What nightmare scenarios could befall the Washington Commanders during what could be a franchise-altering campaign in 2023?
There are so many storylines attached to the Washington Commanders heading into the 2023 season. One that represents a fresh start for all involved with the franchise without Dan Snyder's inept ownership holding them back.
The entire sale saga has been tiresome and a complete distraction. Ron Rivera's conducted himself well in the circumstances, but that won't hold much weight if he cannot get the Commanders trending in the right direction.
Josh Harris and his ownership consortium will be monitoring things closely before coming to a final conclusion on what's best to take the Commanders forward. Therefore, even the slightest slip-up could come with big-time ramifications for those in positions of power.
One thing's for sure, Rivera will be hoping these three nightmare scenarios don't befall the Commanders when the 2023 season gets underway in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Commanders OL doesn't improve
The Washington Commanders spent what little money they had this offseason on strengthening their offensive line. This was an absolute necessity considering how torrid the protection was for long periods during the previous campaign.
Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie were the desired targets. The Commanders also brought in Braeden Daniels and Ricky Stromberg during the 2023 NFL Draft - although just how much they'll contribute as rookies remains to be seen.
One thing's for sure - if the Commanders' offensive line cannot raise consistency and overall performance levels across the board, it'll be nothing short of disastrous. Something that will cause a ripple effect to quarterback Sam Howell and the running game for good measure.
Commanders DE Chase Young gets hurt again
Chase Young's return to the practice field last week was extremely welcome. The defensive end opted to skip the voluntary period of OTAs, but he looked explosive as the Washington Commanders take every possible precaution in pursuit of avoiding further problems on the injury front.
Young's missed so much football over the last two seasons. While the edge presence was wearing a knee brace, it didn't seem to slow him down during his initial integration back into team activities.
There is an enormous amount at stake personally for Young in 2023. The Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option, which raises the urgency for the No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State to start fulfilling his enormous pre-draft promise.
Trade rumors continue to swirl where Young is concerned. But it would be a big surprise if the Commanders shipped off the pass-rusher before he gets a legitimate opportunity to prove his health concerns are a thing of the past.
The last thing Young needs is another complication. Washington has enough on its defensive front to offset this - especially if K.J. Henry evolves into a productive performer ahead of time - but it still represents a nightmare scenario nonetheless.
Washington would also have no choice other than to move on from Young in 2024 once his contract expires. If performances aren't up to standard before then, expect a trade before the deadline.
Commanders QB Sam Howell fluffs his lines
No matter what happens across other position groups, the Washington Commanders will go as far as Sam Howell takes them in 2023. Ron Rivera is betting his future job prospects on the former fifth-round pick providing much-needed assurance and improved production under center - a task that many have tried and failed to accomplish before he was given an opportunity.
Rivera's management and evaluation of quarterbacks have been in question throughout the entirety of his coaching career aside from those memorable moments with Cam Newton on the Carolina Panthers. If he gets it wrong with Howell, then expect Josh Harris' ownership group to begin seeking alternative coaches.
Howell has the support of teammates and Eric Bieniemy, which is encouraging. It's been an up-and-down OTAs for the one-time North Carolina standout, but that's to be expected given the magnitude of the transition in front of him.
Optimism remains that Howell can raise the offense to better heights under Bieniemy's expert guidance. But if the signal-caller fluffs his lines and cannot meet expectations, the shockwaves across the franchise are going to be substantial.
What comes next is down to Howell. The skill position players are in place and the scheme should play to his strengths, but much will also depend on the offensive line and whether it can provide the time needed against some outstanding defensive fronts on Washington's 2023 schedule.