The Miami Dolphins gave the Washington Commanders their fourth consecutive loss Sunday in a 45-15 blowout that felt much worse. The loss was also Washington’s sixth in its last seven and nine of its last 11 games.
It was the Commanders’ first game without defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, and nothing changed. It was Washington’s second straight game of allowing 45 points.
Meanwhile, Washington’s offense wasn’t much better. Quarterback Sam Howell had a career-low 127 passing yards, was sacked three times and had another interception returned for a touchdown — his third in the last three weeks.
What else went wrong?
Here are our five takeaways after yet another embarrassing Washington loss.
Has the pressure finally gotten to Sam Howell?
Through the first 10 games, Howell had much more good than bad on his game tape. Sure, the sacks were an issue — and those have come down — but he made multiple high-level throws that led you to believe he could be Washington’s guy moving forward.
Over the last three games, Howell hasn’t had his best performances. There has been some good in these games, too, particularly in the first three quarters at Dallas, but overall, he isn’t playing as well. He is using his legs more, as he rushed for two touchdowns on Sunday, but the passing game has taken a step back.
It’s not all on Howell. The same issues remain. This team can’t pass-protect. The receivers are struggling to gain consistent separation, and questions remain about the offensive scheme.
There were a few plays on Sunday that Howell made in previous weeks. He’s done such an excellent job of always keeping his eyes downfield at all times and not seeing the rush. Has that changed now? The Commanders have a much-needed week off, but Howell needs to finish strong to keep Washington from drafting his replacement.
The draft pick keeps getting better
The best outcome for the Commanders is the highest pick possible in the 2024 NFL draft. Washington has five picks in the first three rounds, including two early in the second round. As of now, the Commanders’ first-round pick would be No. 4 overall. Washington’s remaining schedule is tough. The Jets are the best chance for a win, but the Commanders aren’t beating the Jets with the offense playing like it has over the last three games.
Ideally, Washington fans would want Howell to play well and the Commanders continue to lose. If the franchise determines they want to build around Howell, they can use the top pick to draft a franchise left tackle, which is a desperate need. Or, you could auction off the pick to the highest bidder. The higher the pick, the more options you have.
Can we stop the 'Bieniemy needs to be head coach' talk?
I think Eric Bieniemy has done some good things as Washington’s offensive coordinator. I never got the talk that he should be Ron Rivera’s replacement. The offense hasn’t shown nearly enough progress for him to be a legitimate candidate to be the next head coach. In fact, the offense has gone backward recently.
And let’s look at some of his decisions. He chose to let go of former offensive line coach John Matsko in favor of promoting assistant OL coach Travelle Wharton. Matsko didn’t always have the best talent to work with, but still produced solid offensive lines. It was Bieniemy who wanted right tackle Andrew Wylie, who, regardless of PFF grades, has been the weakest link in a weak group.
There is also clear frustration with some of Washington’s wide receivers with the offensive scheme.
Terry McLaurin doesn't catch a pass
Terry McLaurin is currently going through the roughest stretch of his five-year career. McLaurin doesn’t have a 100-yard game all season and is in danger of not going over 1,000 yards receiving. McLaurin didn’t forget how to get open. Howell always takes accountability for not getting McLaurin the ball enough. Yes, some of it is on Howell, but not all.
So, you’re saying both McLaurin and Jahan Dotson forgot how to get open this season? Dotson has had his moments, but his season has been more of a struggle when so many predicted a breakout year for him. The scheme is an issue. When you go back and watch Washington’s games in the All-22, you see confusion as receivers are running routes too close to one another, or some just aren’t gaining separation.
McLaurin mentioned separation as an issue earlier this season. He’s a true pro. When you see him being frustrated, you know it’s real. He always says the right things, regardless of how difficult things are. McLaurin was clearly frustrated after Sunday’s loss but still managed to say the right things.
Brighter days are indeed ahead
It’s tough to believe right now, but better days are indeed around the corner for Washington. Owner Josh Harris pleaded for patience last week while acknowledging the disappointment of such a terrible season. Harris is going to change everything. There will be a real general manager. Judging by Harris’ track record with his other franchises, he will choose the traditional model of hiring a GM, who will then hire the coach—no more coach-centric approaches. Ron Rivera, the GM, failed Ron Rivera, the coach, repeatedly. And the coach wasn’t good enough, either.
Now, a new regime doesn’t guarantee success, but everyone will be starting off on the right foot. The process will not be flawed like it was under the former owner. The Commanders will be on equal footing with other NFL teams for once.
