Carson Wentz is once again out of the NFC East after the Washington Commanders released him on February 27. The franchise will turn the keys to the offense over to second-year quarterback Sam Howell, with veteran Jacoby Brissett backing him up.
The Commanders will enter the 2023 season devoid of great expectations, which could allow them to sneak up on people and play the role of spoiler. Remember, the one thing the team doesn’t lack is playmakers around Howell. Pro Bowl receiver Terry McLaurin is a crisp route-runner with electric wheels, a guy whom Darius Slay ranked as his second-toughest cover in 2022: “Dude plays hard every play, man. Scary Terry, man.” Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, along with tight end Logan Thomas, round out a formidable pass-catching group. They also signed Marcus Kemp in free agency.
Washington went 8-8-1 last season and nearly eked out a playoff spot, but Wentz’s clunker — three interceptions, three sacks — in Week 17 kept them out of the party. Meanwhile, Howell brings them a certain level of explosiveness with his legs, and the organization — specifically head coach Ron Rivera and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy — walked away from OTAs impressed by what they saw from the young signal-caller.
“He’s shown us what we want to see,” Rivera told reporters, via Mike Fisher. “He’s mobile, he’s got good foot movement, he’s got quick twitch to him, good decision-maker. He is still learning to make those decisions, but he’s also got the arm talent and that’s the thing that excites us.”
Washington Commanders: 5 Things to Know
1. New Ownership, Philly Connection
The biggest thing that happened down in D.C. this offseason was the removal of owner Dan Snyder from power. The Commanders are in the process of being sold to Josh Harris — yes, the same Josh Harris who owns the Philadelphia 76ers — but a few “complications” have delayed the process. Whenever the deal gets finalized, look for Harris to put his imprint on the franchise. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment is anticipating greater attendance and increased ticket revenue, plus plans to generate $1.5 billion in public funding for a new stadium in Virginia.
2. Daron Payne Gets Paid
The 6-foot-3, 320-pound nose tackle has quickly developed into one of the best players at his position, and he was rewarded with a four-year, $90 million contract. The deal makes him the third-highest-paid interior lineman in the NFL. Payne started all 17 games in 2022 while racking up 11.5 sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl. He has registered 96 total pressures from 1,047 pass-rushing snaps over the past two seasons, per Pro Football Focus.
3. Lethal Backfield
Washington’s receivers might get the hype, but watch out for one of the sneakier good backfields in the league. Brian Robinson Jr. was shot multiple times at the end of training camp last year in an attempted robbery that left him in stable condition. The scary incident caused him to miss five games, yet the fleet-footed back still rushed for 797 yards on 205 carries in 12 games. Antonio Gibson sits behind him as more of a grinder who rumbled for 546 yards on 149 carries. They also used a sixth-round pick (193rd overall) on speedster Chris Rodriguez Jr. who rushed for 904 yards and six touchdowns at Kentucky last season.
4. Secondary Thoughts
Veteran cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste headline the position, although the buzz this summer has started and ended with rookie first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes. He was the definition of a ballhawk at Mississippi State: his six interceptions tied for third nationally in 2022, and he set an FBS record with six career pick-sixes. The Commanders also picked up safety Jartavius Martin in the second round (47th overall) and he could push starters Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest for playing time there. Their secondary should be much improved after allowing 26 touchdowns through the air in 2022.
5. Can the Commanders protect Sam Howell?
Quarterback will be the most-watched position at Commanders’ camp. They need to identify if Sam Howell is the future of the franchise. Outside of that, keep an eye on the offensive line. The battle for the starting left guard spot should be a spicy one between Saahdig Charles and Chris Paul. Washington spent big money on right tackle Andre Wylie ($24 million) and center Nick Gates ($18 million) in the offseason. They also invested a third-round pick (97th overall) on center Ricky Stromberg. Meanwhile, Sam Cosmi makes the transition from right tackle to right guard. Their offensive line could be one of the best units in football barring injuries.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon
