3 ways the NFL screwed Commanders with the 2024 schedule
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders knew who they were playing in 2024 some time ago. They now have the full structure of fixtures as Dan Quinn looks to make an instant impression during his first campaign as head coach.
Optimism is plentiful regarding the Commanders' chances of improving next season and beyond. It won't be easy with so many changes to the infrastructure and playing personnel, but one cannot be anything other than impressed by the increased energy on and off the field in Washington right now.
Every team fancies their chances at this stage of the offseason. The Commanders have more hope than most thanks to new ownership, one of the best around running the front office, and a roster that looks to have the right blend of youth and experience at long last.
Nobody is expecting Josh Harris to be hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy at season's end. However, anything less than legitimate growth - no matter how small - will see more questions than answers arise.
It's going to be fascinating to see things unfold. For now, here are three ways the NFL schedule-makers screwed the Commanders in 2024.
Commanders' road challenges early
Dan Quinn and his players will need to be at the top of their game right out of the gate in 2024. The Washington Commanders will play three of their first four contests on the road. This represents a significant challenge and one that should tell us plenty about what this team might be able to accomplish as the campaign goes on.
The Commanders travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and the Cincinnati Bengals for a mouth-watering Monday Night Football clash over their opening month. There is one home game in Week 2 against the New York Giants, but Quinn's men will be accumulating a lot of air miles to begin their new era.
Getting these out of the way early could have some positives. But with so many alterations across the Commanders throughout one of the busiest offseasons in franchise history, they might have benefitted from more home comforts initially as everything comes together.