The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the Washington Commanders 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
2022 marked the first non-negative season since 2016. However, it is still not a positive season but a balanced one. Sign of progress? Not really.
After three years of Ron Rivera leading the team, the Commanders are no further ahead. No established quarterback, random level, same weak points. But with the arrival (finally) of a new owner, the sports project could quickly evolve if 2023 is part of the same dynamic as in past years.
Last season: 8 wins – 8 losses -1 draw, 4th in NFC East
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Andrew Wylie (OT), Nick Gates (OL), Trenton Scott (OL), Jacoby Brissett (QB), Byron Pringle (WR), Cody Barton (LB), Danny Johnson (CB), Michael Badgley (K) , Abdullah Anderson (DE)
Re-signings: Daron Payne (DL), Efe Obada (DE), Tyler Larsen (C)
Draft: Emanuel Forbes (CB), Jartavius Martin (S), Ricky Stromberg (C), Braeden Daniels (OL), KJ Henry (Edge), Chris Rodriguez (RB), Andre Jones (Edge)
Notable losses: Tyler Heinicke (QB), Carson Wentz (QB), Cole Holcomb (LB), Wes Schweitzer (OL), Wes Martin (OL), Trai Turner (OL), Bobby McCain (S), Cam Sims (WR) , Cam Dantzler (CB), Chase Roullier (C), JD McKissic (RB), Jon Bostic (LB)
Movements limited to Washington during the spring. Only the arrival as offensive coordinator of Eric Bieniemy from the Chiefs has caused ink to flow. The former attacking brain of the defending champions comes to the capital to free himself from Andy Reid and try to make the most of the talents of the attack and in particular the young Sam Howell. Jacoby Brissett arrives as for him to be the understudy of the young pitcher and to answer present in case. In reverse Tyler Heinicke is leaving for Atlanta while the Carson Wentz experiment has been cut short.
A few changes should be noted on the offensive line where Andrew Wylie, former Kansas City also should cover the right side. The arrival of Nick Gates precipitated the cut and then the retirement of Chase Roullier who had been in the center of the line since 2017. On defense, the Commanders secured the long-term presence of Daron Payne against a very large check, thus allowing to maintain one of the most intimidating defensive tackle duos in the league with Jonathan Allen. Playmaker Emanuel Forbes was chosen in the 1st round of the draft to further strengthen the air defense.
The strong points)
With the extension of Payne, the Commanders have perpetuated the formidable duo of former Alabama. Allen-Payne is probably the best in the NFL at the center of the defensive line. With 19 sacks to them, they are poison for offensive lines and quarterbacks. When we add to it on the exteriors, Montez Sweat and Chase Young, we obtain a more than attractive front 4. In the wake of this line, it is the whole defense that shines. 3rd in yards received, 4th against the pass, 7th in the number of points, the squad led by Jack Del Rio has regained its standards after a missed 2021.
It must be said that talented players are not lacking in the workforce. Including on the other side of the ball. Terry McLaurin is definitely one of the most underside receivers in the line. With more than 4,200 yards in four professional seasons, “Scary Terry” carries his team’s aerial game. All without ever having been able to create any chemistry with his quarterback. The receiver has known no less than 10 different starters in 4 seasons. Around him, he is no longer alone. The draft of Jahan Dotson in 2022 who showed some flashes of his talent during his rookie season, and the versatile Curtis Samuel gives a complete and talented trio that more than one team could envy.
The weak spots)
Since the departure of Kirk Cousins after the 2017 season, it has been an incessant waltz of quarterbacks at the head of the attack. No player is imposed and each off-season the question arises of who will be behind the center in September. This instability in the most important position hinders the development of the team and prevents the building of a real cycle. This summer again, the staff was slow to officially name the holder. Finally, Sam Howell will be the starting pitcher in week 1, thus continuing the cycle of a different new starter at the start of each season.
With 48 conceded sacks, the Commanders are in the last quarter of the league in the field. A constant for a few seasons and the departure in particular of Trent Williams. Not ideal for a young quarterback who must launch his career. Despite the few reinforcements in the offseason, the face of the squad should not be upset. In a division where the defensive lines are particularly intimidating, Sam Howell could experience a baptism of fire that he would have done without. The young pitcher is mobile, it will not be a bad thing to try to escape the pressure.
Ron Rivera may have a positive career record, it has been several seasons that the coach seems to have lost his success. He hasn’t had a positive season since 2017 and his experience in Washington is slipping after a hopeful first season. Unable to bring their young hopefuls to the next level, his team gives the impression of standing still as the competition forges ahead. The change of direction could quickly put him in danger in the event of another disappointing exercise.
X factor: Eric Bieniemy (offensive coordinator)
Still no head coaching job for Eric Bieniemy, but an opportunity to prove his worth away from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. The former Chiefs coordinator has landed in Virginia to give the Commanders offense a boost. With Sam Howell as the starting quarterback, he starts almost from a blank sheet, the 2nd year player having only one game as a starter in the legs and the arm. He will play the role of his mentor. Talented but still raw, the former North Carolina Tar Heel will need it to progress and secure his place at the head of the attack.
After having been in the shadow of the genius of Andy Reid, Bieniemy must now respond by being the sole depositary of the offensive game. With an extremely talented target committee and a good running duo, he has an attacking squad with solid foundations. It remains to put everything to music by transposing the creativity of his plans in Kansas City on the person of Howell.
Player to watch: Chase Young (DE)
Supposedly the leader of one of the most intimidating defensive curtains in the NFL, Chase Young remains over two years to forget. Seriously affected in the knee in the middle of the 2021 season, the former 2nd draft choice only returned to the field at the very end of last season for an almost non-existent impact. After seeing the franchise decline the 5th year option of his contract, Young has to convince this year. Whether to be offered a new lease in the capital or to sell his services elsewhere, the former Ohio State player will be expected.
Back in shape, the player assures that he can be good and useful to his team. Faced with the rivals of the division, the Commanders will need all their vital forces to exist to begin with. Far from being lonely on his line, he should also take advantage of the work and talent of his teammates to have space and show off all his qualities.
2023 Washington Commanders Schedule
Cardinals, @Broncos, Bills, @Eagles, Bears, @Falcons, @Giants, Eagles, @Patriots, @Seahawks, Giants, @Cowboys, Dolphins, Bye, @Rams, @Jets, 49ers, Cowboys
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
Despite a fairly complete workforce, the Commanders suffer from the comparison in their division. The calendar will do them no favors with oppositions where they will be in an outsider position almost every time. The ability of Bieniemy and Howell to boost the attack will be one of the keys to a good season.
For auatant, Ron Rivera failed to show that he was able to advance this group. Ultimately, that should keep the team from looking up in 2023.
