NFC East Rundown: Where Washington Stands

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July 25, 2025

by David Earl

Washington Commanders

Offensively, I covered earlier what we could expect in a Kliff Kingsbury offense lead by Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels. For 2025, I can foresee a more pass-heavy offense with a 64.2% pass rate versus a 35.8% rushing rate. If Daniels can avoid any major setbacks, he could very easily surpass 4,000 passing yards and approach the 40 passing touchdown mark, while eclipsing a 70% completion rate. There should be improvements in the offensive line from last season that caused Daniels to face 153 total blitzes last season. He was under pressure 18.5% of the time, hurried 36 times, and hit 28 times.  Between this unit and the addition of Deebo Samuel, Daniels’ rushing totals could get him nearly breaking 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns to accompanied improved time in the pocket.

Taking advantage of having Samuel, the running game potentially will improve, especially behind this offensive line, but I don’t necessarily expect a huge jump in Brian Robinson Jr. His 41.7% success rate on runs resulting in the necessary yards for a first down ranks 19th in the NFL with running backs attempting 150 or more carries last season. As for the wide receivers, Terry McLaurin could push for 100 receptions as Jayden Daniels should have more time in the pocket; plus, Samuel gives McLaurin a legitimate number two wide receiver to play with.

As for their defense last season, the run defense was Washington’s Achilles heel, and watching the ease with which opposing running backs sliced through Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen was very frustrating.  We had to watch Washington’s 28th-ranked run defense. Washington will see soon enough if the additions of Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman will be enough of an upgrade in the run game. The additions on defense against the run possibly caused a slight weakening in the pass rush but also understandable after being gashed all last season against the run.

The defense still holds more questions than answers, in my opinion. The defensive line appears to be more stout against the run, but Washington is banking on a player who has never reached his fullest potential, yet, in Javon Kinlaw, plus two additional journeyman defensive linemen. So yes, I still see Washington as a playoff team and a team that will have every opportunity to win because of Jayden Daniels. I just don’t think the idea of winning the division over the Philadelphia Eagles and a trip back to the NFC Championship game is a forgone conclusion in a very strong conference. Here is the overall offseason moves by Washington.

Philadelphia Eagles Matchup

The extensions for Saquon Barkley (two years, $41.2 million) and right tackle Lane Johnson (one year, $25 million) solidifies two major pieces offensively for the Eagles going forward. Their offense, led by Super Bowl MVP and dual threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, will be the ultimate litmus test against a revamped Washington defense. It’s a matchup that does not offer any favorable angle, if we are being honest. Washington’s offense will carry any hope against the Eagles and that will be a tall order as well.

Eagles re-signed All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun to a three-year, $51 million deal ($34 million guaranteed) as him alongside the upside potential of rookie LB Jihaad Campbell help build a defense with little weaknesses to offer. Last season the Eagles defense surrendered the fewest points per game average (18.1) and allowed only 4.3 yards per carry running the ball. As far as the Eagles’ secondary, they ranked 5th, allowing a 62% completion percentage and 2nd in over 81.6 QBR. With their front 7 strong against the rush and the Eagles effectiveness rushing 4 or 5 pass rushers plus their two young cornerbacks being a year better, only a fluke situation will prevent them sweeping Washington. Jayden Daniels and the offense should keep it competitive, but I see Washington dropping both games.

Dallas Cowboys Matchup

The Cowboys did well, addressing the trenches re-signing of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to a four-year, $80 million contract before free agency began plus drafting G Tyler Booker. The Cowboys struggled stopping the run allowing 4.8 yards per carry while being uncharacteristically bad offensively averaging 4.0 yards per rush attempt. The defensive side, bolster the run defense wasn’t bolster much more, but should see a more aggressive pass rush. The addition of edge rusher Dante Fowler, coming off a 10.5 sack season for Washington, and former first round pick LB Payton Turner (and finally healthy) could help open up even more rushing lanes for All-Pro LB Micah Parsons. Their defense is coming off a season in which they were ranked second with a 9.22% sack percentage. Their secondary was counterproductive to the defensive front pass rush. The Cowboys secondary allowed a league ranked 28th in total QBR of 99.5, as they gave up a 68.16% completion percentage (ranked 26th).

The Cowboys offense is a but of a different story as obviously they get back Dak Prescott, who has looked very strong and healthy this offseason. The running game added a couple of veterans in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams but it will remain to be seen if they can resurrect this Cowboys running attack. The return of Prescott will certainly help but it’s trade of Pittsburg Steelers wide receiver George Pickens that will make their offense dangerous. Last season drop in production for Pickens had more to do with terrible quarterback play and lack of running game than his actually ability. Pickens had 63 receptions on 106 targets and averaged 18.1 yards per reception. His big play ability lining opposite side All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb makes this offense a very dangerous matchup for Washington. While Washington’s offense looks to match up well against their defense, the Cowboys passing attack will test Marshon Lattimore coming off a bad year and projected started in rookie CB Trey Amos. The Cowboys should not be overlooked this season I s.ee Washington splitting their games.

New York Giants Matchup

New York signed New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo (three years, $54 million with $38.5 million guaranteed) and Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (three years, $45.3 million with $30.3 million guaranteed).  Both were very good additions to this Giants secondary. While Adebo had a down year in 2024 after grading out as one of the best safeties in the league the previous two seasons, he will get an opportunity for a rebound season with the Giants’ very impressive defensive front . Adding one of the best pass rushers in the draft, edge rusher Abdul Carter, in a rotation with Brian Burns or Kayvon Thibodeaux gives the Giants potentially one of the most explosive pass rushes in the league. Not forgetting one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL Dexter Lawrence II, the secondary should benefit even more with this very stout defensive front seven.ing

Washington will certainly be facing a Jackel and Hyde scenario in the Giants – as strong is their defense looks, the Giants offense doesn’t offer too much of a threat beyond wide receiver Malik Nabers. The Giants offensive line ranked 21st in sack percentage, allow 7.51% and generating a below league average of 4.2 yards per rush attempt. While running back Tyrone Tracy showed much promise in his rookie season, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, the overall offensive line production running the ball still needs improvement. With Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston as their projected top two quarterbacks followed by rookie Jaxson Dart, the Giants offense does not appear to bring any potential threat on a consistent basis. So the offense is not what I worry about but their defense and Washington’s history against the Giants is what should be concerning. They won’t sweep the Giants, and either game will be easy as well so I see a split.