Commanders 2023 Off-Season Thread

Other than the QB, the offensive line is definitely THE major question mark in my opinion. I think they are a better group, but that isn't saying much, and they are probably an injury or two away from being a liability.

I'm more worried about the offensive line than I am about Howell. I think they'll be an improvement over last year, but that's a low bar, and doesn't mean they will play well. Hopefully they can be league average. I'd take that.

Given the OL is still suspect, is there anybody remaining available as an FA worth picking up? There are still some guys unsigned, but are any of them better than what we have or worth signing at this point? I daresay we'll be looking at the guys that wash out of others camps down the line, so just sit and wait or pick up another name or 2 before camp?

I think Dalton Risner would be worth looking at. Not sure why he's still a FA. He's no All Pro, but could certainly compete with who we have currently.

Rumours circulating about Risner being looked at by multiple teams. https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/dalton-risner-rumor-serious-interest

I'd give him a look as he's probably as good as if not better than what we have.

I don't think our OL is nearly good enough to not consider all potential upgrades.

Research question - > our defense was 3rd in yds allowed and 9th in points, how good was our defense really?

Well our defense benefited alot from dominating in time of possession all season, really shortening the game to protect our anemic offense….NOW, I dove deeper in what I think is a VERY strong statistical measure of a strong defense….Third down % conversion….we were #1 last year at 31.8%. Quite some distance from second place, and all top defenses in the top 10….believe it or not, it’s the 2nd lowest third down rate recorded in the last 4 years (2019 patriots 31.11%)…pats won Super Bowl that year I believe….


What I’m saying is our defense is LEGIT already, now add a healthy chase young, p Mathis….and Forbes/Martin to a secondary…maybe our offense can build a decent lead once in a while with EB…now our defense can play a one dimensial offense, now our D can really tee off and force turnovers/sacks….AND stay fresher too…I’m excited and we have a legit D coordinator who knows what he’s doing

I think the defense can be legit, but it won't matter much if the offense doesn't take a big step forward. I'm cautiously optimistic that will happen - eventually, but expecting that out of the gate is a bit unrealistic to me.

Research question - > our defense was 3rd in yds allowed and 9th in points, how good was our defense really?

Well our defense benefited alot from dominating in time of possession all season, really shortening the game to protect our anemic offense….NOW, I dove deeper in what I think is a VERY strong statistical measure of a strong defense….Third down % conversion….we were #1 last year at 31.8%. Quite some distance from second place, and all top defenses in the top 10….believe it or not, it’s the 2nd lowest third down rate recorded in the last 4 years (2019 patriots 31.11%)…pats won Super Bowl that year I believe….


What I’m saying is our defense is LEGIT already, now add a healthy chase young, p Mathis….and Forbes/Martin to a secondary…maybe our offense can build a decent lead once in a while with EB…now our defense can play a one dimensial offense, now our D can really tee off and force turnovers/sacks….AND stay fresher too…I’m excited and we have a legit D coordinator who knows what he’s doing

Didn't realize this.. We used to have a major issue in that area in the past.

I'm with Chief, I'm in wait and see mode.

If Sam Howell and the OL can both be adequate, we're a possible playoff team. If 1 is above adequate and 1 is adequate, I believe we make the playoffs.

Any type of combo below those levels, gonna be a disappointing season.

I have faith in Howell, the OL is a big question mark imo. I like the right side if Cosmi can stay healthy (but he hasn't yet).

Center thru LT, I have concerns. Mainly at C and LG. Is Gates fully back, do we actually have a starting LG? I think Leno is young enough to have a bounce back season.