7 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 1 at the Buccaneers
By Dean Jones
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.
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