7 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 1 at the Buccaneers
By Dean Jones
Bobby Johnson - Commanders OL coach
The Washington Commanders need better consistency from their offensive line now that they have a genuine franchise quarterback to protect. Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie are the only two starting holdovers from last season. This could lead to cohesion issues early on that will prove complicated to offensive progress.
This brings Bobby Johnson into the spotlight. The offensive line coach's departure from the New York Giants came with widespread jubilation among their fanbase. They believed he was the root of their evil and couldn't have been happier to see him join a division rival.
Johnson came into the Commanders with renewed purpose and belief that he had the tools to galvanize this new-look unit. There were some encouraging signs during the preseason. That must continue in a competitive environment when Washington travels to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Todd Bowles is a defensive-minded head coach who'll have ways to exploit what he thinks are weak links across Washington's protection. It will not take long for this unit to be exposed if Johnson hasn't got his men prepared and ready for battle.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
It was a sensational summer for Dyami Brown when all hope seemed lost. Many fans thought the new regime would dispose of the wide receiver with little fanfare attached after three underwhelming seasons with the Commanders. They opted to give him one more opportunity to potentially carve out a role for himself instead.
This was the confidence Brown needed. Something was amiss from a trust standpoint with the previous staff. The former third-round pick looks rejuvenated and ready to provide Washington's offense with a different dynamic in 2024.
Brown developed encouraging chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels - something reflected in his deep catch against the New York Jets in Preseason Week 1. Showing out when things don't mean much has never been a problem for the North Carolina product. When things intensify and the pace increases, that's when problems emerge.
The Commanders need someone to stretch the field during their regular-season opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown looks like the best candidate for now, but the need to make every target count is imperative with Noah Brown waiting in the wings.