3 former Commanders players who struggled (and 1 who thrived) in Week 1

Even though the Washington Commanders went through significant roster turnover over the offseason, some fans always keep close tabs on how their departed heroes perform in a different environment. This also either vindicates the decision to move on or leaves a sense of regret depending on how things shake out.

The Commanders didn't get much from their personnel last season - the last under previous head coach Ron Rivera. There's hope this new-look group can make their presence felt, although there's a long road ahead to potential respectability if Washington's loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is any indication.

With this in mind, here are three former Commanders players who struggled and one who thrived in Week 1.

All statistics and snap counts are courtesy of Pro Football Focus.

Former Commanders players who struggled in Week 1

Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel signed with the Buffalo Bills in the off-season after the Commanders elected not to re-sign him. Many speculated the wide receiver would be one of their primary targets in the offense with Joe Brady as the offensive coordinator. He finished Week 1 with only two receptions on two targets for 15 receiving yards against the Arizona Cardinals.

Samuel only had the fourth most targets among wide receivers on the team. Teammates Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Mack Hollins all had more impressive games than the Ohio State product.

Coleman finished the game with four receptions on five targets for 51 receiving yards. Shakir had three catches from as many attempts for 42 yards and a touchdown. Hollins was tied for Samuel with two targets, bringing in both for 25 yards and a score.

To make matters worse for Samuel, he only logged 17 snaps and ran nine routes the whole game. This seems to put him in the backup slot role behind Shakir. However, he is coming off a turf toe, so this could have been more precautionary.

Montez Sweat

Montez Sweat was traded to the Chicago Bears at the deadline last season for a second-round pick. After cementing himself even further as an elite player when landing in the NFC North, he hasn't started off the 2024 season as well. The defensive end finished the first game with two total tackles and zero sacks. He did have three pressures, which is decent enough.

He didn't defend the run well at all. Sweat's pass-rushing ability didn't make up for it, either. He finished the game with a Pro Football Focus run grade of 64.5 and a pass rush mark of 57.0.

Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson signed with the New England Patriots in the off-season due to the Commanders not bringing him back. Many fans believed the running back was not used properly in Washington, and that may have been true. However, he might not be getting utilized correctly by Jerod Mayo, either.

On the other hand, Gibson might just not be the player some thought he could be.

Gibson only recorded 13 snaps in the game. He rushed the ball seven times for only 18 yards, putting him at 2.2 yards per carry. He did not record a single target, which is disappointing when one considers he's considered more of a passing back these days.

Instead, fellow Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson led the backfield and had a monster game with 25 carries for 120 rushing yards and a touchdown.

One former Commanders player thrived in Week 1

Kamren Curl

After many Commanders fans were hoping Washington would re-sign Kamren Curl in the off-season, they decided to let him walk and sign with the Los Angeles Rams. Looks like the supporters might have been right on this one.

Curl had a solid game for the Rams. He was one of four defenders who played all 61 defensive snaps in the game and finished with five total tackles, four being solo and one being an assist.

The former seventh-round pick has always been more of the elite run-defending type and sure tackler safety. Curl showcased this with an elite goal line tackle against Detroit Lions' tight end, Brock Wright, in the first half.

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