4 critical observations from Commanders 2024 schedule release

Commanders early opportunities

With optimism so high across the Washington Commanders after a frantic offseason of substantial changes, getting off to a positive start in 2024 is crucial. Those in power can ill afford all this newfound momentum to be wasted by poor results right out of the gate. They must come together quickly and announce themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Anything less is going to sour what's been an injection of reinvigoration across the fanbase. Looking at Washington's upcoming schedule in 2024, there is an early window of opportunity if they become a cohesive unit in all phases.

No game in the NFL can be classed as a walkover. These are athletes at the pinnacle of their profession eager to make their mark. But the first four games represent a chance for the Commanders to lay the foundations for a successful campaign.

• Week 1: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 2: vs. New York Giants
• Week 3: at Cincinnati Bengals (MNF)
• Week 4: at Arizona Cardinals

Now, three of these games are on the road. This poses a unique set of challenges for a team in transition. But aside from the Bengals, all look winnable if the necessary progress is made under Dan Quinn's guidance in the coming months.

There's a chance this goes wrong and the Commanders are on the back foot before some difficult challenges later in the campaign. Immediately after this stretch comes the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, which only heightens the sense of urgency to get their 2024 season off on a positive note.

If the Commanders can get out of the first month at 3-1, it'll be another significant confidence boost. Even emerging with a 2-2 record wouldn't be the end of the world, but Quinn cannot afford to be below .500 heading into two tough challenges versus AFC North opposition.

So many changes typically take time to mesh. Unfortunately, this isn't a luxury the Commanders have if they want to make an instant impact in 2024.