5 difficult decisions facing the Commanders coaching staff in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Commanders wide receiver dynamic
The Washington Commanders shook things up in their wide receiver room by trading Jahan Dotson to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. He was fitting in well and general manager Adam Peters decided to recoup some valuable draft capital before his stock plunged further. It's a calculated risk - one that could go either way unless the options available step up with increased responsibilities.
New offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has plenty of enticing weapons. Nobody aside from Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin comes with exceptional production, but having rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center should help enormously.
The Commanders need to establish a pecking order. It might take a few games to firmly cement their plans, so expect to see plenty of wideouts get chances to impress in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Is Luke McCaffrey ready to be unleashed? Can Noah Brown achieve more consistency in a different environment? Will Dyami Brown finally put everything together? Could Olamide Zaccheaus become more than just a rotational figure following an outstanding offseason?
These are the conundrums facing Kingsbury and his offensive staff. We'll find out more about the potential dynamic moving forward at Raymond James Stadium this weekend.
Creating pressure
Pressure breaks pipes. The Commanders didn't generate much of that once the defensive end duo of Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded before the 2023 deadline. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. cannot afford the same to happen on their watch this time around.
This centers on two key elements. The personnel at Washington's disposal and if the schematic concepts can create pressure depending on the situation. Quinn's scheme is renowned and respected. Whether the Commanders have enough on the playing side of things is another matter.
The reinforcements acquired throughout a busy offseason should assist greatly. Jamin Davis' transition to an edge rusher comes with intrigue, but more dependability will likely arrive from Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong Jr., and Frankie Luvu.
Using second-round rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil on blitz packages when the down and distance dictates might be another option to consider. Baker Mayfield is a volatile quarterback prone to errors when there's constant heat on him in the pocket. Making him uncomfortable is a surefire way to ensure mistakes arrive.