Which Washington Commanders players need a monster offseason in pursuit of increasing their influence during the 2023 campaign?
The stakes could not be any higher for the Washington Commanders in 2023. Ron Rivera has some enormous pressure on his shoulders entering Year 3 of his tenure, with the potential ownership change leaving plenty of unknowns as preparations for the new campaign gather pace in the coming weeks.
Eric Bieniemy’s arrival comes with intrigue and increased expectations in equal measure. The Commanders can get themselves in a strong financial position by releasing Carson Wentz and maneuvering certain contracts to their benefit, but those in power must maximize the resources at their disposal in pursuit of an instant postseason return.
Those currently on the roster must fight hard to develop throughout the spring and summer months. Otherwise, they could see their respective roles diminish or be cast aside entirely.
With this in mind, here are four Commanders players that need to have a monster offseason in 2023.
Player No. 1
Saahdiq Charles – Commanders OL
There was hope Saahdiq Charles could finally start putting his impressive physical attributes together more consistently in 2022. That didn’t come to pass, with the offensive lineman featuring in just 290 snaps on offense and failing to meet the necessary requirements.
Considering the potential of further reinforcements for the protection arriving via free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft, the onus is on Charles to make the necessary improvements. Anything less could see his status with the Washington Commanders hanging by a thread.
Dyami Brown – Commanders WR
It’s not been easy for Dyami Brown to establish himself within a crowded wide receiver room. The Washington Commanders have plenty of mouths to feed when it comes to targets in the passing game, with the addition of Jahan Dotson last season making things more complicated for the North Carolina product throughout his sophomore campaign.
Brown has the athleticism to become influential under Eric Bieniemy. If the Commanders can finally get the quarterback position resolved in a satisfactory manner, it’s only going to improve the former third-round pick’s chances of increased reps.
It would be a surprise if Bieniemy didn’t push the football downfield more based on how the Kansas City Chiefs offense operated. Brown’s previous connection with Sam Howell from their time together in college with the Tarheels means there are no more excuses for the wideout.
Impressing Bieniemy is the first step. Something that can be accomplished by taking on his coaching, remaining focused away from the team, and maximizing targets throughout OTAs, training camp, and preseason games.
If he can do this, then all hope is not lost for Brown. But the Commanders can ill afford any passengers given what’s at stake for Ron Rivera, Bieniemy, and others when competitive action resumes.
Phidarian Mathis – Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders have invested a significant amount in their defensive line in recent years. Despite this, those in power thought Phidarian Mathis was a risk worth taking when he dropped out of the first round and into their laps at No. 47 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mathis left a solid impression throughout the offseason that indicated a prominent rotational role, at the very worst. But a significant injury suffered in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars was a huge blow to the defensive tackle and the Commanders.
The one-time Alabama stud looks set to make a full recovery and should be eager to make up for some lost time. Mathis has the tools to feature heavily in 2023, although Washington’s reported intent to put the franchise tag on Daron Payne threatens to hinder his hopes of securing a starting berth.
This is all out of Mathis’ control. What the lineman can focus on is making sure his conditioning is right where it needs to be, his skills develop, and proves capable of stepping in at a moment’s notice when Jack Del Rio dictates.
After such a frustrating start to his NFL career, Mathis cannot afford to become a bystander. Fortunately for the player, there is more than enough in his locker to make this a non-issue with a strong off-season.
Sam Howell – Commanders QB
The brief glimpse of Sam Howell under center in 2022 was clearly enough to install confidence in his potential as a long-term starter. Ron Rivera is planning for the quarterback to be atop the depth chart for OTAs and the presence of Eric Bieniemy on the staff is something else that could lead to encouraging growth from the second-year-pro.
The Washington Commanders appear to be placing a tremendous amount of faith in Howell. But influential figures within the organization would be wise to bring in a veteran or another development project from the college ranks in case expectations cannot be met.
Howell has the arm talent, composure, and mentality to seize this opportunity with both hands. However, this all starts by putting in the hard yards throughout the upcoming preparation period.
Becoming a sponge under Bieniemy’s guidance is a good place to start. Howell must also learn to go through his reads quicker and continue evolving as a leader within the locker room despite his lack of NFL experience.
If Howell shines and becomes the long-term option at football’s most critical position, it’s a win-win. Especially considering how cheap the player’s contract is after dropping into the fifth-round last year.
What comes next is down to Howell. But having Bieniemy around is going to give him every chance of excelling as a sophomore.