quarter-century. Even if the ask of the passing game is minimized, how reasonable is it to count on the ground game to rediscover its previous form given how unstable the front has been amid injuries and the loss of offensive line coach Bill Callahan? Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah already being ruled out for the season as he continues to recover from a neck injury seems like a bad harbinger for a roster that still is short on talent. And the AFC North landscape is nothing short of treacherous. Bottom line: With general manager Andrew Berry passing up the chance to take Travis Hunter in order to add another first-rounder for 2026, it feels as though the franchise is admitting its focus has advanced beyond this season. Cleveland has the longest active drought for a divisional crown - dating back to their 1989 capture of the AFC Central - and looks as far off as ever from ending it. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who is the Commanders best schematic fit in the 2025 draft class?
Which players drafted are going to become the best schematic fit for their respective teams in 2025? NFL draft analyst Rob Rang of Fox Sports recently provided his one selection for each NFL team from this year's rookie class that might best fit their team's needs and roster. Advertisement Who did Rang feel was the most fitting draft selection this year for the Washington Commanders? Rang went with Ole Miss corner Trey Amos, whom the Commanders selected with their late second-round selection at No. 61 overall. Here is how Rang summed up his belief that Amos could become the best fit for the Commanders: "To justify this selection, Amos will need to prove that he's over the back issues which contributed to his slip to the deep second round, but the tape shows one of the stickier, savvier man-to-man corners in this class — and a perfect schematic fit in Dan Quinn's defense." If indeed Amos is a good schematic fit and performs well in his rookie season, the Commanders could start Trey Amos and Marshon Lattimore at the outside corners. They could also start second-year corner Mike Sainristil at the inside corner. Also, keep in mind that GM Adam Peters came to Washington, finding the top corners on the Ron Rivera roster to be Emmanuel Forbes, Benjamin St Juste, Kendall Fuller, Tariq Castro-Fields, Danny Johnson, and Christian Holmes. Advertisement What about the other three NFC East rivals? Dallas Cowboys- Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College (No. 44 overall) New York Giants- Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State (No. 3 overall) Philadelphia Eagles- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (No. 31 overall) If you would like to see the summary for each of the 32 NFL teams, here is the link This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Which rookie is the Commanders' best schematic fit in 2025?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Must Change Mindset
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Must Change Mindset originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Things changed overnight for the Washington Commanders franchise. Some people believe that change happened when Josh Harris bought the team. Advertisement Others credited the hiring decisions of both Adam Peters and Dan Quinn. But in a very real way ... The world changed when second-overall pick Jayden Daniels was drafted for Washington last season. Almost overnight, the Commanders found a quarterback who was one of the best in the league. His infectious personality helped transform the entire organization from one of the hunters in the league to one of the hunted. 'That's the type of team and energy that we damn sure want,' Quinn said on The Green Light with Chris Long podcast. 'He's got a really cool blend of confidence and humility. "He can vibe with the teammates in the same way, but like ... he is a stone cold, get-after-it killer in terms of preparation, what to do, and how to go after it.' Advertisement Daniels led Washington to 12 wins last season and their first appearance in the NFC Title game in over three decades. He was able to help the Commanders become one of the most electric offenses in the game. Now, the mindset has shifted. Washington will no longer be able to surprise teams this year, and there will be no more upsets. The Commanders have a Super Bowl team. Their quarterback is at the forefront of that. While the rest of the NFL tries to match up against Washington, Daniels is making sure the rest of his team is ready for tougher opponents and matchups and can rise above it all. That's what championship teams do, after all. Advertisement Related: Commanders Media Bizarre Criticism of Cowboys Offseason Related: Commanders' Austin Ekeler Details Benefits Of Running It Back Amid Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
