4 Commanders heading into make-or-break season in 2022

It’s really not farfetched to say that the Washington Commanders aren’t far off from becoming a legit contender in the NFC. As always, the quarterback position will be the deciding factor, but there’s no hiding from the fact that there are winning pieces scattered throughout the roster.

With the Commanders’ rebrand less than a week old, though, there’s a new era on the horizon in Washington as it pertains to the team’s on-field product and Ron Rivera and Co. need to decide who’ll be here for the long haul. 

While the Commanders have a few foundational players they can build around like Jonathan Allen, Terry McLaurin and Chase Young, others have been betwixt and between and need to step up in 2022 to show they deserve a future.

With that in mind, here are four players entering a make-or-break season with the Commanders in 2022.

4 Commanders entering make-or-break season in 2022

4. William Jackson III 

Yes, William Jackson showed improvement in the second half of the season, but we need more than a six-game sample size before we can say the former Bengal is living up to his three-year, $40.5 million contract.

Jackson’s struggles early on in 2021 were well-documented. After recording a clutch interception against the Chargers in the opening game, he became a regular victim of coverage breakdowns and pass-interference penalties.

In total, Jackson was flagged seven times this season, good for the sixth-most amongst all defensive backs. Despite missing six games through injury, he logged the second-most pass interference penalties (five) at his position.

More concerning, though, is how much Jackson struggled in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed five touchdowns, 11.7 yards per reception, 119 yards after the catch and a 95.1 passer rating. His His 59.7 player grade finished 79th of 118 graded cornerbacks.

Not exactly what you want from a player whose $13.5 million annual salary ranks 11th at the cornerback position.

Of course, the sky isn’t falling in regard to Jackson. From Weeks 10-15 — after he returned from a hamstring injury and before a calf injury knocked him out of the final three games — he owned a 70.5 player grade from PFF and allowed a total of 13 catches for just 17.5 yards per game.

Bottom line? While the arrow is pointing up for Jackson, he’s far from out of the woods in terms of securing his future in Washington. With another up-and-down year in 2022, the team could look to find a replacement.