Washington Commanders 2022 Season Preview – Part 3
The Washington Commanders are hoping to ignite a potent passing game in 2022 with a new strong-armed quarterback, a talented first round wide receiver, a highly underrated tight end, and a revamped offensive line. They could have the tools to succeed.
In our first article in this summer series, we talked about the major changes at quarterback and the positives that could occur. We believe that the passing game will improve substantially with the new additions and more victories are sure to follow. Three of the reasons for the immense optimism fall squarely on the new faces at wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line.
Welcome back to our offseason evaluations and statistical predictions for the players on each unit of the offense, defense, and special teams. We turn our attention today to the wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive line. Perhaps there will be some surprises in these assessments, but it’s possible you may see a little more of the status quo.
Apologies for the delay in this summer series, but life’s circumstances tossed a curve ball at yours truly a couple of months ago. It’s time to get rolling again as training camp and the preseason is upon us.
We have a lot to evaluate today, so let’s quickly get to it!
Commanders 2022 season preview — Part 3
Wide Receivers
Terry McLaurin is the undisputed number one wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. In his first game as a rookie, the former Ohio State star took a long pass from quarterback Case Keenum and raced his way into the end zone. The love affair with Burgundy and Gold fans was immediate.
Look for McLaurin to have one of his best seasons to date and sporting a new contract takes outside distractions off the table. Having Carson Wentz as his new quarterback will pay major dividends.
Stat Prediction: 81 catches for 1,089 yards and 9 touchdowns.
The first round rookie Jahan Dotson is hoping to have a major impact in his first season with the Commanders. It should be a good year for the former Penn State standout, but it will not be a record-breaker.
Stat Prediction: 57 catches for 649 yards and 4 touchdowns.
It was a disappointing first season for Curtis Samuel in 2021, but the Washington Commanders are hoping he can have a rebound season in 2022. He was plagued by injuries last year, but Samuel has spent the offseason rehabbing and taking the time to be in excellent health entering the season. If the former Buckeye can regain a good measure of his form from 2020, he will have a solid impact going forward.
Stat Prediction: 42 catches for 434 yards and 4 touchdowns. 1-1 passing for 19 yards and 1 touchdown.
Curtis Samuel was constantly asking himself last season: “What’s going to happen if I run fast?” He was constantly questioning his body and if he could go at full speed. Says with reps and workouts over the past few months, he’s much more confident pic.twitter.com/p0zUUL2hA2
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) May 24, 2022
After having a first season to forget, Dyami Brown hopes to improve substantially in his sophomore campaign and prove the naysayers wrong. However, the numbers game is not working in his favor (likely fourth on the depth chart for now) and 2022 could be something of a struggle as well.
Could Brown be a candidate for a mid-season trade? Keep a close eye on Dyami Brown as the season unfolds.
Stat Prediction: 22 catches for 178 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Dax Milne had minimal impact in 2021, but he was fundamentally sound and provided needed depth. Expect more of the same in 2022 unless there are injuries to starters or key players.
Stat Prediction: 6 catches for 21 yards and 0 touchdowns.
This could be the final year for Cam Sims in a Washington Commanders uniform. He has done just enough to stick around since making the roster as an undrafted free agent in 2018. However, it is time for Sims to take the next step toward being a dependable wide receiver in the NFL. One spectacular catch per season is not enough to get the job done.
Stat Prediction: 4 catches for 33 yards and 0 touchdowns.
Alex Erickson is a special teams standout and that could be enough to keep him on the roster for now. He will have little to no impact with the passing offense.
Stat Prediction: Zero catches.
Look for Kelvin Harmon to be waived and possibly added to the practice squad for this season. It is difficult to see any team with wide receiver needs adding him to their roster.