2022 file: 8-8-1, fourth place NFC East
Playoff image: Each NFC East workforce besides the Commanders made the playoffs. At 8-8-1, Washington was in competition regardless of a crippling QB carousel that has outlined the Ron Rivera period with the franchise.
Greatest Week 1 query: Is Sam Howell legit? In the end, do the Washington Commanders even have a quarterback? Rivera signifies the reply is sure. Howell was 11 of 19, sacked thrice with one TD and one INT as a rookie. However Washington handed him the keys with first-year offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy facilitating his improvement.
On protection, the if and when situations surrounding the return of purported All-Professional-caliber move rusher Chase Younger stays a sensitive topic.
What’s new: Proprietor Josh Harris arrived simply as coaching camp was able to kick off, ending the lengthy, controversial and unsuccessful run of Dan Snyder on the prime of the group. Harris desires to win, having skilled the glory days of the franchise as a youth. Which may imply main adjustments if 2023 goes south.
Aside from Bieniemy and Howell, Rivera is downright giddy about first-round choose Emmanuel Forbes at cornerback. He is a part of a protection nearly totally home-grown and one in every of six first-round picks on that aspect of the ball pegged to begin for Washington.
Bieniemy arrives from the Chiefs and is taken into account an revolutionary if demanding normal. He has super weapons outdoors, with 2022 first-round choose Jahan Dotson amongst league-wide breakout candidates alongside Terry McLaurin and former Panthers extensive receiver Curtis Samuel.
They’re gone: Taylor Heinicke (Atlanta) and Carson Wentz (unemployed) had been let go and the Commanders parted with Trai Turner at guard. However Washington added third-rounder Ricky Stromberg to a deeper offensive line that can now use Nick Gates at heart.
On the cash: The matter of Younger’s standing and his future with the franchise might bloom right into a full-blown distraction if he is not on the sector to begin the season. The Commanders handed on the fifth-year choice for the No. 2 choose within the 2020 draft, who handled a knee damage final season and is awaiting medical clearance for a preseason stinger. He is nonetheless solely 24 years previous and his upside is appreciable. The franchise might contemplate his commerce worth in October if the Commanders will not be contending.
Get to know: Jacoby Brissett. As a result of in Washington, the backup quarterback issues. Brissett is well-traveled, however he is been adequate as a sport supervisor to stay in competition for beginning jobs at current stops. If there may be sufficient playmaking expertise on the roster, Brissett is greater than able to profitable a spot begin or a stretch of video games in Washington.
Vegas says: Expectations from sportsbooks is modest at finest for Washington with a win complete projection of 6.5 (-105).
—Area Degree Media
