Legendary Washington quarterback and Super Bowl champion, Joe Theismann, is looking ahead with palpable optimism for the Washington Commanders’ upcoming season. Despite a challenging 5-12 record last year, Theismann believes the team has made crucial adjustments that position them for a significant resurgence, particularly through targeted defensive enhancements.
Theismann, who spent his entire illustrious career with the franchise, shared his insights in a recent interview with Fox News Digital, emphasizing that the team’s struggles in 2025 were largely attributable to a confluence of factors, including key injuries and a demanding schedule that ultimately saw the squad “run out of gas.”
Rebuilding the Defensive Core
Last season, the Commanders’ defense faced considerable challenges, ranking 27th in the NFL by surrendering an average of 26.5 points per game. Recognizing this vulnerability, the franchise has made substantial investments to fortify its defensive line and linebacker corps.
Key defensive acquisitions include:
- Sonny Styles: The No. 7 overall pick from Ohio State, a linebacker Theismann expects to be “something special going forward.”
- Odafe Oweh: A formidable pass rusher from the Los Angeles Chargers, signed to a four-year, $100 million deal.
- Leo Chenal: An impactful linebacker formerly with the Kansas City Chiefs, joining on a three-year, $24.75 million contract.
- Tim Settle: A robust defensive tackle from the Houston Texans, secured with a three-year, $24 million agreement.
These strategic moves underscore a clear commitment to transforming the defensive unit into a dominant force, addressing the areas where the team was most susceptible.
Addressing Previous Setbacks
Beyond the defensive overhaul, Theismann pointed to other critical factors that hindered the team’s performance last year. He noted the pervasive issue of injuries in vital positions, particularly impacting the defense as the season progressed.
“It was a lot of injuries in key places last year. The defense, I think, was very susceptible in certain areas,” Theismann commented, highlighting the physical toll of a 17-game season. Furthermore, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who missed a significant portion of the previous offseason due to a contract holdout, is now a fully active participant in this year’s program, ensuring greater cohesion and preparation on the offensive side of the ball.
“I think we added some really great pieces on defense.”
A Path Forward for Washington
The collective impact of these strategic personnel decisions and a renewed focus on team health and participation bodes well for the Washington Commanders. Theismann’s confidence stems from the organization’s proactive approach to identifying weaknesses and implementing tangible solutions.
With a bolstered defense and key players fully engaged, the Washington Commanders appear poised to leverage these improvements into a more competitive and successful season. The emphasis on strengthening core institutional components reflects a commitment to sustained excellence, aiming to recapture the form that saw them reach the NFC Championship in 2024.
