Commanders Receive Harsh “F” Grade After Tumultuous 2025 Season

SI’s Gilberto Manzano points to injuries and roster age as key issues for Washington

If you’re a Washington Commanders fan, you might want to look away—or at least brace yourself. The 2025 season ended with a thud, not a bang: a 5-12 record, a far cry from the 12-5 high-flying days of just a year ago. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano didn’t mince words, handing the Commanders an “F” and laying out the reasons for this dramatic nosedive.

Manzano put the spotlight on injuries, especially to quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the straw that broke the camel’s back. Daniels managed to suit up for only seven games, and his absence left the Commanders’ offense looking like a ship without a captain. When your quarterback carousel spins out of control, it’s tough for any team to find its rhythm—let alone string together wins.

The article doesn’t sugarcoat it: Washington needs to inject some youth into the roster and start stockpiling draft picks like a squirrel hoarding acorns before winter. There’s even talk swirling about a possible “fire sale” this offseason. Meanwhile, other teams like Denver have already started making roster adjustments, promoting Adam Prentice and signing A.J. Woods to bolster depth.

Read more: Broncos promote Prentice and sign A.J. Woods.

Big names like Deebo Samuel could be on the trading block. Sure, that might bring in some shiny new talent and future assets, but as any fan knows, rebuilding is a roll of the dice—no one’s sure how quickly the payoff will come.

Manzano’s analysis pulls no punches, highlighting the Commanders’ aging roster and their all-too-frequent trips to the injury tent as red flags for the offseason ahead. The next few months are shaping up to be make-or-break for the franchise. Elsewhere, the postseason spotlight is firmly on Denver as the Broncos prepare for a high-stakes divisional rematch against the Buffalo Bills.

Game preview: Broncos vs Bills divisional playoff rematch

If Washington wants to claw its way back into playoff contention, they’ll need to regroup, reload, and maybe even cross their fingers for a little luck. They’re not alone in facing tough offseason questions, with Philadelphia’s offense also under fire following its disappointing playoff loss to San Francisco.

Full story: Eagles offense under scrutiny after 49ers loss