There are huge expectations for the Washington Commanders in 2025. That's why starting their campaign on the right note to victory over the New York Giants in Week 1 was paramount en route to potentially bigger things as the season progresses.
It wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it was mission accomplished from the Commanders' perspective. Their 21-6 triumph had some errors attached that need to be cleaned up quickly. At the same time, head coach Dan Quinn's squad was always in complete control of the contest.
They were always doing just enough. This was a good game to shake off the rust, and the result is far more important than the performance on opening weekend. Things will get tougher in the coming weeks, but this satisfying win represents a solid platform from which to build.
There is no time for the Commanders to bask in their success. They have a Thursday Night Football engagement with the Green Bay Packers in their sights, which promises to be a much sterner test of their credentials after they comfortably beat the Detroit Lions.
Before then, there are five winners and two losers from the Commanders' Week 1 efforts.
Winners and losers from the Commanders' satisfying win against the Giants in Week 1
Winner No. 1
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
There was an unbelievable amount of excitement generated by Jacory Croskey-Merritt throughout the summer. But when the Washington Commanders placed him at No. 4 on their unofficial depth chart, some fans thought this could result in the running back being inactive to begin his NFL journey.
They didn't have anything to worry about. Croskey-Merritt was active. And when his moment to shine arrived, the seventh-round pick out of Arizona seized the opportunity with both hands.
Croskey-Merritt was as advertised. He's a one-cut slasher with the conviction to trust his decisions and exploit the smallest gaps. His vision to bounce off the edge for a debut touchdown gave everyone in the stadium a huge lift. And his long run later in the game confirmed that he'll be a big part of the team's plans moving forward.
It was hard to ignore the momentum around Croskey-Merritt entering Week 1. After the rookie gained 82 rushing yards and one touchdown from 10 carries, it's impossible now.
The hype train left the station long ago, where Croskey-Merritt was concerned. Sustaining this high-level production is the tricky part, but he's got the tools to become a prominent feature much quicker than expected.