Noah Brown - Commanders WR
Noah Brown has always been one of those players that is never seen as a star. However, the wide receiver always becomes a big contributor on offense.
He did it with both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. We're seeing it with the Washington Commanders despite his late arrival to the organization this summer.
After trading Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Commanders needed a new WR2. Although his game has fallen off a bit in the past few weeks, Brown has answered the call.
Washington should upgrade the position this offseason. Until then, Brown has been that big target that the Commanders desperately needed.
If for nothing else, Brown has carved his name in Commanders' folklore and the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his 52-yard Hail Mary catch to win the game against the Chicago Bears. That was a moment no Washington fan will ever forget.
"We're blessed to have 5 leading this team... I wouldn't want to play with any other quarterback."
— NFL (@NFL) October 28, 2024
- Hail Mary receiver Noah Brown on his QB1 pic.twitter.com/bKWwrqjFMc
Brown has also been a force in drawing defensive pass interference calls, leading the league with 158 yards. This is ahead of Justin Jefferson and Darnell Moody.
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
A tight end can be a rookie quarterback's favorite security blanket. Zach Ertz has helped fit that bill for Jayden Daniels and the Commanders.
Ertz, who hasn't played a full season since 2021, has started every game for Washington. The Pro Bowler is second in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns behind Terry McLaurin.
As Ben Sinnott continues to develop, Ertz has been a valuable part of an offense that lacks any big names aside from McLaurin. He has the eighth-most yards among tight ends, outplaying Kyle Pitts and Mark Andrews, and is tied for the fifth-most touchdowns.
He is outperforming his pay grade by a large amount for Washington. Ertz's 2024 cap number ranks 36th among tight ends, including behind fellow Commanders star John Bates.
A common thread among this list is that they signed short-term contracts in Washington, with the group making the most of their opportunities. Combined with the efforts from fellow veterans like Bobby Wagner, Jeremy Chinn, Frankie Luvu, and Austin Ekeler, they have played a big part in the Commanders' turnaround.
With ample cap space and draft picks going into next season, the sky is the limit for Washington. That should have fans smiling from ear to ear.