2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 4-13

There were low expectations in D.C. last season with a below average coaching staff and slight carryover from the previous owner. Sam Howell got his chance as the starting quarterback and led Washington to a 2-0 start. After a Week 9 victory against the New England Patriots, the Commanders sat at 4-5 and kept themselves alive in the NFC. That would be the final victory of the season and the front office sold both Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Washington lost the final eight games of the season and landed the No. 2 pick in the draft, allowing them to draft Jayden Daniels.

2024 Washington Commanders Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Jayden Daniels, RB Austin Ekeler, TE Zach Ertz, TE Ben Sinnott, OT Brandon Coleman, C Tyler Biadasz, OG Nick Allegretti, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, WR Luke McCaffrey

Key Losses: WR Curtis Samuel, QB Sam Howell, RB Antonio Gibson, TE Logan Thomas, OT Charles Leno, C Nick Gates, OG Saahdiq Charles

It is a new-look Commanders’ team preparing for the 2024 season. Washington welcomes new head coach Dan Quinn and new General Manager Adam Peters, who completely revamped the roster. This is especially true at the most important positions on the offensive side.

Of course, it begins by adding Heisman Trophy winner Daniels from LSU. The talks out of camp are that Daniels is looking like a veteran and is ready to transform the Commanders. Protecting his blindside was a major question mark — and it still is. Washington drafted Brandon Coleman in the third round of the draft and he is currently slated as the starting left tackle. Peters focused on bolstering the offensive line with Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz and guard Nick Allegretti.

On the outside, Washington lost Curtis Samuel but drafted Luke McCaffrey and signed Olamide Zaccheus. Both are expected to spend time in the slot this season. Terry McLaurin continues to be one of the most under-appreciated receivers in the league after another 1,000-yard season. McLaurin and Jahan Dotson are a strong duo on the outside.

In the backfield, Brian Robinson Jr. returns as the No. 1 back but Washington brought in the perfect compliment. Robinson Jr. brings great strength and power while Austin Ekeler is a speedster who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has plenty to work with, especially if Daniels is as good as advertised.

Defense

Key Additions: LB Bobby Wagner, LB Frankie Luvu, DE Dorance Armstrong, DE Clelin Ferrell, DE Dante Fowler, CB Michael Davis, S Jeremy Chinn, DT Johnny Newton, CB Mike Sainristill

Key Losses: S Kamren Curl, CB Kendall Fuller, DE Casey Toohill, DE James Smith-Williams

Peters was not fond of the roster for Washington last season and it showed in free agency. He added multiple pieces on the defensive side of the ball, beginning in the middle.

All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner signed a one-year deal with Washington and will take over as the leader of the unit. Wagner and Frankie Luvu make up arguably the best linebacker duo in the league. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are slated on the interior defensive line as well while the Commanders drafted Johnny Newton in the second round.

The front office had to replace Sweat and Young on the edge and did so with Dorance Armstrong from Dallas. Clelin Ferrel and Dante Fowler also signed on in free agency. The overhaul continued as Curl and Fuller left in the secondary but Jeremy Chinn signed this offseason. Michigan rookie Mike Sainristill will also play a major role, especially in the slot.

Quinn is a defensive mind that will have plenty to do with the unit. He brought over Joe Whitt Jr. with him from the Cowboys. This means the Commanders could improve tremendously on that side of the ball and play an aggressive style.

Schedule

Week 1: at Tampa Bay Bucs

Week 2: vs. New York Giants

Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals – Monday Night Football

Week 4: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 6: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 7: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 9: at New York Giants

Week 10: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles – Thursday Night Football

Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 13: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

Week 16: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 17: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 18: at Dallas Cowboys

Record Prediction: 7-10