SouthernWorldwide.com – Joe Theismann, a Super Bowl champion who spent his entire NFL career with the Washington Redskins, expressed optimism for the Commanders’ upcoming season, despite their disappointing performance last year.
The Commanders finished with a 5-12 record last season, a stark contrast to their NFC Championship appearance in 2024. Theismann, 76, attributed their struggles to injuries and a lack of stamina towards the end of the season.
The team’s defense was particularly weak, allowing an average of 26.5 points per game, ranking them 27th in the league. To address this, the Commanders focused on strengthening their defense in the NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as their No. 7 overall pick.
“Our number one pick is going to be something special going forward,” Theismann stated. “I think we added some really great pieces on defense.”
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Significant investments were made in the defensive unit through free agency. Key additions include former Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal on a three-year, $24.75 million contract, and former Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle with a three-year, $24 million agreement.
Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who missed a substantial portion of the Commanders’ offseason program due to a contract dispute, is expected to be a full participant this year, according to Theismann.
The Commanders also made a change at offensive coordinator, mutually agreeing to part ways with Kliff Kingsbury. David Blough has been promoted to replace Kingsbury, and Theismann anticipates a shift in offensive strategy.
“I think David Blough will call the games a little differently than Kliff did. A little more play action, a little more under center. And this is what Jayden (Daniels) had a chance to work on while he was not participating in the games at the end of the season. So, he’s a little bit ahead of the curve when it comes to that as well,” Theismann explained.
Daniels’ season was limited to seven games due to injury, which inadvertently provided him with an opportunity to gain early experience with the new offensive system towards the end of the previous season.
Theismann acknowledged that while the Commanders have improved, their rivals in the NFC East have also strengthened their rosters.
“The division itself has improved. The Giants got better. I think the coaching change makes a difference. Jaxson Dart is coming into another year. Defensively, they really didn’t play to the talent that they have,” Theismann commented. “The Cowboys added defensive talent. They needed some help there. The Eagles are the Eagles; they’re not going away. I mean, everybody is trying to bust on Jalen (Hurts) and all he does is show up and do the job and win football games.”
Theismann’s illustrious NFL career spanned 12 seasons, all played with the then-Washington Redskins. He was honored as the league MVP in 1983 and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
He famously led the Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XVII in 1982, defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-17. Throughout his career, Theismann completed 56.7% of his passes for 25,206 yards, throwing 160 touchdowns against 138 interceptions.
Theismann is scheduled to compete in the American Century Championship from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
