The Washington Commanders have a good chance to make an immediate statement in Week 1. Their trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't be easy, not by any stretch of the imagination. However, there is absolutely nothing whatsoever for head coach Dan Quinn and his players to fear.
Nobody knows what to genuinely expect from the Commanders this season. There's been so many changes from top to bottom. That makes projections sketchy at best, so seeing the football product in a competitive setting will provide a better indicator of what this team might be capable of in Year 1 under Quinn's guidance.
The Buccaneers opted for no such turnover throughout the offseason. Todd Bowles stuck around as head coach after winning the NFC South. Top stars like Baker Mayfield, Lavonte David, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. were extended. They have familiarity and cohesion on their side, which only raises the stakes further for those in Washington who come into the contest with pressure on their shoulders.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 1 at Raymond James Stadium.
Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 1 at the Buccaneers
Kliff Kingsbury - Commanders OC
When Magic Johnson convinced Kliff Kingsbury to join the Washington Commanders after he looked destined for the Las Vegas Raiders, it represented a major statement of intent. However, many wondered whether the new offensive coordinator was deserving of such an opportunity so soon after he was fired as Arizona Cardinals head coach.
Kingsbury spent a season working alongside Caleb Williams at USC. He knows how to develop young quarterbacks and scheme his play designs around their strengths. That makes him a perfect figure to steer Heisman Trophy-winning gunslinger Jayde Daniels through a pivotal early transition as a rookie.
The microscope will be on Kingsbury, make no mistake about that. If the composed play-caller can begin his journey in Washington by overcoming a talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense with legitimate playmakers at all three levels, it'll go a long way to alleviating any remaining concerns about his appointment.
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.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
This is a crossroads campaign for Emmanuel Forbes Jr. The cornerback was recently praised by general manager Adam Peters for his development throughout the preparation period. This will count for nothing if the former Mississippi State star doesn't put everything together in a competitive setting.
Forbes knows there is a bigger microscope on him than most. He was a No. 16 overall selection who fell extremely flat as a rookie. What sort of role the Commanders give him in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hasn't been determined, but those in power would be wise to avoid placing the defensive back on star wide receiver Mike Evans throughout.
It would be a surprise if the Buccaneers' offense didn't test Forbes early and often when he's on the field. They've seen his film from last season and know mistakes could arrive. The signs coming from the franchise are encouraging, but there's just no telling for sure.
Forbes is embracing the test in Week 1. Talking about a big game is all well and good. Producing the goods in a pressurized setting is a different thing entirely.
Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE
The Commanders have to generate more pressure this season. This critical area dissipated once Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded in 2023. Their most promising edge presence - former fifth-round selection K.J. Henry - got surprisingly waived during final roster cuts and was scooped up by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Washington has a new-look unit to potentially improve their pass-rushing numbers. Clelin Ferrell was one notable arrival and should start opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. at the defensive end position in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ferrell was a highly-touted college recruit coming out of Clemson. He couldn't live up to his top-five billing on the Las Vegas Raiders. Adam Peters got a good look at the lineman last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He was impressed enough to bring him to Washington.
It's been a solid enough summer for Ferrell, who's entering the last-chance saloon regarding his hopes of proving himself as a productive NFL starter. Getting off to a strong start versus the quality Buccaneers offensive tackle tandem of Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs is imperative to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
We've already spoken about the importance of Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s role at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, there's a good chance Benjamin St-Juste will have a bigger microscope on his performance levels.
The Washington Commanders must find a way to limit prolific wide receiver Mike Evans at Raymond James Stadium. The perennial 1,000-yard receiving threat remains a force despite his advancing years. St-Juste's physical profile and depth chart status suggest he'll be on the former Texas A&M sensation for almost the entirety of the contest.
This represents a stern test of St-Juste's credentials. He had some bright moments last season without being nearly consistent enough. Sunday's clash versus Evans is a solid measuring stick to see how far his game's come on under the coaching staff of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
St-Juste should relish this challenge. If he comes out of his battle against Evans with some credit, that can become a platform for better fortunes. If the Minnesota product gets burned constantly, the concerns moving forward will be glaring.
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
The Commanders are giving Andrew Wylie another shot at the right tackle position in 2024. This was a contentious issue among the fanbase considering his inconsistent production overall last time around, but the new regime believes there is more to come from the veteran within blocking concepts that look better suited to his strengths.
Wylie started the season terribly in 2023. He struggled in pass protection and lacked discipline. Things improved slightly as the campaign went on. Whether it was enough to justify another go-around is another matter.
Washington will be watching Wylie's progress closely over the first few games of the campaign. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers accumulated 2.8 sacks per game last season, which deserves respect. They should also have stud edge rusher Yaya Diaby back after receiving a scare with the player this summer.
Anything less than solid consistency from Wylie won't be well received. Looking at how many illegal formations were called on the offensive lines in Thursday's regular-season opener between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, the former Eastern Michigan standout must also avoid the mental errors that blighted his previous campaign.