NFL Predictions: 5 Teams that will be drafting a quarterback in 2024
Team no. 2: Washington Commanders
NFC East. Washington Commanders. 2. player. Pick Analysis. . 58. Scouting Report
The Washington Commanders are the new New York Jets. The Commanders’ management has been building up the defense and offense for several seasons. Both units are formidable but the team still finished a disappointing 8-8-1 in 2022. The Commanders, similar to the Jets, are possibly one good quarterback away from making a strong postseason run in 2023.
The Commanders also tried the “Carson Wentz Experiment” which failed. A longtime favorite of head coach Ron Rivera, Taylor Heinicke, stepped in and went 5-3-1 before being replaced by Wentz. Wentz was then replaced by rookie Sam Howell for the final games of the season.
Howell, a fifth-round pick from 2022, ended up beating the Cowboys in the final game of the season 26-6. Howell finished his single start of the season with 169 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception. Howell also rushed for 35 yards on five carries.
The Commanders make this list because similarly to the Packers and Falcons there is a limited sample size to evaluate and what we have on tape isn’t exactly mind-altering. As stated earlier, the Commanders are similar to the Jets in the sense that they have a strong foundation on both sides of the ball. The way they are also similar is they are lacking a strong quarterback to lead them, although the Jets have seemingly remedied that by adding Aaron Rodgers to their roster.
Howell is not Aaron Rodgers and is still a developmental quarterback being thrust into a starting position in a talented NFC East division. Howell has noticeable issues with his mechanics, footwork, and pocket awareness. The Commanders could be in for a challenging 2023 season, to say the least.
The Commanders will give Howell a shot in 2023 but if Washington is getting a new owner they should consider a new quarterback to lead them into this new era.