Commanders Face Giants in High-Stakes Season Opener
The Washington Commanders are opening their 2025 season with a tough challenge, taking on the New York Giants at home. It’s not just another Week 1 matchup—this game sets the tone for two teams that are trying to prove themselves in the NFC East. For Washington, the keys to victory are clear, but pulling them off won’t be easy.
First, the Commanders have to keep quarterback Jayden Daniels upright. Protecting him has been a point of emphasis all offseason. Washington went out and invested heavily in its offensive line, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. specifically to strengthen pass protection. That move was necessary because the Giants’ defensive front is one of the most dangerous in the league. They’re loaded with talent—Dexter Lawrence in the middle, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux off the edge, and now their rookie star, who dominated at Penn State and was considered the best overall player in this year’s draft. That group will come after Daniels, and given Washington allowed 50 sacks last season, it’s an area that simply can’t be ignored. The good news? Daniels has been excellent when kept clean, ranking near the top of the league in completion percentage in those situations. If he’s given time, Washington’s offense can find its rhythm.
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Second, stopping the run is a must. Washington struggled mightily against the ground game last year, giving up over 143 rushing yards per game, one of the worst marks in the NFL. The front office didn’t go after one superstar to fix it; instead, they added solid veterans like Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Jacob Martin to shore up the line. The Giants, meanwhile, will test that weakness right away. Tyrone Tracy Jr. leads their backfield, and while he wasn’t flashy last year, he had moments where he was tough to stop. Add in rookie Cam Skattebo, a bruiser who thrives after contact, and New York has a chance to control the tempo if Washington doesn’t hold its ground. If the Commanders’ defense can tighten up against the run, it not only helps them in this game but could boost confidence for the rest of the season.
Finally, Washington must run the ball themselves. Ironically, one of the best ways to slow down the Giants’ pass rush is by keeping it on the sideline. Last season, Washington leaned on its rushing attack, and it paid off with their best record in decades. Jayden Daniels broke the rookie rushing record for quarterbacks, but the team doesn’t want him carrying the load again. Instead, they’ll lean on a committee that includes veteran Austin Ekeler and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who showed flashes of big-play ability in training camp. With multiple backs in the rotation—and the added threat of Deebo Samuel on jet sweeps—the Commanders have plenty of options to keep the ball moving on the ground.
So, the formula for Washington is straightforward: protect Daniels, stop the Giants’ run game, and control the clock with their own rushing attack. If those three keys are executed, Washington has a strong chance to start 1–0. But if the Giants’ defensive line or running backs dictate the game, it could be a long afternoon for the home team. This season opener isn’t just about one win—it’s about setting the standard for what both teams want to be in 2025.
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