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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Last week’s sterling performance against the Ravens was enough for the coaches, who rested Sam Howell and the other Week 1 starters for the final preseason game against the Bengals. Jacoby Brissett started and completed 10-of-15 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Brissett didn’t have a great preseason, and the quarterback competition we expected never materialized. The Athletic’s Ben Standig made an interesting observation, suggesting that Brissett may end up the better option than Howell if the Commanders’ offensive line doesn’t improve. “The second-year passer must improve his field and pocket awareness, but there’s plenty to like with the strong-armed and poised Howell,” noted Standig. “The veteran [Brissett] is ready when needed and might be a better option if the offensive line falters. For Brissett to play, it will come down to Howell’s struggling.” Standig’s comments may strike some as odd, considering Howell is extremely mobile and could rush for 500+ yards if he starts all year, but mobility isn’t the same as pocket awareness. Howell will have to show he can sense pressure and escape unscathed, considering the Commanders offensive line ranks 31st, per Matt Bitonti. Jake Fromm passed his final test by going 13-for-18 for 144 yards and two touchdowns; he’s earned his practice squad spot as the emergency, developmental option.
Running Backs
The running back room is set with Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson sharing the spotlight. Although the coaches and players have all talked about a less-defined usage pattern this year, the tea leaves still point toward Robinson earning his payday on first and second downs while Gibson plays in obvious passing situations. ESPN’s John Keim agrees: “The roles are clear. Robinson will be the primary back. He has had a good summer, both as a runner and pass-catcher. Gibson will be the third-down back.” Rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. has done enough to lock up the No. 3 role. “Rodriguez, a rookie, has run with power and shown better hands than expected after not being asked to catch many passes at Kentucky,” notes Keim.
Wide Receivers
Terry McLaurin’s turf toe is the story of this position group. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is worried about his Week 1 status, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is more optimistic. Regardless of his status for the first game, history hasn’t been kind to receivers enduring turf toe injuries. It’s easy to reaggravate, and it may make more sense for the Commanders to rest McLauring for as long as it takes to protect against another setback. McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel sat out the preseason finale, and they’ll be the three lead receivers when healthy. Dotson was arguably having a better summer than McLaurin before the injury and could parlay his teammate’s turf toe into a breakout September. "Jahan is so special," Howell said. "He's so polished … I was a huge fan of his when he was in college, and I'm so excited to play with him." For his part, Dotson appreciates the freedom and trust offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has given him. "I can move everywhere; I can run every route on the route tree," Dotson said. "He's giving me the freedom to do that and put my own sauce on things. That's what you want in a coach. Someone who trusts you and believes in you to get open." Dyami Brown is the No. 4 and could play meaningful snaps early if McLaurin misses time. Some beat writers think Washington could carry as many as seven receivers, with the final spots going to some combination of Byron Pringle, Dax Milne, Mitchell Tinsley, and Kazmeir Allen.
Tight Ends
Should Logan Thomas be the starter when healthy? Thomas is 32 years old and has one good season to his credit when he caught 72 receptions for 670 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. In his other eight seasons combined, Thomas has 92 catches, 836 yards, and six touchdowns. That’s hardly the stuff of legend. Meanwhile, Cole Turner continues to flash – particularly as a receiver – in Thomas’ absence. Given the importance of a pass-catching tight end in Bieniemy’s system, it may be time to hand the reins to Turner. Thomas, Turner, and John Bates will be the top three, with Bates’ value coming as a blocker.
Defense
At the start of training camp, Chase Young was healthy and ready to re-accelerate his young career. Then he suffered a ‘stinger’ in the preseason opener, which he and the team downplayed. Yet, he’s been limited ever since, and head coach Ron Rivera is being mum on Young’s outlook for the regular season opener. The mammoth edge rusher saw a doctor on Friday to determine when he can take on contact; that’s not an encouraging sign for what was supposed to be a mild, day-to-day injury a few weeks ago. In part because of injuries, both Standig and Keim project the team to keep eleven defensive linemen. Starters Montez Sweat, Young, Daron Payne, and Jonathan Allen should be joined by Efe Obada, John Ridgeway, Phidarian Mathis, Casey Toohill, James Smith-Williams, Andre Jones Jr., and K.J. Henry. The linebacking corps could be Washington’s Achilles heel as the quartet of Jamin Davis, Khaleke Hudson, David Mayo, and Cody Barton leave something to be desired. At cornerback, Kendall Fuller, Emmanuel Forbes, and Benjamin St-Juste are the starters, with Christian Holmes and Danny Johnson as the top backups. The safety group is stacked with Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, Percy Butler, Quan Martin, and Jeremy Reaves.
Returners
Dax Milne and Antonio Gibson are expected to reprise their roles from 2022 as Washington's top punt and kickoff returners, respectively.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Everyone has been watching the Washington situation carefully all summer, given Eric Bieniemy’s bold decision to leave the comfortable confines of Kansas City and bet on an unproven quarterback in Sam Howell. It’s far too early to say Bieniemy made the right choice, but everyone inside the Commanders’ organization has to be thrilled with how Howell has progressed. An uneven start to training camp transitioned to a more consistent rhythm in practice and is now showing well in real preseason game film. Howell was named the team’s Week 1 starter last week before the Ravens game, and the quarterback justified the decision with a blistering 19-of-25 for 188 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Howell downplayed his terrific night, saying, “I thought it was all right. I thought we did good things. I thought there were things we could have done a better job — I could have done a better job. … I’m proud of my guys. They kept fighting and put some good drives together.” The offensive line played well, only giving up a pair of pressures. But it’s worth noting that the Commanders’ Week 1 starters were on the field against the Ravens’ backup defense. Jacoby Brissett wasn’t as effective, going 7-for-11 for 47 yards with an interception. Jake Fromm played well (10-of-16 for 91 yards and a touchdown) at the end of the game, including leading on a game-winning drive that snapped the Ravens’ absurd 24-game preseason winning streak.
Running Backs
Brian Robinson was vocal a few weeks ago that he wanted to be an every-down back and not be relegated to early downs. The coaches also expressed a desire to have their players be more interchangeable, so opposing defenses couldn’t easily queue on their intentions. But the NFL preseason is littered with players and coaches promising new things, yet they often don’t materialize in games. But in this case, it’s time to start believing that Robinson and Antonio Gibson will have less defined roles. Last season, when both were healthy, Robinson played in obvious running downs and Gibson was mainly a passing-down specialist. But in both preseason games this summer, they have stayed in the game for stretches, regardless of down and distance. And while they’re splitting reps, it’s not situational. While that’s not great news for fantasy managers, it does make the Commanders’ offense more effective. Robinson ran five times for 21 yards and had four catches for 17 yards, and Gibson rushed four times for 15 yards and had three receptions for 10 yards, including a touchdown. The Athletic’s Ben Standig believes Chris Rodriguez Jr. is “locked in” as the No. 3 despite losing a fumble and dropping a catchable ball in the second half of the game.
Wide Receivers
Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson have been a dynamic duo all summer and put on a clinic in the first half of the Ravens game. McLaurin caught all three of his targets for 39 yards, and Dotson was even better, converting seven targets into five catches for 76 yards. Curtis Samuel was the third receiver in 11-personnel but didn’t do much. Unfortunately, things didn’t end well for McLaurin, who suffered a turf toe injury and is pending an MRI this week. Even if the toe injury isn’t severe, it’s the kind of injury that often robs receivers of peak performance. This will be something to monitor, as it not only impacts McLaurin’s own value, but Dotson could emerge as a breakout No. 1 in his absence. Dyami Brown hasn’t gotten much attention in camp, but he caught Sam Howell’s second touchdown pass near the end of the half and would be in line for heavy snaps in McLaurin’s absence.
Tight Ends
Are changes afoot? Logan Thomas is the only veteran skill player who missed the Ravens game as he continues with a calf injury. Although not considered serious, it’s indicative of how infrequently the team has been able to count on Thomas in recent years. Cole Turner has stepped in smoothly as the starter and looked more than ready for prime time in the first half of the game, catching both of his targets for 24 yards. John Bates and Curtis Hodges worked in for a few snaps with the starters, but neither was targeted. It’s difficult to understand why Turner shouldn’t be on the field more than Thomas once the regular season gets underway.
Kickers
The Commanders released Michael Badgley this week, solidifying Joel Slye as the kicker. Badgley's experience could attract interest from teams dissatisfied with their kicking options. Slye, who signed a non-guaranteed two-year deal in 2022, had to outright win this job and succeeded.
Defense
The Commanders played their starting offense for an entire half against Baltimore but opted to sit eight of eleven projected defensive starters. It was a bad day for the backups, as the Ravens’ backup quarterbacks – Josh Johnson and Anthony Brown – threw four touchdowns and had clean pockets throughout. While the performance was disappointing, it’s important to recognize that the veteran defensive line will routinely generate a push up the middle when the regular season gets underway.
Offensive Line
The early results have been mixed. Nick Gates' performance in joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens stood out positively. On the other hand, right tackle Andrew Wylie struggled against Cleveland. With only Cornelius Lucas in reserve, depth is a concern. Saahdiq Charles has missed time at left guard but returned to practice this week. He’s splitting reps with Chris Paull. The Commanders project as one of the league’s worst lines, ranking 31st.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Following a week dominated by awkward criticism of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s "intense" coaching style, the Commanders received a much-needed boost in their preseason debut against the Browns. Washington chose to play its starters, which aided Sam Howell in completing 9-of-12 passes for 77 yards and a 26-yard touchdown to Jahan Dotson. Head coach Ron Rivera offered the expected reaction, stating, "I am very encouraged. A lot of good things," he said. "I thought, once again, (Howell) threw some really good balls. I thought the decision-making was on point. He seemed to have command of things, and it was satisfying to witness him get into a rhythm." Howell has shown inconsistency throughout the summer, but observing him rise to the occasion on game day helps mitigate the growing pains. It is worth mentioning that the Commanders surrendered a safety on the second drive, and the offensive line remains a work in progress. The Browns chose to rest key defensive pieces, most notably Myles Garrett. Neither Jacoby Brissett (6-of-10 for 75 yards and an interception) nor Jake Fromm (5-of-7 for 26 yards and an interception) performed well against Cleveland.
Running Backs
Throughout the summer, we have been hearing about Brian Robinson’s versatility and the potential for all the tailbacks to be interchangeable, which should keep defenses more honest after focusing on personnel groupings last season. However, the initial glimpses of the starting offense closely resembled those of previous seasons. Robinson (11 snaps) and Antonio Gibson (10 snaps) split time with the first-team offense, with Robinson primarily playing on obvious run downs and Gibson seeing action in passing situations. This doesn't necessarily mean that the team won't display more flexibility as the regular season commences, but it's noteworthy that we didn't witness much personnel diversity in Bieniemy's inaugural game as a play-caller. Rookie Chris Rodriguez punctuated his role as the No. 3 back with a 39-yard (7.8 yards per rush) effort against the Browns.
Wide Receivers
There are four roster locks: Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and Dyami Brown. McLaurin got the honor of being named to the NFL 100, as his peers recognized him as the league's 94th-best player and the 15th-ranked receiver. He and Dotson played nearly every 2-WR snap, with Curtis Samuel joining them in 3-WR sets. While McLaurin and Dotson clearly form the top tandem, it remains less clear how far Dotson is from catching up to his veteran teammate. Dotson's touchdown catch against the Browns exemplifies the dynamic nature of the second-year receiver, particularly within the red zone. Howell is unabashed in his praise for Dotson: "Jahan is truly special," Howell stated. "He's remarkably polished. He's an exceptional wide receiver. I was a huge fan of his during his college years, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play alongside him."
Tight Ends
Logan Thomas was sidelined against Cleveland due to a calf injury, leading Cole Turner to take part in 18 of 21 snaps with the starters. Turner ran 13 routes and was targeted three times. It's not unrealistic to consider that Turner could replace Thomas, especially on passing downs, if he can sustain this momentum for a few more weeks. John Bates participated in 7 of 21 snaps with the starters but only ran three routes; his role primarily involves protecting Sam Howell and creating lanes for the tailbacks.
Kickers
Joey Slye made a field goal from 49 yards and an extra point, while Michael Badgley made his only kick, an extra point attempt, in the win over the Browns. Joey Slye's powerful leg and Michael Badgley's weakness on kickoffs give Slye the lead. The job should be his as long as Slye maintains accuracy in the final two preseason games.
Defense
Last week, we discussed Chase Young's potential impact as the team's most talented defender and how he had finally regained his health after nearly two seasons. Thus, concerns arose when Young left the field after nearly sacking Browns starter Deshaun Watson and did not return. Fortunately, Coach Rivera labeled it a "minor stinger" and downplayed the injury during the post-game press conference. With a star-studded defensive line featuring Young, Jonathan Allen, and DaRon Payne, teammate Montez Sweat occasionally seems overlooked. However, his goal-line tackle against the Browns served as a reminder that he, too, is an elite playmaker. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes made a crucial pass breakup on third down during the same goal-line stand, further demonstrating why the Commanders invested a first-round pick in him despite weighing under 170 pounds at the Combine. Forbes’ strong play shouldn’t overshadow how good Benjamin St-Juste has looked during camp. Rivera is delighted with St-Juste’s development from Year Two to Year Three, stating, “Oh, wow,” Rivera said of St-Juste. “A lot of confidence. He’s now in the system for three seasons, and you see him play with confidence. You see how sure he is of his technique. How much stronger he is. He’s a good physical corner for us with good length.”
Returners
Dax Milne and Antonio Gibson are expected to reprise their roles as the top punt and kickoff returners, respectively.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Eric Bieniemy bet on himself this offseason by leaving the cozy confines of the Kansas City Chiefs for a new challenge in Washington, D.C. Whether his decision pays off is a story left untold, but it brings excitement to a Commanders franchise looking to reconnect with its fanbase. Bieniemy’s first challenge is developing Sam Howell into an effective starter or putting a scheme in place that clearly lets management know if it has to acquire a new franchise answer in the 2024 draft. Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala says Howell has been understandably inconsistent. “Howell is who we thought he was. The first-year starter has been up and down, flashing mobility and a strong arm while occasionally throwing off-target and struggling to make quick decisions. … He remains a question mark even to those closest to him.” Much of Howell’s success hinges on whether the offensive line can improve because the unit has looked overmatched through the first half of camp. The Athletic’s Ben Standig notes, “The offensive line remains a significant question. No obvious Pro Bowl talent exists, and there are new starters at four spots, including center Nick Gates and ex-Chiefs right tackle Andrew Wylie.” Veteran Jacoby Brissett is a capable albeit limited veteran ready to step into the lineup if Howell struggles.
Running Backs
Most expect Brian Robinson to be a two-down contributor in obvious run situations, while Antonio Gibson plays passing downs. Robinson isn’t ready to cede third downs. “The biggest thing for me, I just don’t want to be one dimensional, and I don’t want to be just a power back,” said Robinson. “I want to be able to run routes, run down the field, catch the ball with soft hands, and continue to grow my game.” While Robinson may want a three-down role, he hasn’t shown the consistency yet in practice to confidently project such an evolution. Per Jhabvala, “There have been moments of frustration for Brian Robinson Jr and the other backs as they adjust to the nuances of Bieniemy’s scheme. Part of it is to be expected, given the significant transition: Bieniemy’s offense calls for its backs to be more involved in catching passes and blocking, forcing Washington’s a bit out of their comfort zones.”
Wide Receivers
No one doubts the talent inside the Commanders receiver room, but their respective roles in the new-look offense are harder to identify in the early going, particularly because the quarterbacks have struggled against the Commanders elite defensive front. Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson both have the talent and versatility to be alpha receivers, but whether the target share and volume will afford both an opportunity for big seasons is in question. Curtis Samuel hasn’t been an impact receiver since joining the Commanders, but head coach Ron Rivera thinks he’ll have a renaissance in Bieniemy’s system. "I think it fits in very well. Go back and get an opportunity to look at the stuff that they did in Kansas City and look at how creative and inventive they have been over the years with the receivers that they've had. Everything from running the jet sweeps to going vertical to working underneath, and the coverages against the coverages. You know, it's about getting the ball into the hands as quick as possible in as much space as possible, allowing these guys to make plays."
Tight Ends
The Commanders’ approach to the position was curious this offseason, considering how important tight ends have been to Eric Bieniemy during his coaching career. But Washington prioritized other positions and stood pat with last year’s crew. Logan Thomas is being counted on as the starter, but the 32-year-old has missed a ton of games in recent seasons and is already hurt in camp. Cole Turner steps into the starting lineup in Thomas’ absence but is a complete unknown after catching just two receptions last year as a rookie. John Bates logs plenty of snaps but is mainly a blocker.
Kickers
As the first preseason game week approaches, most reports suggest Joey Slye has an edge over Michael Badgley. Badgley's kicks have lacked power, evident when he fell short on a 50-yard attempt. In contrast, Slye has shown slightly better consistency. Badgley's unexpected release from the Lions before camp began prompted Washington to consider him as a worthy challenger for Slye, given his NFL experience. Both kickers are performing exceptionally well in camp, attracting the attention of teams in need of kickers.
Defense
An already talented veteran defense should get a massive infusion from Chase Young’s healthy return. The second overall pick in 2020 endured lost seasons in 2021 and 2022 but is now 100% back to his pre-injury form and has dominated throughout the Commanders’ first two weeks of camp. Rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes got off to a pitch-perfect start in camp, but he’s missed the last few practices with a quad injury. Forbes set an NCAA record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns, but he’s one of the NFL’s smallest players, and durability will remain a question. The defense has gotten the better of the offense throughout camp, which makes sense, considering the defensive players are working within the same system (Jack Del Rio and Rivera) for the fourth season. “Again, we’ve got the same defense system for four years,” Rivera told reporters. “We’ve got a brand-new offensive system, so I would expect ’em to be slightly ahead, and if not, I’d been a little disappointed in the defense and be real thrilled about the offense. Offense is where I think it needs to be in terms of its growth and development.”
