Commanders' big picture analysis through seven weeks

With the Washington Commanders ' bye week just concluded, what are some big-picture observations of the team's first six games?

Both offensive and defensive coordinators are in their first year at this elevated position in the NFL. That has shown at various times. The defense surrendered huge, explosive plays in both of Washington's first two losses. Then they couldn't stop the Colts ' running game in the second half (Week 4), blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Giants (Week 5), and offered little resistance to the 49ers' first-half attack (Week 6). Offensively, the biggest Achilles' heel thus far has been penalties, most notably pre-snap penalties. And of course the clock management against the Giants was disturbing, and the offense was anemic in the first half against the 49ers.

Head coach Dan Quinn has been the subject of much speculation over the last two weeks. Some in the national media called for him to lose his job during the bye week. One even called for him "to do the honorable thing and resign" after the fiasco of the conclusion of the Giants 27-27 tie.

We now know that as early as training camp, Quinn and DC Daronte Jones were already discussing bringing on an additional set of eyes as a consultant. Perhaps Quinn (or Jones) realized then that they wanted to add someone with more experience to the defensive staff.

The NFC East is, without question, the weakest division in the NFL this season. This is confirmed by the fact that in Weeks 5 and 6, no NFC East team managed a single win. The Eagles and Cowboys play Monday night; the winner will be 3-4, and the loser will fall to 2-5. The Commanders are currently 1-4-1.

The Commanders have lost two receivers already in the first six games. Losing Terry McLaurin will continue to limit the Commanders the rest of the way. Jaylen Lane, remember, returned two punts for touchdowns in 2025. No one has yet shown explosiveness like Lane in the return game. Dyami Brown has to produce more down the field or defenses are going to play up and press at the line of scrimmage.

Some aspects of the offense are troubling. Washington's run block rate is at or near the bottom after each week. Then they lost Bill Croskey-Merritt, the only running back who has exhibited any ability to produce a big play. Losing LT Laremy Tunsil no doubt limits the offense. And what is the deal with Rachaad White looking like he doesn't know the playbook? Jayden Daniels has been correcting White several times in the last two games.

The 2024 draft class, Adam Peters' first draft class, has disappointed often. They have underperformed; they have not been productive. I didn't want to jump on that class prematurely like others did last season, but this is their third season, and it raises questions about that class. LB Jordan Magee hasn't been able to stay on the field, WR Luke McCaffrey has been called upon far less this season, TE Ben Sinnott simply hasn't developed, and CB Mike Sainristill has regressed so much that his playing time has been dramatically reduced. OL Brandon Coleman has filled in admirably for Tunsil, yet really struggled a few times as well.

QB Jayden Daniels: We are not simply creating a narrative, was one DC radio station personality accused this week. No, Daniels has made glaring mental mistakes in the last two games; how can an experienced observer for years not be alarmed? His situational awareness was lacking in crucial moments in each of the last two games. He clearly (no overstatement) needs better coaching on those types of game scenarios involving down & distance, as well as clock management. He has played well when he's been on the field, though.

Dan Quinn is in trouble. I am one of the last to come to the conclusion, because I like Quinn as a person, a motivator, and an encourager. But coaches are hired to produce wins, and they aren't. I am certainly hoping the Commanders can make a second-half run to win the division. However, the team would need to go 7-5 in the last 12 games to simply avoid a losing season (8-8-1). They are two full games behind the Giants (4-2-1) and thus may need at the least an 8-4 finish to have a chance at the NFC East. Here's to hoping Dan Quinn can lead the players and coaches through these last 12 weeks to a successful finish and a playoff berth.