Dan Quinn is in the final stage of preparations before embarking on his second NFL head coaching opportunity. Something he's worked incredibly hard to achieve.
The Washington Commanders believe this is the guy to spearhead their on-field plans for progress. Miracles won't happen overnight, but the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator galvanized a struggling franchise quickly and got everyone singing from the same hymn sheet with extra vibrance attached.
Optimism is growing. At the same time, Quinn knows the proof will be how his team performs in a competitive setting. This starts with a difficult yet winnable trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.
The Buccaneers have continuity on their side. They won the NFC South once again last season but face a much sterner challenge for the title this time around after Kirk Cousins joined the Atlanta Falcons. Todd Bowles won't want to start on the back foot against a team he played for, so it promises to be a physical and fascinating contest in equal measure.
With this in mind, here are five difficult decisions facing Quinn and his staff in Week 1.
Difficult decisions facing the Commanders coaching staff in Week 1
Commanders' scheming for the weather
This might have gone unnoticed in the grand scheme of things, but things are not looking too promising on the weather front at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Scattered showers are expected in the region around kickoff time. It will be followed by the possibility of thunderstorms as the contest progresses.
Hopefully, the bad weather will stay away and the quality of football remains high. However, it's a problem the Commanders must take into account as head coach Dan Quinn makes preparations for every eventuality.
Any inclement weather will have an impact on the offense more than anything. It'll be slippy underfoot for both teams, so having the ability to adjust to ever-changing climates is something the Commanders must be ready for.
Relying more heavily on the run with Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler would be a good place to start. It also helps to have a dual-threat force in Jayden Daniels under center to keep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense on their toes.
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.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s role
Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s development this offseason was praised by new general manager Adam Peters. That was a big positive despite things not being perfect all the time. However, the Washington Commanders must figure out how much workload the cornerback can handle in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Forbes has spoken about embracing the challenge of going up against Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. That's the right attitude to have, but the jury is out as to whether or not he can cope with significant responsibilities after how things went as a rookie.
The Commanders should have a good indication of where Forbes is and what more might be needed to progress. They have Benjamin St-Juste and Michael Davis capable of picking up the slack. Introducing the former Mississippi State star gradually rather than throwing him straight into the firing line would be smart. That enables the 2023 first-round pick to build up confidence while still making some sort of contribution.
There are concerns about the Commanders' cornerback room aside from rookie second-rounder Mike Sainristil. If Forbes bounces back en route to silencing his doubters, it'll be like another new signing.
Brandon Coleman's involvement
Brandon Coleman was listed as a full participant over practice to start the week. The rookie left tackle is raring to go and wants to start in Week 1. Unfortunately, that decision is out of his hands.
Coleman was generating some real momentum in training camp before a shoulder injury denied him valuable reps during the preseason. This was just a minor setback, but head coach Dan Quinn must decide whether to throw the third-round pick in at the deep end or give him some extra time.
Cornelius Lucas - who lost the No. 1 left tackle spot to Coleman initially - has been getting first-team reps on the blindside according to the media in attendance at practice. This would indicate he'll be in the lineup, although nothing has been confirmed one way or another right now.
The Commanders need to get this decision correct. Jayden Daniels cannot afford inconsistent protection in pursuit of hitting the ground running in 2024. Coleman represents the unknown quantity, albeit with outstanding athletic gifts and more upside. Lucas has the experience, so that might be the call when push comes to shove.
If Lucas starts and struggles, expect Coleman to be introduced quickly.