Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as excitement continues to build ahead of their Week 1 opener at FedEx Field?
We embark on another holiday weekend for everyone around the country to enjoy. For the Washington Commanders, it's the last period of rest before attention finally turns to their regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, September 10.
The excitement is building exponentially after a memorable offseason for the Commanders. Until then, among the stories causing debate include Jabril Cox's potential impact, Jack Del Rio's influence, Washington's intense roster process, and no room at FedEx Field next Sunday.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders sell out FedEx Field for Week 1
Josh Harris' ownership group recently announced $40 million worth of upgrades to FedEx Field as part of their commitment to fan experience since purchasing the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder. More importantly, the team confirmed that Week 1 versus the Arizona Cardinals is officially sold out.
This is the first time there's been a legitimate sellout with primarily home fans for more than a decade. The atmosphere promises to be electric and should provide all the motivation needed for a good performance to get the campaign off on a positive note.
It's also a sign that the team's long-suffering support is firmly on board with the new ownership regime and their grand plans to take the franchise forward. For the thousands who stayed away with good reasons under Snyder, an emotionally charged occasion awaits.
Commanders tough roster choices
It's probably a relief for Ron Rivera and his staff to get some brief time away after a difficult week. Roster cuts are never easy - especially for those who are unable to attain places on the practice squad - and there could be some additional moves to come looking at the depth chart position groups as they stand.
This came after weeks of intense evaluations and discussions before the Washington Commanders finalized their 53-man roster. Senior director of player personnel Eric Stokes elaborated on the process this week via Sports Illustrated and it's clear how strenuous the decisions were, even if there was a collaborative, consensus approach between those in positions of power.
"It's been a great process all the way around. It's been a collaborative process. It's been great working with coaching the staff. We had some really intense, healthy conversations as it pertains to the roster because you always first, you know, have to start internally before you start looking to the outside. You have to make those hard decisions as you get down to the 53. You're really always balancing, look, what do we have as it pertains to the roster and what do we have in terms of looking outside the roster. So, it's a tough mix. There's a lot of tough decisions that went into that, but no, it was a very smooth and fluid process."Eric Stokes via Sports Illustrated
The Commanders were never going to please everyone with their outcomes. But they feel like the right balance has been found heading into a 2023 campaign where many jobs are on the line.
Commanders DC Jack Del Rio's impact
While there are some concerns on the injury front - especially on the defensive line - hopes remain extremely high that the Washington Commanders' defense can propel this team into the postseason picture. Something experienced coordinator Jack Del Rio has been working extremely hard to achieve throughout another intense summer.
Del Rio's impact has been sorely felt throughout camp and preseason games. While the Commanders have stars across the board and two more high-end draft picks in the form of Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin within their secondary, the former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach has left nothing to chance.
This topic was discussed by Ron Rivera during his recent media availability. The figurehead praised Del Rio's ability to strip everything back in pursuit of avoiding complacency via Sports Illustrated, which can hopefully reap the necessary rewards when the real action commences.
"This year I love the way he started again, just basically, ‘Hey, just because we were where we were, doesn't mean we can get back. We've got to work to get back.’ He's had a great impact on our guys this year. I really think it started the right way, and that's been a huge plus."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
The health of Chase Young is imperative in this scenario. If the Commanders get a clean bill of health on the health front, this unit could become the league's best when it's all said and done.
Jabril Cox's potential Commanders role
Although the Washington Commanders stood pat in terms of new additions for the most part after roster cuts, there was one opportunity they didn't waste. After seeing Jabril Cox was available, those in power convinced him to join the ranks over returning to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, where he was deemed surplus to requirements initially.
This could be a coup if Cox ends up playing a role on the defensive rotation in 2023. Considering he left an NFC East rival, one would suspect the second-level defender's been promised a roster spot once some familiarity with Jack Del Rio's scheme comes in the not-too-distant future,
When discussing Cox's arrival, head coach Ron Rivera stated via USA Today Sports that he's been on the Commanders' radar for a while. Looking at the linebacker's physical attributes, it's not hard to see why.
"Well, we remember the young man coming out at LSU. He’s a physical specimen, a young man that can run and can make an impact. And again, it’s one of those things that he’ll have to learn, he’ll have to grow, but he’s got the skillset that you’re looking for as far as that position is concerned. As I said, he’s a guy that we really did like coming out of the draft that year."Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports
Adding to the linebacking corps is something the Commanders desperately needed looking at their current options. Once Cox becomes acclimatized to his new surroundings, the former fourth-round selection is likely to be elevated.