Why is everyone, all of a sudden, so down on the 2026 Washington Commanders? In recent days, several in the national media have predicted that the Commanders will finish last in the NFC East this upcoming season. Yes, that’s right, even behind the New York Giants.
The doubts began when left tackle Laremy Tunsil tore his triceps on Aug. 8. However, the script really turned against the Commanders after their joint practice with the Ravens. And when one national analyst jumps in with a “bold prediction,” it becomes a trend. Picking Washington to finish last in the NFC East is apparently the new thing to do.
On a recent edition of “First Things First,” all three hosts apparently saw Nicki Jhabvala’s X post on Aug. 26, where she called the Commanders’
offensive line “inoperable” during the joint practice with the Ravens. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Danny Parkins all picked Washington last.
“I don’t like their weapons. The offensive line is banged up. They have a bad defense,” Wright said.
It doesn’t sound like Wright knows what he’s talking about. Why? How does he know the defense is bad? Could it be bad? Absolutely. Do we know that it’s bad? No. Washington made a serious financial investment on that side of the ball this offseason and hired Brian Flores’ top lieutenant, Daronte Jones, as the new defensive coordinator.
So, it’s a bit premature to say the defense is bad. As for the weapons, this is the best group of offensive weapons quarterback Jayden Daniels has had since entering the NFL in 2024. Yes, even better than the 2024 team that went 12-5. The offensive line concerns are valid, though.
Broussard also mentioned Washington’s defense.
“I would love to see Jayden Daniels have a bounce-back year, terrific year, but that offensive line with Laremy Tunsil is now out with a triceps tear. I think they’re gonna struggle, and I think the defense isn’t that great either,” Broussard said.
Again, it’s fair to wonder about the Commanders’ offensive line. But again, assuming the defense was bad because it was last year is foolish. The Cowboys’ defense was bad, too. They also hired a promising new coordinator and made some additions on that side of the ball. Why is no one saying their defense will be bad? It’s the same premise; Washington’s defense was bad last year, so it will be again this year. But they’ll ignore that same logic with the Cowboys.
Parkins offered a grim prediction for head coach Dan Quinn.
“The Washington Commanders are in trouble, and I think Dan Quinn should be the heavy favorite to be [the] first coach fired,” Parkins said. “When you need to keep your quarterback healthy, and you have a bad offensive line, and Laremy Tunsil goes down, that is just a very bad recipe.”
Quinn is certainly on the hot seat in 2026. He must avoid a slow start in Washington’s first six games, which is a brutal stretch to begin the season. For the most part, Parkins’ prediction is the most reasonable. However, we can’t assume Washington’s offensive line will be bad when the first team (outside of Tunsil) hasn’t been on the field together for a sustained period.
Remember, right guard Sam Cosmi was sick during the Ravens’ practice, and center Nick Allegretti was out. Offensive line play is about cohesion. Brandon Coleman played left tackle in 2024. Allegretti was the left guard, which is now occupied by Chris Paul. Allegretti replaces Tyler Biadasz at center, and Josh Conerly Jr. is now the right tackle. Once this group has time to gel, perhaps it can surprise some people. On paper, it isn't much different from the 2024 offensive line.
It sounds like many around the country have written off the Commanders before they even play a game. That should add more fuel to the fire for Daniels.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Everyone is writing off the Commanders before Week 1
