Which Washington Commanders players need to put together a monster offseason in pursuit of improved fortunes under Dan Quinn in 2024?
And just like that, it's back down to business.
The Washington Commanders are holding voluntary team workouts on Tuesday to officially kick off their off-season program. Some absentees will emerge, but a strong attendance is expected as everyone looks to get on the same page to potentially hit the ground running under new head coach Dan Quinn in 2024.
It's an exciting time for the franchise. Adam Peters worked frantically to revamp the roster during free agency. More additions will arrive - including a new quarterback - via the 2024 NFL Draft in a few short weeks. With raised expectations comes increased pressure, but there is a nice blend of youth and experience for Quinn to mold throughout the team's preparation period.
A fascinating few months await. Looking at how things stand right now, here are four Commanders players who need a monster off-season in 2024.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
The pressure is on Andrew Wylie after a largely underwhelming first season with the Washington Commanders. His production flashed moments of promise, but there were times he looked incapable of coping with more explosive edge rushers when left on an island. Even with stud right guard Sam Cosmi alongside him, the veteran's inconsistencies mean the jury is still out.
Washington hasn't done anything to rectify the tackle positions as yet, although there's a good chance reinforcements will arrive via the draft. This need is more glaring on the blindside, so Wylie could get another shot at proving his worth under Dan Quinn's staff next time around.
For Wylie to improve his performance levels, he needs a strong off-season under his belt. He's got enough to suggest progress can be made, but anything less than imposing himself fully in the months ahead wouldn't be the biggest confidence boost.
Emmanuel Forbes - Commanders CB
To say Emmanuel Forbes went through some rookie struggles would be understating things. Big things were expected of the explosive cornerback after the Washington Commanders took him at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. What followed was nothing short of disastrous.
Ron Rivera gave the former Mississippi State ballhawk significant responsibilities right out of the gate. He was unable to cope with these demands, becoming a severe liability in coverage. Forbes was completely outmatched by the league's most dominant wide receivers constantly. The head coach was right to take him out of the firing line to avoid his confidence going past the point of no return.
Forbes was reintroduced into the starting lineup down the stretch, but the same frailties remained. It was a rookie campaign to forget for the player, but all hope is not lost with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. coming into the fold.
The two aforementioned coaches are renowned developers of defensive backs. This was evident throughout their time together at the Dallas Cowboys. If the same happens with Forbes, expect to see immediate improvements entering Year 2 of his professional career.
This will require a monumental effort from Forbes' perspective. If he's willing to put in the work and wipe the slate clean, it would be a huge shock if Quinn and Whitt didn't bring more out of him next season and beyond.
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
Last season could be classed as a disappointing one for Jahan Dotson. The wide receiver wasn't alone in that regard as Eric Bieniemy's offense lacked the right balance and suffered from a distinct lack of protection from the offensive line.
Much like the situation with Emmanuel Forbes, all hope is not lost with Dotson. The introduction of Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and the team's lack of additions to their wideout room so far suggest he's going to get plenty of involvement in 2024. However, the urgency will increase depending on which prospects the Washington Commanders acquire during the draft.
Dotson was taken in the first round for a reason. He's a slick route runner and a supreme yards-after-the-catch threat. The former Penn State wasn't utilized effectively last season, but he must also rectify some concentration issues to take that next step into a prominent option in the passing game.
That's why this offseason is a pivotal one for Dotson. Increased competition is coming beyond all doubt considering how deep this wide receiver draft class appears. Making a good impression is the only way he'll inspire confidence that a genuine breakout campaign can be attained.
If not, the Commanders could get some use out of Dotson as a slot option capable of keeping the chains moving.
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DT
A new coaching staff normally means almost everyone is put on notice. That bears more significance for the Washington Commanders, who've gone nowhere fast in recent years and endured another season littered with underachievement in 2023.
It seems as if those remaining on the roster will get a chance to prove themselves. The draft will change that for some, so first impressions when offseason workouts gather pace will be crucial to their overall fortunes.
Phidarian Mathis fits into this category. The formidable defensive tackle's been a proverbial afterthought thanks in no small part to injury issues over his first two NFL seasons. This luckless start wasn't what he hoped for, but the Commanders aren't letting sentiment get in the way of their decision-making process under Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.
Quinn no doubt wants to see Mathis in the flesh before making anything final regarding his roster status or role with the franchise. He looks an ideal fit for the nose tackle position when the Commanders switch to a 3-4 alignment in Quinn's creative scheme. After that, he'll be a primary backup to Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
For this scenario to become reality, Mathis must leave a mark during Washington's offseason program. The former Alabama star has the physical gifts, but they've been seldom seen thanks to lingering health issues.
Hopefully, the player enjoys better luck and can finally kickstart his career in 2024.