The Washington Commanders fielded one of the most prolific offensive units in the NFL last season. Their offensive renaissance was spearheaded by quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin as the Commanders rode their 2024 offensive momentum into the NFC Championship game. Their surprising playoff run ended with a 55-23 loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Commanders and Eagles split the regular season series, with each game being decided by no more than eight points. However, their playoff game was another story. The Eagles dominated on offense, rushing for 229 yards and seven touchdowns. Philadelphia’s dominant running game proves that Washington will need to shore up their defense in their efforts to remain competitive against the Super Bowl champion Eagles.
Change was in order. And Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters went to work. He signed veteran defensive tackles Eddie Goldman and Javon Kinlaw. The 332 pound Goldman spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. He was brought to Washington to provide bulk in the middle of Washington’s defensive line. At six foot five and 319 pounds, Kinlaw has the size to solidify the middle of the line alongside either Goldman or veteran starter Daron Payne. Peters is also familiar with Kinlaw, as both were with the San Francisco 49ers’ organization from 2020 to 2023.
Washington added veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones to provide depth behind starter Marshon Lattimore. Jones was a two time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots after the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The Commanders hope Jones can provide leadership to their secondary. 2025 second round pick Trey Amos has impressed Commanders’ coaches at training camp. Amos has impressed so much that Washington currently has him listed as the opening day starter, showing the trust the coaching staff has in the rookie.
But the biggest move on defense was the signing of linebacker and pass rushing specialist Von Miller. Like Jones, Miller is a two time Super Bowl champion with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams, respectively. He has recorded 129.5 sacks in his career, which is proof positive of his pass rushing abilities. At 36, Miller wasn’t brought to Washington to rescue the Commanders’ pass rush. He was brought in as a situational pass rusher that Washington hopes can provide a lift to the defense by getting to the opposing quarterback.
The Commanders’ improbable playoff 2024 playoff run has pried open a Super Bowl championship window that has been closed for quite some time. If their recent defensive additions can gel on the field, they might remain a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.