3 Commanders starters who could get benched in 2022
By Jerry Trotta
Coming off a productive set of spring practices and Terry McLaurin just recently removed from signing a lucrative contract extension, the mood of the Washington Commanders was overwhelmingly positive during training camp.
That’s a good thing, because camp has a propensity to produce negative storylines, whether it be in the form of injuries or poor performances. Speaking of poor performances, the Commanders will need their best players to be at the top of their respective games this season.
On paper, Washington’s roster is as talented as it’s been in years and while it lacks depth at certain positions, Ron Rivera will hopefully have a quick trigger in regard to benching players who aren’t getting the job done.
With that in mind, let’s highlight three starters who could find themselves spectating from the sidelines if they don’t meet expectations.
3 Commanders starters who could get benched this season
3. Jamin Davis
Davis’ inclusion is pretty alarming. If the second-year linebacker doesn’t show marked improvement early on, it’s very plausible he finds himself in a time share with journeyman David Mayo, who flashed on occasion in 2021.
The reason we say that? Davis failed to separate himself from Mayo during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Training camp presents last year’s No. 19 overall pick with a chance create distance between the 28-year-old, but that might be wishful thinking given his spring performance.
And what if Washington signs a veteran before camp? Ron Rivera hinted at such a move after Terry McLaurin’s contract press conference.
"“You’ve got to look at the defensive side,” Rivera told NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay. “… Look at where we are. What do we have to do with the defensive line? What’re the next moves there? Linebacker, adding some depth, probably. Looking at the defensive backs and feeling good, confident about that group. There is still some work to do. We’re not where we want to be in terms of that yet.”"
The Commanders will give Davis every chance to prove himself in 2022. But with Cole Holcomb locked into a three-down role, Mayo showing promise against the run and the potential for the team to sign one of several available veterans, it’s not out of the realm of possibility Davis finds himself in a part-time role.
We seriously hope it doesn’t come to that.