The Washington Commanders were one of the brightest stories of the 2024 NFL season. Thanks to the drafting of Jayden Daniels, they powered their way to the NFC Championship, stirring excitement around the team’s potential. As they prepare for the 2025 season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in D.C., with momentum building and eyes set on even grander achievements.
Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has thrown down the gauntlet, expressing supreme confidence in the team’s offensive potential for the upcoming season. He’s not holding back when he talks about the firepower Washington plans to unleash.
Ekeler boldly predicted, “I think there’s even going to be more growth this year, which is awesome because of where we’re at with our team and have a lot of players back. A lot of playmakers, gotta get Terry [McLaurin] paid and then, man, we’re gonna look like a powerhouse out there,” he shared during an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
A major offseason maneuver by Washington was trading for the dynamic Deebo Samuel from the 49ers. Samuel’s versatility, taking snaps both as a wide receiver and a running back, could be the critical element needed to elevate Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive strategy to elite status.
Ekeler is also singing the praises of his quarterback, Jayden Daniels, expecting him to elevate his game even further. With a full NFL season under his belt, Daniels is likely to quicken his decision-making and sharpen his play, giving defenses plenty to sweat about.
And Ekeler isn’t the only one spotlighting Daniels. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin is also a fan, clearly impacted by Daniels’ stellar rookie performance in 2024. Reflecting on Daniels’ season, McLaurin remarked, “The way I saw Jayden grow leaps and bounds last year, honestly, we all knew the type of competitor he was when he first got here. He’s an extremely smart player, and he’s very charismatic. But you’ve got to see his competitive edge out there on Sundays and the way he just, again, was able to get better week in and week out and put his best foot forward. There were a lot of Sundays where he was our best player out there, you know what I mean?”
McLaurin highlighted Daniels’ distinct athleticism, noting how his ability to extend plays with both his legs and arm presents constant big-play opportunities. “And the way he’s able to extend plays with his legs, his arm, and he can make all the throws,” McLaurin concluded. “And again, I think it’s just his competitive nature, where you feel like you got a chance to make big plays with the ball in his hands. So I’m just looking forward to growing with him.”
With hopes high and key contracts like McLaurin’s still in discussion, the Commanders are gearing up for a season that could redefine what’s possible for the franchise. If all the pieces fall into place, Washington fans might just see their team becoming the offensive powerhouse Ekeler envisions.
