Odafe Oweh - Commanders OLB
The Washington Commanders made a big splash in free agency by signing edge rusher Odafe Oweh. He was widely regarded as one of the hottest free agents on the market, and general manager Adam Peters had to hand out a hefty contract to land him.
Oweh signed a four-year, $96 million deal with a $26 million signing bonus and $68 million guaranteed. That was considered a lot for someone who'd been a situational rusher throughout his career, but the Commanders were confident he could become a legitimate three-down force.
Halfway through the campaign, the jury is still out.
The 2021 first-round pick out of Penn State has flashed promising moments, but the Commanders are paying for much more. Oweh has struggled to find the consistency he needs, and being reduced to 59 percent of defensive snaps against the Los Angeles Rams points to a lack of trust in his abilities.
Oweh could still come out well in the end. But the Commanders were probably expecting a more immediate return on their investment.
Commanders OL (minus Sam Cosmi)
The Commanders' offensive line was dealt a hammer blow before a regular-season game began. Losing left tackle Laremy Tunsil was a bitter pill to swallow, and things just haven't been the same since.
Brandon Coleman has struggled to fill the void Tunsil left. Chris Paul isn't faring much better at left guard, and the Commanders' approach to the center position remains a source of great frustration.
Adam Peters thought he was the smartest man in the room, placing all his confidence in Nick Allegretti. It failed miserably, and even second-year right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. isn't progressing as everyone hoped.
If it wasn't for stud right guard Sam Cosmi, Washington's offensive line would be even more concerning, and it's among the league's worst as is. Tunsil can't come back quickly enough, but that might not be until next season.
This unit has been a weak link. If things don't improve, more big offseason changes could be on the horizon.
Dan Quinn - Commanders HC
Dan Quinn came into the season bullish. The head coach was convinced the Commanders could bounce back, and although their preseason performances and joint practices were largely underwhelming, his resolve remained strong.
He knew the stakes were higher than ever. Quinn's job prospects were being questioned around the media, and the Commanders had a gauntlet to get through early in the campaign. Things haven't gone well, and the strain is beginning to show on everybody.
The players are still fighting for Quinn, but that will only get him so far. Results have to improve to stand any chance of securing a fourth season, and aside from a memorable victory over the Seattle Seahawks, it's been underwhelming.
The in-game management has cost Washington, and that's on the coach. Other mitigating factors are in play, but Quinn carries the can. And if the Commanders cannot get out of their current slump, they will probably be looking for a new head coach in 2027.
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