3 huge Commanders offseason needs at the 2023 midway point

What huge offseason needs are already becoming clear for the Washington Commanders with the first half of 2023 in the books?

It's been an up-and-down campaign for the Washington Commanders at the midseason point. The stakes couldn't have been much higher with Josh Harris' ownership group buying the franchise from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion, which was swiftly followed by increased expectations and already warm seats becoming increasingly hot.

There's been good and bad through nine games. The Commanders have held their own against some of the league's heavyweights and blown out by bottom-feeders they were expected to beat comfortably, but all hope is not lost by any stretch of the imagination.

Washington is currently two games out of the NFC wildcard places with a 4-5 record. This is the sort of mediocrity normally associated with Ron Rivera since he became head coach, but the Commanders look to have at least found their future franchise quarterback in Sam Howell after his superb 2023 to date.

Other position groups haven't fared as well. On this topic, we picked out three huge offseason needs as we reach midseason.

Commanders need help at LB

This was a major concern coming into the season. The Washington Commanders did almost nothing to improve their linebacker options in free agency or the draft aside from replacing Cody Barton with Cole Holcomb, which was ill-advised after some woeful efforts before going to injured/reserve.

Jamin Davis has had some nice moments but struggles in coverage. Khaleke Hudson didn't get a proper look until a few weeks ago, but it doesn't look like those in power are genuinely convinced he can contribute.

Whether it's Rivera or someone else, the Commanders must solidify their defensive second level as a matter of extreme urgency next spring. Anything else is malpractice.