NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
The Commanders play their first preseason game in just about a week and their first regular season game in a little over a month. The team has had some noticeable changes on the offensive end. Meanwhile, the defense is bringing back nearly every starter from 2021.
Here is the Commanders 2022 season preview.
Offense
Rivera made sure Washington had an upgrade at the quarterback position. While Wentz has some concerns, he won’t limit the playbook from a physical standpoint. Carson’s ability to make any throw has been both a gift and a curse. His inability to take what the defense gives him is the reason he is on his third team in three years. He needs to learn how to throw the ball away, take a sack, or check it down. Unfortunately, the likelihood of him changing his way this late in his career is slim.
Washington has failed to put together a capable receiving core since Garcon and Jackson left in 2017. McLaurin is the only proven receiver on the team. However, I believe this unit can turn some heads in 2022.
Dotson has looked the part through OTAs and the first week of training camp. If he can produce at a consistent level, it will do wonders for this offense. It will also open up opportunities for Curtis Samuel to move around and possibly be used in a Deebo Samuel role.
The addition of Brian Robinson gives the Commanders a complete backfield. He can come in and be a reliable first and second down back. This will allow Gibson to be utilized more in the passing game.
One area Rivera’s regime has excelled in is putting together an offensive line. In the past two seasons, Washington’s offensive line has been a top 10 unit. Pro Football Focus ranked them 6th best in 2021. The departure of Scherff will hurt them, but they are used to playing without him. I believe Wes Schweitzer will beat out Trai Turner at RG. Meanwhile, Norwell is an upgrade over Flowers.
Defense
There were high expectations for Washington’s defense in 2021. However, they ended the season ranked 25th in points allowed, 29th in passing yards allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed, and 31st in third-down defense. After they adjusted to the new system, Jackson and McCain both played better in the second half of the season.
Kendall Fuller finished his 2021 campaign with a 78.1 coverage grade, ranking 8th best in the league. While they had their struggles last season, I believe this secondary will turn it around in 2022.
The linebackers struggled more than any other position group in 2021, yet, they did nothing to address it this offseason. The lack of depth is the most alarming aspect of this position. Holcomb will start at Mike and Davis at Will. If one suffers an injury, Rivera will have to rely on either Khaleke Hudson or David Mayo.
The defense needs Jamin Davis to step up in a major way in his sophomore season. His rookie year was about as rough as it gets. However, his skill set matches that of a Will, not a Mike, which he played last season. The change will undoubtedly benefit Davis greatly.
The defensive line will once again be the strength of the defense. Unfortunately, it seems as if Chase Young could miss the first 3-4 games of the season as he continues to recover from his torn ACL. Smith-Williams and Toohill will likely be the ones to fill in for Young. Montez Sweat will need to play his best football until Chase returns.
I am interested to see how Phidarian Mathis performs in his rookie year. He will receive plenty of opportunities with Settle and Ioannidis on new teams. If he impresses, it all but seals Payne’s future in Washington.
Projected Record: 9-8
While many would consider 9-8 disappointing, it’s the most realistic record. There are too many question marks surrounding this team to feel confident about a double-digit win season. I am excited to see if any of the young weapons on the offense steps up. Dotson impressed at OTAs and has continued that so far at training camp. John Bates and Cole Turner are two players to keep an eye on at the tight end position.
When back from injury, I believe Chase Young will show why he was selected 2nd overall. The defense overall will most likely perform much better in 2022 since they aren’t facing the brutal schedule they had to in 2021.
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