THE RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

There are very few professional sports that created an infrastructure which by it’s very nature allows a team to go worst to first in a single season. Last season the New England Patriots did just that by winning their Division and the American Football Conference before losing 29-13 in Super Bowl LX to the Seattle Seahawks.

Since 2002 with the new format, (8 - four team Divisions) twenty-seven teams have risen from last place to win their Division the following year. You might ask, why does this happen so often in the NFL?

The NFL has consciously structured this phenomenon; winning more games after losing the previous season which in turn promotes optimism for every team and it’s fan base.

Here’s the recipe they have cooked up and it begins in April with the annual College Draft: Teams that finish at the bottom of their Divisions select first each round of the draft and have an opportunity to get the best available talent coming out of College. With the addition of young players, teams also add veteran Free Agents who are established NFL players and can improve a team that season. General Managers of each team encounter challenges in prioritizing their teams needs and managing their payroll, as every team in the NFL has to maneuver under the league mandated salary cap each season.

Each season the National Footbal League devises a schedule that aids in a team’s success. Teams that finished in the bottom of their Division play against other teams that finished in the same position the previous season. Teams that finished higher in their Division play other teams that finished in the top of their Divisions; this is a major reason teams can rise from the cellar to the penthouse in a single season.

With a favorable schedule, quality young talent, and veteran Free Agents, it’s imperative that the coaches and players have a common team goal and form team chemistry during training camp. The “team first” concept is the primary team goal, and is the responsibility of Coaches and team leaders and must be adopted by all, which is absolutely essential for success.

Teams with poor training camps, lack of good leadership, and health issues to key players, often struggle early in the season and will have difficulty in making the Playoffs. Teams starting with success, historically, make the Playoffs in the NFL. A good start increases teams odds of making the Playoffs.

Last season the Washington Commanders finished 3rd in the NFC East Division with 5 wins and 12 losses, 1 win out of last place. That was the 2nd largest win differential from the previous season (12-5 in 2024-25) in the NFL.

The Commanders have the recipe to win the NFC East Division this season. They had an excellent college draft, their first round pick, Linebacker Sonny Styles (6’5 243 lbs) looks great in camp as have several of the other college draft picks.

Free agent Defensive players signed; Defensive Ends, Odafe Oweh nicknamed ‘The Baklava Bomber’, Charles Omenihu, and K’Lavon Chaisson will all improve the Commanders pass rush. Defensive Tackle Tim Settle Jr. will anchor the Defensive line with saftey Nick Cross and Defensive backs Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon added to a talented secondary.

Free agent Offensive players signed: Quarterback Marcus Mariotta resigned, Running Backs

Rashad White and Jerome Ford will bolster the run game with Wide Receivers Van Jefferson and Dyami Brown added as new targets for QB Jayden Daniels, returning from an injury shortened 2025--26 season.

Last season the Commanders Offensive line was below average, so they added Free agent Offensive tackle Foster Sarell and Tight End Chig Okonkwo in hopes of improving the pass protection for Daniels.

With a 3rd place schedule, and the addition of several talented athletes, along with new Offensive and Defensive coordinators, the Commanders need a good training camp and a healthy roster to build their chemistry. If so, they can be poised as a contender for the NFC East Title.

NICK’S NUGGET –

On Wednesday the Commanders signed veteran Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs to a 1 year contract for up to 12 million dollars. Diggs, who turns 34 in November, has perviously played for 4 teams, has 74 Touchdowns, 942 Receptions and 11,504 receiving yds. He will be an excellent addition to complement WR Terry McLaurin . Last season McLaurin did not catch a single Touchdown pass from QB Jayden Daniels. OUCH!!

Keep a close eye during the exhibition games on Quarterbacks Sam Hartman and Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis vying for the 3rd position on the depth chart. Kaliakmanis threw for over 8600 yds with 55 TD’s in 42 starts for Rutgers University. Keep your eye on this young man as he plays to fulfill his dream of playing in the National Football League. He’s got talent, and if he can learn new Offensive coordinator David Blough’s offense he may become QB 2 in the future.

There are 10 new Head Coaches in the NFL this season. The Commanders will play the Miami Dolphins with their new Head Coach Jeff Hafley making his debut on FRIDAY AUGUST 14 at 7pm EST in their first Exhibition game of this season.

Look for my Article each Thursday throughout the 2026 – 2027 NFL season

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