The Washington Commanders were off in Week 7. It was a much-needed bye week for the Commanders, who sit at 1-4-1 through six games and are in last place in the NFC East. With the New York Giants’ upset win over the Houston Texans on Sunday, Washington is three games behind New York for first place in the division.
Despite having only one win through six weeks, the NFC East remains wide open. Sure, the Giants under first-year coach John Harbaugh are playing well, but can they do it all season with J.J. McCarthy under center? The Dallas Cowboys have an explosive offense that can score on anyone, but they have a nightmarish defense. The Philadelphia Eagles are the two-time defending division champs, but lost quarterback Jalen Hurts for the season due to blood clots and have faced other injuries, too.
So, even with a 1-4-1 record, the Commanders have a chance. The primary reason Washington has a chance: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is healthy and has played the past two games with a bulky brace on his left elbow, but it has limited his passing and running. That’s encouraging. Daniels played well in last Monday’s 23-17 loss to the 49ers and rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago in a tie with the Giants.
The Commanders should feel good about their chances. They still have games left against the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys, and winning those games could change their fortunes quickly.
For Washington to contend in the NFC East and get on a winning streak, these seven players must stay healthy and productive for the rest of the season.
QB Jayden Daniels
Of course, Daniels tops the list. When Daniels is healthy, Washington can literally beat anyone. The Commanders are dangerous with Daniels, even if injuries limit the rest of the team around him. Washington will be without star left tackle Laremy Tunsil and No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the rest of the season, increasing the pressure on Daniels. Offensive coordinator David Blough must find ways to protect Daniels better if he can; don’t be surprised if the Commanders go on a winning streak.
RG Sam Cosmi
The Commanders can’t afford another offensive line injury. With Tunsil out, it hurts two positions: left tackle and left guard. Cosmi missed two games earlier, and Washington missed him. Cosmi is a Pro Bowl-level guard and Washington’s best offensive lineman with Tunsil out. If Cosmi misses significant time, it would be a crushing blow for the Commanders.
TE Chig Okonkwo
We’ve seen what Chig Okonkwo can do over the last two weeks. With McLaurin out, don’t be surprised if he becomes Daniels’ No. 1 target, alongside wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Okonkwo is still building a rapport with Daniels, and we’ve seen that play out since Okonkwo returned in Week 4 after missing two games. He can be a difference-maker for Washington, and Blough should scheme at least 10 targets per game for Okonkwo.
WR Antonio Williams
Yes, Diggs is the most important receiver with McLaurin out, but we are counting the rookie here. When Williams has been targeted, he’s been phenomenal. He had an 87-yard touchdown pass that was called back for a penalty that didn’t even affect the play. Williams catches everything. He has explosive short-area quickness and shows an ability to separate. He can play inside or outside. Blough and the quarterbacks must find ways to get Williams more involved. He could be Washington’s breakout player in the second half.
EDGE Odafe Oweh
After signing a $100 million deal with Washington in the offseason, expectations for Oweh were high. Some were fair, others weren’t. If you expected Oweh to put up Myles Garrett numbers, that’s on you. That’s not his game. He can reach double digits in sacks annually, and he’s excellent against the run. That said, it’s OK to believe Oweh is more impactful as a pass rusher. He has three sacks, 14 tackles, including four for loss and a forced fumble. Oweh has been fine. He’s a big reason Washington’s run defense is better, but the Commanders need him to create a little more pressure. He’s capable of it.
LB Sonny Styles
Through six games, Washington’s first-round pick looks like a home-run pick and a future All-Pro. Styles can do almost anything, and he’s only in his third year at linebacker. He’s shown he can rush the passer, be outstanding in coverage, and impact the run game. And he’s still improving. He’ll be the full-time green dot soon. He’s a natural leader. The amazing part is that Styles is only 21. The Commanders know if Styles remains healthy, he’ll only get better with each passing week. There’s a lot to be excited about here.
CB Trey Amos
Washington’s secondary has been a mess at times. Don’t blame cornerback Amik Robertson. He’s been outstanding. Now, with second-year cornerback Trey Amos, Washington needs him to stay healthy and live up to the promise that had many believing he should’ve been a first-round pick in 2025. Injuries have plagued Amos’s young career. If he can stay on the field, the Commanders could have one less defensive concern. Veteran Rasul Douglas has been solid, but could slide back into the No. 3 cornerback role, with Robertson and Amos in the top spots. Or it could let Robertson slide back into his more natural position. Washington is evaluating Amos. He’s not going anywhere next year, but GM Adam Peters needs to know whether he can count on Amos as a full-time outside starter. The talent is there. The rest of this season matters for Amos—and Washington’s potential playoff chances.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' 7 most important players after bye week