We are at the halfway point of the 2025 NFL season, and the Washington Commanders are on a bye.
The Commanders‘ bye week couldn’t have come at a better time, with so many injuries across the roster and the season not going the way they intended, they were in desperate need of a reset. Time to step back, rest, heal, and gather a game plan for the second half of the season.
To make the best game plan, the Commanders’ coaches need to review the first half of the season to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. ESPN recently began this process for all 32 teams, evaluating their offensive coordinator or play caller through the first half of the season. What went right, what went wrong, and a key to the second half of the season.
For the Commanders’ offense, the veterans have provided good production, Laremy Tunsil was a good add, and they need more explosive players around Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz. But the injuries are what have gone so wrong for the Commanders, which is why ESPN’s John Keim’s key to the second half shouldn’t surprise anyone:
Health. There’s uncertainty over whether Daniels (dislocated left elbow) will return — or if he should, particularly if the team is out of the playoff race. But even if only McLaurin and Brown return, it will provide a major boost. McLaurin would give Washington the downfield boost it desperately needs. The Commanders’ offensive line needs to become more of a factor.
Whether or not we think Jayden Daniels should return to the field in 2025 is irrelevant because what matters is what the Commanders think and what Daniels himself thinks. They aren’t going to listen to the outside noise; they will prioritize Daniels’ health.
At this point in the season, the Commanders have to admit that their chances of making the playoffs are slim at best. Chalk this season up as a loss, survive the remaining games with as few injuries as possible, and try again next year. There’s no reason to rush anyone back, so focus on getting healthy and repairing the holes that still remain in the roster.