It was one year ago today, September 7, 2025.
The Washington Commanders were about to kick off their 2025 season amid much excitement and high expectations due to their surprisingly spectacular 12-5 2024 season. That season had seen Washington win six contests on their last possession of the game. You couldn’t count them out of games.
Sitting at 7-5 after a heart-breaking home loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the 2024 Commanders had run off a string of five consecutive wins to close out their season at 12-5. They then surprised again, winning two playoff games, both on the road as underdogs, before falling on the road in Philadelphia in the NFC Championship game.
Back to September 7, what were the expectations for the 2025 season? Here is a reminder
of what was being expected and how things can quickly change so dramatically in one single NFL season.
- The pass protection for QB Jayden Daniels was going to be improved, because GM Adam Peters had traded three draft picks to the Texans for LT Laremy Tunsil.
- 2024 rookie LT Brandon Coleman had played well and was going to be moved inside to left guard. The feeling was that the Commanders’ offensive line would be more experienced and athletic.
- RG Sam Cosmi, who had torn an ACL in the playoff win at Detroit, was said to be on schedule, recovering well. The hope was he would miss only the first four weeks and be back ready for the fifth game.
- In the offseason, DE Dante Fowler, an unrestricted free agent, had signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Commanders had signed a much bigger, stronger edge-setting defensive end in Deatrich Wise. Most were convinced the Commanders would defend the run much better in 2025.
- During the draft, the Commanders used their first-round selection on RT Josh Conerly, Jr. It later emerged that OC Kliff Kingsbury had left a note on GM Adam Peters’ desk a week earlier, suggesting he select the tackle from Oregon if he was still available. He was...he did.
- With their second-round selection, Washington had chosen CB Trey Amos. He was declared to be a better man-coverage corner than any of the 2024 corners. Commanders fans were getting excited.
- The Commanders had signed free-agent veteran kicker Matt Gay. After using four kickers in 2024, Washington now had a reliable, steady veteran.
- As training camp opened, Washington signed veteran free agent pass rusher Von Miller. The 36-year-old would add pass-rushing pressure and a dimension the 2024 defense lacked.
- WR Terry McLaurin was unhappy and wanted an extension. He first ‘held out’ of training camp, then reported and ‘held in,’ meaning he attended meetings but did not practice on the field with the team. August 25, McLauren agreed to a three-year extension.
So, now you recall how upbeat everyone was, “knowing” the Commanders were stronger heading into the 2025 season. That afternoon, the Commanders owned the New York Giants. They out-rushed the Giants 220-74; they won handily 21-6 before a home crowd of 64,544 at Northwest Stadium.
Washington Commanders (2025)
— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) September 9, 2025
vs. Giants (Week 1)
SS Power w/ no pullers (Logged)
• The Rook Bill Croskey-Merritt showing his patience and ability to set up blocks@JacoryMerritt15 #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/nDG6AygX2Z
Fans, players, and coaches had no idea what awaited the Commanders in the remaining games of the 2025 season. They were 1-0, had dominated the Giants, and were headed to Green Bay for a Thursday night matchup against the Packers.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: What a difference one year makes for the Commanders
