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The 2025 season could not have gone any worse for the Washington Commanders. After going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, Washington finished 5-12 last season.
Injuries were a prevailing theme for the Commanders. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, fresh off a record-breaking rookie season, missed 10 games and only played in four games from start to finish. When Daniels was in the lineup, several of his teammates were injured, including star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. For the first time in his career, McLaurin missed significant time, as a quad injury cost him seven games.
To put Washington's struggles in perspective, Daniels and McLaurin played in only one full game together: Week 1. They were only on the field together in parts of two other games.
Not everything was bad, though. The Commanders' injuries opened the door for some young players, like rookie running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt. In a part-time role for much of the season, the seventh-round pick led Washington with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He's slated for a more significant role in 2026.
Daniels, McLaurin and Croskey-Merritt are considered the Commanders 'triplets.' A term popularized in the NFL in the early 1990s, when the Dallas Cowboys had quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin, it refers to a team's quarterback-running back-pass-catcher trio.
What do we make of Washington's triplets in 2026? Well, there are legitimate questions. Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently ranked all 32 NFL teams' triplets ahead of the season. Dubin has the Commanders at No. 24.
If Daniels is back to being himself, that alone will push Washington much higher. And McLaurin had a career year in 2024. Between the regular season and playoffs, he caught 15 touchdown passes. He's healthy and motivated this offseason. McLaurin and Daniels have been working together frequently this offseason to regain the timing from their magical 2024 season.
Can Croskey-Merritt be a lead back? That's the great unknown. He added muscle this offseason and looks ready for the increased workload. We shall see.
While questions persist about which veteran wide receiver the Commanders will add to play alongside McLaurin for Week 1, we are leaning toward none. Washington may have questions at receiver, but the group is significantly deeper than it was a year ago.
As for the Commanders' triplets, it's hard to rank them based only on last season. So, is this low or fair? We'll say it's fair for now. The NFL is a what have you done for me lately league.
Daniels and McLaurin are ready to put 2025 behind them. In David Blough's new offense, both have a chance to take their game to another level. McLaurin will line up at multiple spots to create mismatches. Daniels will play in a more traditional offensive scheme, utilizing play action more frequently, which could make him even more dangerous with his legs.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 'triplets' a question mark for 2026
Continue reading...
Injuries were a prevailing theme for the Commanders. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, fresh off a record-breaking rookie season, missed 10 games and only played in four games from start to finish. When Daniels was in the lineup, several of his teammates were injured, including star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. For the first time in his career, McLaurin missed significant time, as a quad injury cost him seven games.
To put Washington's struggles in perspective, Daniels and McLaurin played in only one full game together: Week 1. They were only on the field together in parts of two other games.
Not everything was bad, though. The Commanders' injuries opened the door for some young players, like rookie running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt. In a part-time role for much of the season, the seventh-round pick led Washington with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He's slated for a more significant role in 2026.
Daniels, McLaurin and Croskey-Merritt are considered the Commanders 'triplets.' A term popularized in the NFL in the early 1990s, when the Dallas Cowboys had quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin, it refers to a team's quarterback-running back-pass-catcher trio.
What do we make of Washington's triplets in 2026? Well, there are legitimate questions. Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently ranked all 32 NFL teams' triplets ahead of the season. Dubin has the Commanders at No. 24.
If Daniels is back to being himself, that alone will push Washington much higher. And McLaurin had a career year in 2024. Between the regular season and playoffs, he caught 15 touchdown passes. He's healthy and motivated this offseason. McLaurin and Daniels have been working together frequently this offseason to regain the timing from their magical 2024 season.
Can Croskey-Merritt be a lead back? That's the great unknown. He added muscle this offseason and looks ready for the increased workload. We shall see.
While questions persist about which veteran wide receiver the Commanders will add to play alongside McLaurin for Week 1, we are leaning toward none. Washington may have questions at receiver, but the group is significantly deeper than it was a year ago.
As for the Commanders' triplets, it's hard to rank them based only on last season. So, is this low or fair? We'll say it's fair for now. The NFL is a what have you done for me lately league.
Daniels and McLaurin are ready to put 2025 behind them. In David Blough's new offense, both have a chance to take their game to another level. McLaurin will line up at multiple spots to create mismatches. Daniels will play in a more traditional offensive scheme, utilizing play action more frequently, which could make him even more dangerous with his legs.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders 'triplets' a question mark for 2026
Continue reading...
