ClutchPoints
While the Washington Commanders are trying to keep quarterback Jayden Daniels happy, they seem to be squandering his rookie contract advantage. And the offensive unit as a whole brings the hottest burning question the Commanders must answer during mandatory minicamp.
The question centers on one aspect of the team that could fall into disarray — even early in the season. And if that happens, the Commanders will sink quickly into last place in an improving NFC East division.
Here is the hottest burning question facing the Commanders in mid-June:
The Commanders know their defense will be improved in 2026. They also know it probably only means a bad defense will be less bad. It’s not like the Commanders have a chance to be great on defense. And they probably won’t even be good.
Reaching the playoffs will require a great offense and at least an average defense. But the offense has holes as things stand now. One of the first issues is the new offensive coordinator, David Blough. He’s young and untested. What can the Commanders reasonably expect from him?
If the organization thinks he will be able to solve experienced defensive coordinators from Week 1 through Week 18, then the Commanders will get what they deserve: most likely, failure.
A best-case scenario for Blough is to keep his head above water. The Commanders need him to do things effectively enough not to lose games. Also, he needs to go above and beyond a time or two, and be a key part of the difference for a win here or there. Maybe even earn a game ball.
Granted, Blough has an advantage in Daniels that other offensive coordinators don’t possess. But Blough has to be able to use Daniels without overusing him. An injury to Daniels equals failure for Blough. The injury wouldn’t necessarily be because of Blough’s usage of him. But Blough must coach in a way to keep Daniels on the field.
The receiver room is a real problem for the Commanders. Daniels can say as many times as he wants that he is excited about what the Commanders already have, according to ESPN.
“I’m excited with the guys we have in the room,” Daniels said.
But words don’t create talent or experience that isn’t there. So, it’s hard to buy into his statement. Let’s see if Daniels gushes about how great it is if the Commanders sign Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk. His tune would change quickly. Either you need one of those guys, or you don’t. You can’t be truly happy with what you have if you really need something that isn’t there.
Look, Daniels knows the Commanders have short-sheeted his bed with the current group of receivers. He has to be positive about the current group because maybe that’s all he will have when it’s time for the battles.
However, if the Commanders don’t fix this problem, it’s going to be tough for them to consistently...
