5 emerging conundrums from Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
Commanders kicking situation
Of all the problems facing the Washington Commanders with a solid sample size of training camp to examine, the team's kicking situation is arguably the biggest. Brandon McManus' release after allegations of sexual assault emerged was the right thing to do in the circumstances, but it's complicated matters considerably.
Ramiz Ahmed came in first but didn't do enough to prevent a genuine kicking competition. The Commanders claimed Riley Patterson off waivers following his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's solid enough, but asking him to come through in the clutch doesn't always work out well for the player.
This is a fluid situation. The Commanders are allowing both to prove themselves with some extra spotlight glaring. But a scenario could also emerge where neither is taken through onto the 53-man roster.
The life of a kicker is often unpredictable and extremely precarious. Patterson and Ahmed are auditioning with a short leash. Commanders general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to ring more changes if he feels like it's the right thing to do.
Commanders interior OL depth
The Commanders have a lot riding on their offensive line this season. They've got a franchise quarterback to protect looking at the way No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels has transitioned since joining the ranks. Anything less than improved production and cohesion jeopardizes this newfound excitement across the organization.
The starting five looks pretty solid. Aside from that, concerns are emerging about the depth. This bears more significance on the interior based on the first two weeks of training camp.
Veteran free-agent signing Michael Deiter looks the part based on his performance levels at training camp. He can play almost anywhere along the interior, but that's not enough. It's threadbare aside from that with nobody coming to the fore. That's going to be a problem if injury problems occur at some stage during the campaign.
If Washington doesn't see enough from its backup interior linemen over their preseason slate, don't be surprised if general manager Adam Peters acquires reinforcements off the waiver wire who are more dependable. After all, there is no sentiment attached to his decision-making process whatsoever.