Commanders have not one, but two, breakout candidates to keep a close eye on and neither will play a single snap in 2026
The Commanders are entering a pivotal year that includes major change when it comes to the coaches running the offense and defense. One outlet definitely believes in the potential that comes with David Blough and Daronte Jones.
The Washington Commanders not only overhauled the roster during the offseason – major changes were made to the coaching staff, as well.
Out went Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt Jr. and they were eventually replaced by first-time play-callers in David Blough and Daronte Jones. Objectively, it’s a bit of a gamble for a team coming off a 5-12 season, but Dan Quinn needed to find some kind of spark and he’s obviously confident these two guys can provide it.
He’s not the only one that has faith in Blough and Jones, either. The Athletic senior wirter Jordan Rodrigue recently released her list of breakout coaching candidates and both guys made the cut for the Commanders.
The cool part about that is Rodrigue typically tabbed one coach per team, but couldn’t resist including the duo for the Commanders’ side of the coin:
“Blough and Jones combine to make another very intriguing coordinator pairing, and one facing a lot of pressure after a down year for Washington. They both will call plays, and both are first-year coordinators at the pro level.
“Blough did play a part in quarterback Jayden Daniels’ Offensive Rookie of the Year season in 2024 as the assistant quarterbacks coach and worked his way up to his current role; meanwhile, Jones was a key assistant for the last few years of exceptional Brian Flores-led defenses in Minnesota, with a long college football resume prior to that.”
jordan rodrigue
The Athletic
David Blough and Daronte Jones are 100% breakout candidates for the Commanders
It’s a good take because both guys have plenty to work with on both sides of the ball. Obviously, Blough has Daniels, but the Commanders should also have a top-12 offensive line in 2026 and while there is a lack of receivers behind Terry McLaurin, free agent addition Chigoziem Okonkwo could easily help offset that by becoming the No. 2 option in the passing attack.
The running back room is also very solid. While there isn’t a true, No. 1 option, the quartet of Rachaad White, Bill Merritt, Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols has a high floor. The ceiling may not be the greatest, but the Commanders shouldn’t lack production from their running backs in 2026. Throw in a potential wild card in the explosive Robert Henry Jr. and we could certainly see the Commanders’ rushing attack flip on its head and become a very effective weapon.
On defense, the Commanders have a terrifying front seven on paper, especially at linebacker where another strong quartet in Sonny Styles, Leo Chenal, Frankie Luvu, and Jordan Magee resides. Except, this group’s ceiling is as high as any. In fact, it could become the NFL’s best linebacker room by the end of the year. All four of those guys, if used correctly, have the right traits and skill sets that feed off each other and can lead to big-time plays.
The secondary is a different conversation, however, even after the addition of Rasul Douglas. We just don’t know if Amik Robertson and Mike Sainristil bounce back from down 2025 seasons, how Trey Amos plays post-injury, and who can consistently play centerfield. But, the front seven can alleviate a lot of concerns if it lives up to its potential.
Either way, the cupboard is hardly bare on defense and let’s not forget Jones is a former passing coordinator. He has plenty of experience working in that department and that should help him get the guys to a level where they aren’t a liability like last year.
If all of this comes to fruition, then the Commanders will 100% return to playing competitive football. Whether or not that means they get back to the playoffs remains to be seen, but at least we’ll know they have the right guys in place to make that happen in the very near future.