5 Commanders on the hot seat heading into the 2023 season
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders find themselves on the hot seat heading into a campaign with renewed hope under new ownership in 2023?
After months of drama, rumors, and franchise-altering changes, the Washington Commanders finally begin their 2023 regular season engagements this weekend at home against the Arizona Cardinals. FedEx Field is sold out and will be absolutely rocking to mark the occasion, with increased expectations and legitimate hope for the future enveloping the fanbase thanks in no small part to Josh Harris' ownership group taking over from Dan Snyder.
The Commanders still have a difficult task awaiting them. Their schedule doesn't look especially kind and the NFC East isn't getting any easier, so it's not hard to see why many are down on their chances of instant accomplishments under the Harris regime.
And yet, some around the media quietly fancy the Commanders to make the postseason. Everything must go right, but it's not completely impossible looking at the talent at Washington's disposal.
The pressure is on some more than others. With that in mind, here are five Commanders on the hot seat entering 2023.
Saahdiq Charles - Commanders OL
Things didn't look too promising for Saahdiq Charles entering the offseason. The coaching staff remained intrigued by his physical tools, but another injury coupled with the emergence of Chris Paul meant his status as a projected starter was hanging by a thread.
In fairness to Charles, he responded well to the challenge and did enough to become the team's No. 1 left guard for their regular season opener. How long he holds this title is the big question.
The former LSU star cannot seem to put a consistent run of games together before succumbing to injury. Charles must also improve from a consistency standpoint when it comes to pass blocking or his time on the field might be short-lived.