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The Washington Commanders are a team of mystery in 2026. Washington has new offensive and defensive coordinators in 2026. David Blough and Daronte Jones are both first-time NFL coordinators, and Blough is entering only his third season as a coach after last playing in the NFL in 2023.
When you have first-time coordinators, there's a bit of a mystery about what type of schemes they'll run. Jones has worked under several notable defensive minds, such as Mike Zimmer, Lou Anarumo, Marvin Lewis and, most recently, Brian Flores.
As for Blough, he spent time under Ben Johnson, Kevin O'Connell and former Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. While Blough's scheme is expected to feature some of what Kingsbury did, everyone expects a Johnson-influenced offense with more play action, pre-snap motion, and quarterback Jayden Daniels under center more frequently.
One reason head coach Dan Quinn moved on from Kingsbury was that he and GM Adam Peters wanted a different offensive approach. Less of the fast-break, no-huddle approach from Kingsbury, and more of a traditional offense to take advantage of Daniels' dual-threat ability.
There's more mystery about Washington's offensive playmakers around Daniels. Did Peters do enough to improve the offense around Daniels? That's been a featured question throughout the offseason. Peters made significant investments in the defense, which should help Daniels more than anything. Offensively, the Commanders added some interesting names in free agency, including tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White, and receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson, as well as Antonio Williams via the NFL draft.
Since the NFL draft concluded, many speculate that the Commanders will add another receiver, with Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs mentioned most often. Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers, and Washington hasn't made a move for Diggs, not yet at least.
What if Peters likes the nucleus around Daniels more than the media and fans? Perhaps he wants to see the current group of pass catchers in training camp before adding another veteran. The good news is that Daniels and star wideout Terry McLaurin are healthy. On paper, this group looks deeper than the 2024 group, which shocked the world and won 12 games. One thing is certain: the Commanders' offensive line is better, whether preseason rankings agree with that or not.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes Washington's offense in 2026 could be fascinating. The ESPN analyst thinks Blough's offense will help Daniels take his game to another level.
Orlovsky called the Commanders his breakout offense for this upcoming season. He's "bullish" on Blough.
Orlovsky also said he's higher on Williams than other analysts. He believes some of Washington's under-the-radar acquisitions, like Williams, Okonkwo, and White, will be "tremendously impactful" in 2026. The former NFL QB stressed that he likes Daniels under center more, using play action, etc.
Fellow ESPN analyst Mina Kimes agreed with Orlovsky, saying she believes the Commanders' offense "will be one of the more fascinating offenses" in the NFL.
It's quite possible that the offensive skill players Washington has currently will be the group you see in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former NFL QB calls Commanders his 'breakout' offense in 2026
Continue reading...
When you have first-time coordinators, there's a bit of a mystery about what type of schemes they'll run. Jones has worked under several notable defensive minds, such as Mike Zimmer, Lou Anarumo, Marvin Lewis and, most recently, Brian Flores.
As for Blough, he spent time under Ben Johnson, Kevin O'Connell and former Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. While Blough's scheme is expected to feature some of what Kingsbury did, everyone expects a Johnson-influenced offense with more play action, pre-snap motion, and quarterback Jayden Daniels under center more frequently.
One reason head coach Dan Quinn moved on from Kingsbury was that he and GM Adam Peters wanted a different offensive approach. Less of the fast-break, no-huddle approach from Kingsbury, and more of a traditional offense to take advantage of Daniels' dual-threat ability.
There's more mystery about Washington's offensive playmakers around Daniels. Did Peters do enough to improve the offense around Daniels? That's been a featured question throughout the offseason. Peters made significant investments in the defense, which should help Daniels more than anything. Offensively, the Commanders added some interesting names in free agency, including tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White, and receivers Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson, as well as Antonio Williams via the NFL draft.
Since the NFL draft concluded, many speculate that the Commanders will add another receiver, with Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs mentioned most often. Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers, and Washington hasn't made a move for Diggs, not yet at least.
What if Peters likes the nucleus around Daniels more than the media and fans? Perhaps he wants to see the current group of pass catchers in training camp before adding another veteran. The good news is that Daniels and star wideout Terry McLaurin are healthy. On paper, this group looks deeper than the 2024 group, which shocked the world and won 12 games. One thing is certain: the Commanders' offensive line is better, whether preseason rankings agree with that or not.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes Washington's offense in 2026 could be fascinating. The ESPN analyst thinks Blough's offense will help Daniels take his game to another level.
Orlovsky called the Commanders his breakout offense for this upcoming season. He's "bullish" on Blough.
Orlovsky also said he's higher on Williams than other analysts. He believes some of Washington's under-the-radar acquisitions, like Williams, Okonkwo, and White, will be "tremendously impactful" in 2026. The former NFL QB stressed that he likes Daniels under center more, using play action, etc.
Fellow ESPN analyst Mina Kimes agreed with Orlovsky, saying she believes the Commanders' offense "will be one of the more fascinating offenses" in the NFL.
It's quite possible that the offensive skill players Washington has currently will be the group you see in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Former NFL QB calls Commanders his 'breakout' offense in 2026
Continue reading...
