5 Commanders who cannot afford to get complacent in 2024

Intensity and enthusiasm are two apt phrases to describe Dan Quinn's coaching style, so no member of the Washington Commanders can afford to get complacent. The head coach won't make things as comfortable as they were under Ron Rivera, but five players in particular will need to be every bit as pumped for this rebuild.

Four members of the group are holdovers from the previous regime, but a newcomer who's a favorite of this staff can't afford to relax. Not after the Commanders used a prime 2024 NFL Draft pick on a versatile athlete at his position.

With that being said, here are five Commanders players who cannot afford to become complacent in 2024.

Zach Ertz - Commanders TE

Acquiring veteran tight end Zach Ertz looked like a slam dunk for the Commanders in free agency. He's a three-time Pro Bowler who played for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with the Arizona Cardinals.

Ertz is a natural safety valve for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. That's assuming the 33-year-old pass-catcher isn't outplayed by second-round pick Ben Sinnott.

The latter can line up anywhere on the field. As an H-Back in the backfield, flexed into the slot, or in-line as a traditional tight end.

Sinnott's ability to be a roving receiver will help Kingsbury create different looks out of multiple personnel packages. One of those packages will likely be 12 personnel, one running back, and two tight ends.

The former Kansas State star can be an asset in this formation because his receiving skills are matched by solid blocking, per Pro Football Focus College.

Ertz should be the other tight end, but there'll be competition from intriguing young players like Armani Rogers and Cole Turner. Both can be move-style targets like Sinnott and the recently acquired veteran.

There's also returning John Bates, probably the best blocker at the position on the roster. These options mean Ertz could soon become a forgotten man, especially if he can't shake the knee and quad injuries that have cost the aging receiver 17 games over the last two seasons.