Analyst reveals 2026 Commanders blueprint for success

The Washington Commanders are hoping that Jayden Daniels can put his injury troubles from last season behind him in 2026.

With Washington putting all its chips into the middle of the table last offseason, those hopes were dashed as Daniels played just seven games and went 2-5 in those outings.

The offseason focus for general manager Adam Peters has been on the defensive side of the ball, with a handful of free agents being signed, not to mention draftee Sonny Styles as well. So changes have been made.

And for Sports Illustrated's Eva Geitheim, the Commanders' best reason for hope in 2026 is that the defense tightens up.

"The Commanders are improving their defense, which might be the best way to support Jayden Daniels," Geitheim wrote. "As seen with Joe Burrow and Dak Prescott, even a great offense and quarterback play can’t overcome bad defenses.

"That is especially resonant with Daniels, who is 12–0 when his defense allows 24 or fewer points, per NFL researcher. When they give up more than 24 points, their record drops to 2–10."

MORE: Should Steelers fans have any reason for 2026 optimism?

Daniels must stay healthy

It's fine to say the defense must improve, but so too must the offense, and with only Terry McLaurin as the top weapon, Daniels doesn't exactly have much to throw to.

But even before we can get to that, Jayden has to get on the field.

A big question mark coming out of the draft was Daniels' slender build and the thought that he could easily be injured with the rigors of NFL football. It didn't happen in his rookie year, although he was beat up. But last season, we saw the problems that resulted because of his slender build.

The injury bug has to stay away for Washington to have any chance at amounting to something in 2026, because even if the defense is improved, the Commanders aren't going anywhere without Daniels under center.

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