Which Washington Commanders' news stories are hitting the headlines with just nine Sundays remaining until their Week 1 opener in 2023?
Good morning Washington Commanders fans. We are now just nine Sundays away from the team taking to FedEx Field for their Week 1 opener against the Arizona Cardinals, which should be an electric atmosphere and a celebration under new ownership.
Until then, the news and rumors keep coming. Among the stories creating column inches recently include Sam Howell's value, Eric Bieniemy's biggest impact area so far, Chris Paul's brotherly love and mentorship praised, and the Commanders urged to tank for Caleb Williams.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders OL Chris Paul praised
Chris Paul has been turning heads within the Washington Commanders after displaying progress throughout early offseason workouts. Something that head coach Ron Rivera stated could see him push Saahdiq Charles for the starting left guard position throughout their upcoming training camp in Ashburn.
This would be a hugely positive development for the former seventh-round selection. Paul was seldom seen as a rookie despite the complications across Washington's protection, which led many to question what sort of future he'd have long-term.
Hopes remain high for Paul. However, his brother and 2024 NFL Draft prospect Patrick Paul could be even better.
Patrick is an outstanding left tackle prospect out of Houston that could become a first-round selection with another impressive campaign under his belt in 2023. Instead of competing with his sibling, the 6-foot-7 specimen said via Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston that he's leaning heavily on his brother for advice at a pivotal stage of his football journey.
"It’s definitely great because he’s been there and done that. He’s someone I can ask about the process. It hits home. I’m very proud of him. It’s motivation for me. Now, I have to prove myself and hopefully get there with him. He’s leading the way. When it’s my turn, I know what to do."Patrick Paul via Click2Houston
Hopefully, the brother duo will carve out successful professional careers for themselves. And who knows, they might end up together in Washington when it's all said and done.
Commanders QB Sam Howell named as fantasy sleeper
Sam Howell has the weight of the world on his shoulders next season. The Washington Commanders are banking on the inexperienced quarterback flourishing as their No 1 option, which is a huge call from those in power given their former fifth-round selection is working off just one career start.
Howell is a quiet confidence that's rubbing off on his teammates. He's also got some outstanding weapons at his disposal and one of the most revered play-callers in the business steering him on the right path.
While the Commanders' offensive line has doubts attached, Howell can relax safe in the knowledge everything has been set up to drop him in and take off. Something that The 33rd Team projected via Sports Illustrated could see the North Carolina product become a fantasy football sleeper in 2023.
"Will he be the starting quarterback in Washington long term? I don’t know. But I can tell you he’s got a lot of weapons around him in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel. He’s got a new OC in Eric Bieniemy and a strong running game behind Brian Robinson Jr. Commanders are a very mid team but I do think Sam Howell has a lot of talent and with the offensive firepower that they have he could put up some big fantasy numbers."The 33rd Team via Sports Illustrated
The playmakers are there for Howell and his performance against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 was encouraging. However, doing this for a full 17-game slate is a completely different scenario entirely.
Commanders getting attention to detail from Eric Bieniemy
It didn't take long for Eric Bieneimy's influence to be felt positively across the Washington Commanders. Coming into the building as a two-time and current defending Super Bowl champion brings a different level of clout - something most players around the franchise could only dream of throughout their fledgling careers to date.
Bieniemy hasn't come to the Commanders for a bigger paycheck. He genuinely believes there is enough talent to take his own career prospects forward - which comes as a result of being seriously and often unfairly overlooked for head coaching gigs around the league.
When asked about what's set Bieniemy apart since he arrived from the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Terry McLaurin stated via Sports Illustrated that his attention to detail has been the most impressive factor so far. Hopefully, this can ensure better execution when the regular season commences.
"His attention to detail is something I feel like I've been around but it's even a step further with EB. His clarity of the offense, the way he explains it in the meeting room is really important for us as offensive players because we know what the expectation is going to be like on the field. He wants it exactly how he wants it."Terry McLaurin via Sports Illustrated
McLaurin's been around enough mediocre coaches throughout his time with the Commanders to know what a good one looks like. Bieniemy has all the credentials and knowledge, so there are no more excuses for an offense that's flattered to deceive in recent years.
Commanders urged to tank for Caleb Williams
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders' fortunes rest squarely on the performance of Sam Howell in 2023. This is a quarterback-driven league and one only has to look at the constant stream of failed options in recent years to see how things will go if the former North Carolina star cannot meet expectations.
Any failings from Howell will likely result in widespread changes. Ron Rivera could be gone and any hopes the 2022 fifth-round pick has of becoming Washington's long-term option under center would evaporate.
Brent Sobleski from The Bleacher Report went one step further, naming the Commanders among those that should seriously consider tanking for quarterback prospect Caleb Williams if things don't start well next season.
"Late-round draft picks have emerged as franchise-caliber options, of course. But the odds are generally against those who aren't first-round selections because top picks tend to receiver more opportunities. Make no mistake, the Commanders aren't going to give Howell another year if he fails miserably this season. He fell into Day 3 of the '23 draft for multiple reasons. He needs to show consistency within a pro scheme. From there, he will have a chance. Until then, the Commanders are a rudderless organization that can be competitive yet clearly behind the likes of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in their own division."Brent Sobleski, The Bleacher Report
The benefits of landing Williams - the projected No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft - are obvious. However, there is absolutely no chance Rivera is going to oversee a tank of sorts with his own job fortunes hanging by a thread.
Besides, the Commanders have far too much talent to finish with the NFL's worst record. Williams has all the tools needed to be an exceptional pro and he's a self-confessed Commanders fan, but the notion of tanking for long-term gain is a non-starter.