If the Washington Commanders want to reach the meteoric heights attained during a phenomenal first season under head coach Dan Quinn, it must be a collective effort. Everyone, from the franchise cornerstones to the depth chart basement dwellers, must contribute. Anything less comes with potentially serious consequences attached.
Everyone within the Commanders knows what is at stake in 2025. Last year's Cinderella story saw them capture the imagination of NFL fans around the world. It finally woke a sleeping giant and announced Washington as a football hotbed once again. But if they cannot build on this newfound positivity, it'll burst the bubble.
That is the primary objective. Contending for one campaign when nobody expects it is one thing. Cementing their status as a perennial contender on the NFL's top table annually is something else entirely.
The signs are encouraging. Second-year general manager Adam Peters made some bold moves this offseason, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin's prolonged contract standoff has been successfully resolved. Getting off to a positive start is crucial, as is coping with an unusual schedule with standalone games aplenty for the first time in decades.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players ready to explode out of nowhere in 2025.
Commanders players ready to explode out of nowhere in 2025
Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S
It seemed as if Jeremy Reaves was destined for a core special teams role and not much else throughout his career. The defensive back carved out a niche for himself and exceled, becoming an All-Pro performer and deservedly getting a contract extension ahead of time this offseason.
The Washington Commanders rely on Reaves for his inspirational on-field effort and growing leadership in the locker room. There have also been signs throughout the summer that Joe Whitt Jr. plans to get him much more involved in the defensive rotation this time around.
Reaves is being used as a third safety alongside Quan Martin and Will Harris in specific defensive alignments. Considering the South Alabama product got just four reps on defense last season, this is a major step in the right direction.
Whitt wants to make better use of Reaves' instinctive playmaking ability. The Commanders need to be more forceful against the run when ball-carriers reach the second level. This is an area where he can assist greatly if his special-teams production is any indication.
The veteran has waited a long time for this opportunity. Don't be shocked if Reaves maximizes it to become a regular defensive feature.