Despite an 8-8-1 record last season, the Washington Commanders ended up in last place in the NFC East, but they finished just 1 game behind the New York Giants for a Wild Card spot. The problem for Washington is that it couldn’t figure out how to win at home, going just 4-5.
The Commanders might be turning the keys over to QB Sam Howell, who had a taste of the action in January, starting the final game of the regular season. However, veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was brought in to push the 2nd-year signal caller for the starting job. Brissett had a productive 2022-23 season (2,608 passing yards, 12 passing TDs) keeping the seat warm in Cleveland while QB Deshaun Watson was suspended.
Whomever wins the starting QB job in D.C., they’ll have OL Andrew Wylie helping to protect him. Wylie was a big-ticket signing in free agency, and the team also added C Nick Gates'and OL Trent Scott for competition and/or depth.
It will be a tall order for the Commanders to make noise in the NFC East, as the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are the class of the division. Washington will likely end up battling the Giants for 3rd place, which last season still meant a trip to the postseason.