Fresh off their first season of achieving a .500 win rate or better since 2016, the Washington Commanders are poised to build upon their progress in 2023. However, despite their recent achievements, the prevailing sentiment in Vegas appears cautious, as the consensus over/under for their wins stands at 6.5. But don’t miss out on potential opportunities—consider placing your bets on the Commanders, the NFL, and more through the premier Virginia Sports Betting Sites!
A Revamped Offensive Approach:
A new era beckons for the Commanders’ offense, marked by a pivotal shift at the quarterback position. Opting not to pursue former MVP-caliber quarterback Carson Wentz, the team has instead chosen to embrace the potential of sophomore quarterback Sam Howell.
In his rookie season, Howell made a brief appearance, completing 11 out of 19 passing attempts for 169 yards, securing one touchdown, and encountering a lone interception in his sole game played. This marks a significant leap for the former standout from North Carolina, a leap that the Commanders firmly believe he is capable of achieving. Working closely with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who arrives in Washington after a decade-long stint with the Kansas City Chiefs—serving as a running backs coach from 2013 to 2017 and as an offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022—Howell is primed for growth. Bieniemy played a crucial role in guiding the Chiefs to dual Super Bowl victories, making his expertise an invaluable asset to the Commanders’ evolving offensive strategy.
A Resilient Defense Remains Mostly Unchanged:
While uncertainty surrounds the Commanders’ offensive prowess, their defense is poised to once again shine as one of the NFL’s premier units in the upcoming season. In the previous season, guided by defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, Washington yielded a mere average of 20.2 points per game—an accomplishment that ranked seventh best in the league.
The team bolstered its defense during the offseason, strategically utilizing free agency and the draft to enhance their ranks. Del Rio undoubtedly has a robust toolkit to refine, as the defense aspires to be a driving force propelling the Commanders to triumph week after week. However, it’s worth noting that this offseason saw the departure of three influential defensive figures in Jon Bostic, Cole Holcomb, and Bobby McClain. The challenge lies in managing these losses and cultivating commendable performance from their replacements. Despite these changes, there’s a potential for the defense to maintain its exceptional form, though replicating the heights reached in the previous year will indeed be a formidable task.
That said, the impending fall season promises to put both Washington’s offense and defense through rigorous tests, given the demands of their schedule.