5 Commanders who could be benched after Week 1 loss at the Buccaneers
By Dean Jones
Optimism and expectation were in abundant supply for the Washington Commanders heading into their regular-season curtain-raiser at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nobody was going to be guaranteeing a victory in Week 1 following an extensive rebuilding project, but the hope that head coach Dan Quinn's squad could be better organized and more competitive was a realistic expectation.
That didn't come to fruition. The Commanders started slowly and got into an early hole. Their defense had the same complications that blighted the previous campaign and the wide receivers had trouble creating separation consistently. That's not a recipe for success, which proved to be the case once again en route to a disappointing loss.
This is a work in progress. The Commanders are still working on the right formula as evidenced by their decision to part ways with kicker Cade York. Some other alterations could be coming before Week 2 against the New York Giants, which already looks like a must-win game for both clubs to make their presence felt within the NFC East.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who could be benched after their Week 1 loss at the Buccaneers.
Commanders players who could be benched after Week 1 loss
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
Clelin Ferrell got a sack at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which was something. However, that's about as good as it got for the defensive end during an otherwise underwhelming afternoon at the office.
Ferrell struggled to set the edge against the run. That was his biggest concern coming into the Commanders and could prove complicated if the necessary improvements don't arrive quickly. He'll get another chance, but much more is needed to make the edge rushing position opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. his long-term.
Jamin Davis' flashes when installed into the pass-rushing role were encouraging and in keeping with his decent growth in recent weeks. If Ferrell remains inconsistent and the former Kentucky star continues his ascension, the Commanders would be wise to flip their involvement accordingly.