The Washington Commanders have turned the page on their sensational 2024 exploits. They are firmly focused on what comes next, which involves striving to go one better and dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles as NFC champions.
It's a stiff challenge that won't be easy. The Commanders became a surprise package that not many saw coming last season. Now, expectations have risen to the point where anything less than a deep playoff run would be a failure.
That'll take a collective effort. The Commanders have a strong locker room presence, and head coach Dan Quinn is ensuring that complacency doesn't become an issue. The players hold a similar inner resolve, which is only going to bode well for their chances.
Adam Peters got aggressive this offseason to put the Commanders in a better position. That's increased competition for places, but some unlikely (and likely) contributors have already started to make their presence felt. And in some cases, their outstanding early impact went relatively under the radar compared to others.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who silently took over the offseason without anyone noticing.
Commanders who silently took over the offseason without anyone noticing
Chris Moore - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Michael Gallup all missed time for different reasons over the Washington Commanders' off-season program. That provided a chance for other wide receivers to get more involved, and some grasped the opportunity with both hands.
Chris Moore shone more than most. The veteran pass-catcher is looking to shake the dynamic in a crowded room. He's caught the eye with consistent route running and assured hands. It'll take much more to make the squad, but he's off to a good start.
The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati arrived late last season. Moore was an emergency option, but nothing else, which is understandable in the circumstances. This experience around the set-up has served him well, so he's a player to watch as the summer unfolds.
McLaurin, Brown, Deebo Samuel Sr., Luke McCaffrey, and rookie Jaylin Lane will make the 53-man roster. That leaves potentially one more available spot if the Commanders take six receivers through. Others will fancy their chances, but Moore might be in the driver's seat right now, given his outstanding start to preparations.
Thinking the job is finished won't enter Moore's thought process. He knows this remains a precarious situation. Ramping things up over training camp is the only way to cement his roster status when Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around.