Washington Commander appears to have development issues. One year after a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders are now 4-12 heading into the Week 18 regular season finale in Philadelphia.
Injuries have been an issue for Washington. The Commanders have lost a staggering number of players to injuries, including their top stars like quarterback Jaden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. However, another problem facing the 2025 Commander is the lack of development of some young players.
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Washington has three second-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft: defensive tackle Johnny Newton, cornerback Mike Sainristeel and tight end Ben Sinnott. Cerri Steele started every game for Washington as a rookie and looked to be a building block moving forward. He has regressed at an alarming rate this season.
Newton and Sinnott have been buried behind older players. Both young players saw more roles after injuries. Sinnott is a great blocker and makes plays every time he’s targeted in the passing game. Commanders still haven’t used him in the passing game, but many were quick to label him a bust.
Don’t blame Sinnott.
As for Newton, his role increased after De’Aaron Payne was sidelined in Week 17. All Newton did was rack up nine tackles, two for loss, three sacks and five quarterback hits. It was a career game for the former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Sure, Newton struggled in his title defense, but heading into 2026, it’s an encouraging performance.
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Is it possible that Washington’s coaching staff isn’t putting its young players in the best position to succeed? NFL analyst Joe Goodberry thinks so, at least when it comes to Newton. He made a series of posts about Newton’s performance in Week 17 and this season.
Another article from Goodberry:
These numbers are shocking. Why didn’t Newton play more? Washington 4-12. Why don’t you play more of Newton’s role, even at the expense of Payne and Javon Kinlaw, and have him rush the passer? The play-callers haven’t been able to rush the passer this season, especially from inside. Here’s another stat: Payne and Kinlaw combined for two sacks this season (both from Payne). Newton had three points in one game and now has five points in limited time this season.
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Bobby Wagner continues to be productive at linebacker Mike this season. But Washington does need to see if Jordan Magee can start in 2026. Magee’s speed is an asset and he has excelled all season playing on the outside. No one is asking Dan Quinn to bench Wagner, but why can’t he share some photos with Magee? Then again, what do commanders have to lose?
Based on these examples alone, it’s clear that there’s a developmental issue for Washington’s 2025 Commanders, and that’s coaching. So instead of calling every young player a bust and not an instant superstar, maybe it’s time to look a little deeper.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Young player development a problem
