Which Washington Commanders players didn’t get enough credit for their contributions during the 2022 campaign?
With attention now firmly on what’s ahead, it’s easy to forget how close the Washington Commanders came to securing a postseason berth in 2022. Had it not been for one or two results that were decided by fine margins, Ron Rivera’s men could have joined their NFC East counterparts in the playoffs.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. But there’s nothing to suggest the Commanders cannot make another bold bid for the knockout stages next time around after some decent free-agent signings and the promise of more to come via the 2023 NFL Draft.
Looking at the roster status overall, it’s not too bad. Questions remain about the offensive line and the defense could use reinforcements, but Rivera’s hopes might depend on whether Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett can finally provide some stability at football’s most important position.
Before preparations ramp up for the new campaign, here are three Commanders players that didn’t get enough credit for their contributions in 2022.
Player No. 1
Efe Obada – Commanders DE
One thing that’s become synonymous with Efe Obada‘s recent NFL career is doing more with less. The defensive end takes nothing for granted, gives every snap maximum effort, and puts up superb numbers from a key rotational role.
This rightfully earned Obada a new one-year extension with the Washington Commanders to prevent him from leaving in free agency. If Chase Young struggles to stay healthy once again, the Nigerian-born pass-rusher can expect some significant responsibilities coming his way next season.
Charles Leno Jr. – Commanders OT
Much has been made about the inconsistent production across the offensive line. This unit was a constant source of failure and something opposing defenses exploited almost at will, which made things difficult for whoever was under center during yet another quarterback carousel endured by the Washington Commanders in 2022.
Despite these lackluster performance levels overall, one veteran did manage to emerge with some credit. Charles Leno Jr. wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s unfair to put him in the same category as those who vastly failed to meet even modest objectives.
The former seventh-round pick out of Boise State was an ever-present on the blindside, featuring in 1,189 snaps. Leno did concede eight sacks and four penalties, but the lineman’s creditable 71.6 grade from Pro Football Focus is a strong testament to his consistency while all around him crumbled.
Washington has set about remaking their offensive line this offseason. Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie are two solid veteran additions, and it would be a shock if the Commanders didn’t use one of their opening three picks in the draft on a capable college prospect with Day 1 starting potential.
Despite this, the Commanders seem intent on moving forward with Leno on the blindside. Based on last season, there’s every chance he can improve with better options around him.
Darrick Forrest – Commanders S
If there was one overlooked bright spot for the Washington Commanders last season, it’s their blossoming young safety tandem. Kamren Curl looks like a star in the making after another outstanding campaign, but Darrick Forrest‘s contribution must also be taken as a major positive as the defensive back gets set for Year 3 of his professional career.
Forrest is a hard hitter that took full advantage of starting reps. The confidence placed in him by Jack Del Rio was repaid in full, with the former fifth-round selection emerging into a true three-down presence that could impact the game in all phases.
One area where Forrest thrived is from a coverage standpoint. The one-time Cincinnati college standout gave up just 54.5 percent of targets and a 74.5 passer rating, which was matched by just 3.3% of missed tackles to further enhance his influence.
The Commanders have some questions to answer at the cornerback position, but the coaching staff can relax safe in the knowledge they have a superb backend foundation from which to build. With a smooth offseason period of additional development, Forrest and Curl can emerge into one of the league’s most productive tandems if everything goes well.
Forrest deserves an endless amount of credit for the way he’s applied himself over the last two seasons. Hopefully, this is just the start of a great Commanders’ career.