Commanders one of five teams that could 'shake up' Super Bowl race
Can the Commanders prove 2025 was an aberration and get back on track in 2026?
Could the Washington Commanders go from 5-12 to Super Bowl contenders in one year? Before you say no, remember, the Commanders were 4-13 in 2023, improved to 12-5 in 2024 and reached the NFC Championship Game. General manager Adam Peters had a mission this offseason.
He stated this mission right after the 2025 season ended, declaring his intent to make the Commanders "younger and faster" in 2026. Four months later, Peters accomplished that mission. Will that lead to an improved record in 2026?
Well, that's a question that can't be answered until September, but, no question, Washington's roster is better. Peters specifically focused on defense. Considering how bad that unit was last year, it was the correct decision.
Washington completed its offseason defensive overhaul by selecting ridiculously athletic Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Adding Styles and Leo Chenal to Washington's linebacker group could make them the fastest unit in the league.