The Washington Commanders’ season is coming off the rails. The NFL season is all about adapting, right? Well, after entering the year with hopes they’d compete for the NFC East or at least a wild card berth, the Commanders are officially in the mix for a top-five pick as one of the league’s worst teams through five games.
Pro Football Talk listed the Commanders No. 31 in their latest power rankings. After the previously-winless Texans upset the Jaguars on Sunday, other media outlets might jump on the bandwagon and rank Washington as one of the NFL’s basement dwellers.
Though the Commanders’ season is falling apart at the seam, the coaching staff can send the right message to his players by seeing to it that certain players receive less playing time going forward. We saw this come to life against the Titans when William Jackson was benched after a sorry tackle attempt on Derrick Henry.
Ron Rivera can’t bench every underachiever, but these three players cannot continue in their current roles after the team’s latest loss.
3 Commanders who deserve less playing time after Week 5
3. Dax Milne
For what reason is Milne still the primary return specialist? It’s honestly laughable the plug hasn’t been pulled on this experiment. Whether it’s a kick or punt return, you can write the ending of Milne’s returns every single time. He’ll unleash a couple meaningless stutter-steps that don’t fool anyone before getting tackled about six or seven yards shorter than most competent return specialists would.
On Sunday, Milne returned two kicks for 27 yards. Conversely, Jonathan Williams’ lone kickoff return went for 19 yards. The depth running back left the game with a knee injury. If it’s nothing serious, we’d love to see Williams take over kick return duties. Why not give Antonio Gibson a crack every now and then?
Anything but Milne, please.
On five punt returns, Milne managed 29 yards (5.8 yards per). The second-year receiver often makes questionable decisions when fielding punts and rarely gets a burst upfield (see the stutter-step issue) on the rare occasions he fields them.
2. Bobby McCain
Poor play from Jackson and Kendall Fuller has saved Bobby McCain from his own dose of criticism. That changes today. You’ll remember it was McCain who whiffed on D’Andre Swift’s touchdown in Week 2 when the Lions running back fell down and was still able to get back to his feet and scamper to the end zone.
On Sunday, McCain was victimized on a huge 62-yardcompletion minutes after the Commanders reclaimed the lead with Dyami Brown’s second touchdown. McCain got turned around on the play and allowed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine to shake free. Truth be told, this should’ve been a TD, but Tannehill didn’t lead his receiver.
The Titans complete a 62 yard deep pass with Tannehill under extreme pressure.
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 9, 2022
Bobby McCain was in coverage. pic.twitter.com/oFKINEU9oK
A few plays later, Derrick Henry punched in a touchdown from one-yard out to give Tennessee the lead back just as quick as they lost it. The Commanders’ defense admittedly performs better when three safeties are on the field. Why not start Kam Curl and Darrick Forrest and demote McCain to a third-string role for the time being?
Anyone opposed to this?
1. Andrew Norwell
The Commanders’ management of their offensive line has been a disaster. One week after free agent signing Trai Turner was benched for poor play fellow free agent pickup Andrew Norwell was dangerously close to following suit Sunday.
On a key fourth quarter drive, Norwell was flagged for a false start and allowed a sack while getting pancaked by Denico Autry. Just look at how embarrassing this rep is.
Not a great series by Norwell who got blown up on 3rd and 13 before Wentz ends up sacked pic.twitter.com/7MlnDF7O4X
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 9, 2022
What did Norwell expect to happen? Not gonna pretend we have the first clue of a proper blocking technique but standing straight up against an oncoming pass rusher is begging to end in disaster and that’s exactly what happened.
It doesn’t get more embarrassing than this, but no Commanders fan was surprised and that’s the biggest problem. Norwell’s been a liability all season and doesn’t deserve to keep his starting job. The only problem is we’re not sure how Washington replaces the former All-Pro.
Saahdiq Charles has already stepped in for Turner. Perhaps sixth-round draft pick Chris Paul gets a shot? Wes Schweitzer is on IR with a concussion so he’s not an option. If only there was a free agent available who’s played in the system before
Time to bring back Ereck Flowers.