Time to to Believe Again

The national view of Washington is understandably cautious. A 5-12 season will do that. But Commanders fans also know there is more to the story than last year’s record, and there are genuine reasons to think this team could be more competitive than many expect.

This is not a team starting from scratch. Washington is only one season removed from 12 wins and an NFC Championship Game appearance, Jayden Daniels is healthy again, the pass rush has been significantly strengthened, and the front office appears to be taking a more structured approach.

Here at UKHTTC, founder Christian Burt looks at three factors that might prove significant in a Commanders rebound season in 2026.

The pass rush is credible and has depth

Washington’s defence needed more consistent pressure (we ended the season with err Preston Smith at DE!), and the big splash addition of Odafe Oweh should help. He gives the unit more explosiveness off the edge and brings the kind of sack upside that was missing too often last season.

Can Odafe be a three-down type Edge – maybe not/jury is out – but this roster does now have excellent DE depth and, hopefully, Dorance Armstrong, who was having quite the 2025 season until his injury, will be return fully healthy (Head Coach Dan Quinn said Armstrong is in the final stages of his ACL rehabilitation and is making good progress).

K’Lavon Chaisson offers another above average rotational option, Charles Omenihu brings veteran versatility, and rookie LB Sonny Styles can add speed and flexibility. For Daronte Jones, that creates more ways to vary looks and generate pressure in his first-year as a fully-fledged DC.

That could, and should, make a meaningful difference in 2026. The defence does not need to become elite overnight. If it can simply become more disruptive, get off the field more often and give the offense more ‘Jayden Daniels-time’.

Is the cultural structure is starting to show?

One of the more encouraging developments is that Washington feels more settled as an organisation. Gone are the days of drama and there is a much more collective energy feel for the Commanders: there are no obvious lingering psychological doubts despite the 12 losses record in 2025. In fact, you could argue quite the opposite with star names such as Daniels and McLaurin likely entering 2026 with a chip in their shoulder.

After years where Washington often felt like it was reacting rather than building, the current approach feels more deliberate under GM Adam Peters, with the emphasis has been on strengthening the trenches, adding depth and maintaining flexibility. It is not the flashiest approach, but it is a sensible one.

Jayden Daniels remains the key

The defensive additions and coaching changes are important, but Washington’s ceiling still depends heavily on Jayden Daniels.

Daniels is healthy again after an injury-hit second season, will be working in David Blough’s offence. That is why his health is such a central part of the season. With Daniels at his best, the Commanders do not need to be perfect in every area to be competitive. They simply need the rest of the roster to support him well enough.

In terms of his supporting cast, a fully motivated Terry McLaurin is the clear WR1, and Washington have also added a dynamic TE1 with the addition of Chig Okonkwo. Outside of that duo, there are question marks. Might it be time to test the culture with the addition of a Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk or can rookie Antonio Williams (Clemson) make the impact his sure-fire hands demonstrated in College?

In 2026 under Blough, expect more motion, more work under centre and a different rhythm to the passing game. There may be some adjustment for Jayden, but the early camp reports, around his command and comfort, have been encouraging.