Riggo's Rag
FanSided

3 Commanders role players who could make or break 2022 season

By Jerry Trotta

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 14: William Jackson #23 of the Washington Football Team celebrates an interception during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on November 14, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 14: William Jackson #23 of the Washington Football Team celebrates an interception during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on November 14, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
May 24, 2022; Asburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) runs a pass route during drills as part of OTAs at The Park in Ashburn. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2022; Asburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) runs a pass route during drills as part of OTAs at The Park in Ashburn. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Curtis Samuel

There is no single player on the Commanders roster who is a bigger X-factor than Samuel. If the speedy wideout is healthy and firing on all cylinders for all (or most) of the schedule, the team’s offensive ceiling skyrockets. Plain and simple.

In his last season in Carolina (2020), Samuel notched career-highs in receptions (77), receiving yards (851) and catch rate (79.4%) to go with three touchdowns and 97 targets. Pretty impressive output for someone who was lagging behind Robby Anderson (136) and DJ Moore (118) in the target pecking order.

Of course, Samuel doesn’t need to catch passes to leave his mark on a game. That season, the former second-round pick also managed 200 rushing yards on 40 attempts (4.9 YPC) and an additional two touchdowns. To put those numbers into perspective, only Cordarelle Patterson had more rushing yards among WRs.

Simply put, Samuel is the Commanders most dynamic weapon. Expect the 25-year-old to be deployed in myriad ways; whether it be as a receiver in the slot, bubble screens, a receiver out of the backfield and an outright tailback.

While Terry McLaurin and even Jahan Dotson will be more vital to the passing game, the ceiling of Washington’s offense will hinge on Samuel’s health.

Next. 3 most important Commanders who aren't starters. dark

Home/Commanders Roster