4 critical observations from Commanders 2024 schedule release
By Dean Jones
Commanders bye-week brutality
While fans turn their immediate focus to the games, players, and staff also have half an eye on when their bye week arrives. The Washington Commanders have endured late bye weeks in recent years to the team's detriment. Many were hoping for more leniency from the NFL's schedule-makers this time around.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, this wasn't the case.
The Commanders have their bye in Week 14. This means Dan Quinn and his staff must navigate a grueling run of 13 straight games before their eagerly anticipated rest period. It's far from ideal, so Washington needs to make the best out of a bad situation and display the mettle needed to fight through difficult circumstances.
This is nothing new to the roster members who managed to survive Adam Peters' roster cull this offseason. For those new to the organization - whether it's veterans acquired in free agency or those emerging from the college ranks - it's yet another challenge they need to overcome.
Bodies will be incredibly weary. The NFL has gone to great lengths to make the game safer in recent years, but it's still one of the most violent sports around. Enduring significant punishment for such a prolonged period is going to take its toll. How Quinn manages this potential complication will be pivotal to the team's chances in 2024.
It's going to be a war of attrition beyond all doubt. That's why Adam Peters placed a prime emphasis on adding the right characters to the organization in addition to improving talent. This needs to be a close-knit unit to drag each other through the good times, the bad times, and the tiring times. It's been a long time since the Commanders' roster had that going for them.
Ideally, any team would want their bye to fall between Week 9 and Week 11. That's the midseason point that splits the campaign almost perfectly. Although the Commanders' extended break falls late, it could be enough to ensure they conclude their first season under Quinn on the front foot.