Washington Commanders training camp buzz is high in July 2025 as QB Jayden Daniels and vet Von Miller fuel Super Bowl hopes after an NFC Championship run.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air in Ashburn is thick with expectation. Coming off an NFC Championship appearance, the Washington Commanders aren't just hoping for a good season; they're chasing a title. The early days of training camp have only amplified that belief, with second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels looking every bit the franchise star and newly-signed veteran Von Miller immediately asserting his dominance on a fearsome defense.
'I can still roll out of bed and get sacks.' - Von Miller
Future Hall of Famer Von Miller wasted no time making his presence felt. Donning No. 24, the veteran linebacker was a force of nature, taking reps against rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. and showcasing the same explosive first step that has haunted quarterbacks for over a decade. But his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Miller has become an instant vocal leader, confidently telling reporters, 'I can still roll out of bed and get sacks.' Adding his championship pedigree to a defense that already features Bobby Wagner has the coaching staff, and the rest of the league, on notice.
While the defense adds a legend, the offense is watching its young leader blossom. Jayden Daniels has been the talk of camp, with his offseason focus on footwork paying visible dividends in his accuracy and decision-making. The improved efficiency was on full display during 11-on-11 drills when he connected with new receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. on a perfect 25-yard touchdown pass. Head Coach Dan Quinn is thrilled, praising Daniels for making the 'Year 2 leap' that separates good quarterbacks from great ones.
Amidst all the optimism, one significant question looms: Where is Terry McLaurin? The star receiver remains absent from training camp, and the team has provided no official update on his status. While the offense has new weapons and Daniels is developing, the absence of its undisputed number one target is a growing concern. How long his holdout lasts could be the biggest variable in the Commanders' early-season success.
This isn't just fan-fueled hype; the experts see it too. The Commanders enter the season with the sixth-best Super Bowl odds (+1800) and are projected for 10-12 wins. They are favored in 10 of their 17 games, including the season opener at home against the Giants, where they are 7-point favorites. The league has taken notice as well, awarding Washington multiple prime time games, including a Christmas Day showdown on Netflix against the Dallas Cowboys. The stage is set for a monumental season.
The pieces are in place for a special season in Washington. The immediate focus will be on resolving the Terry McLaurin situation and getting the team to full strength. But with a rising star at quarterback, a legendary force on defense, and sky-high expectations, the Commanders are locked and loaded for a championship run. All eyes will be on their Week 1 matchup against the Giants to see if the hype translates to the field.
