How many games will the Washington Commanders win in 2023?
Most prognosticators don’t have high hopes for Washington this season. Much of that is due to the uncertainty of the quarterback situation and second-year passer Sam Howell.
However, Washington believes in Howell. He’s had a strong offseason and followed it up with a solid training camp. In last week’s preseason opener, Howell played three drives. He wasn’t perfect but made some excellent plays, including a third-down run and a fourth-down conversion. Howell has displayed the traits of a quality NFL starting quarterback.
During this week’s joint practices, Howell continued to impress in two days of work against the Baltimore Ravens. Howell’s work this summer has led some to reassess his potential for 2023.
ESPN recently released its win-loss record ceilings and floors for all 32 NFL teams. John Keim had the following to say about the Commanders:
Ceiling: 10-7 Floor: 5-12
Biggest X factor: The offensive line
Washington has new starters at four offensive line positions, a necessary occurrence coming off a season in which it ranked 26th in pressure percentage. The Commanders also play in a division with excellent defensive ends, so their tackles, Charles Leno Jr. — the lone holdover — and free agent signee Andrew Wylie, must be solid. Right guard Sam Cosmi shifted from right tackle, and they signed Nick Gates to start at center. The line remains a work in progress, though the run blocking has been better than the pass protection so far. Their line won’t rank among the NFL’s best, but it needs to at least be middle of the pack for the Commanders to have a good season.
We agree with everything Keim said. People are sleeping on the Commanders as a potential 10-win team. But there are reasons why you should be skeptical of predicting 10 wins.
Howell is unknown, and that offensive line is a major concern. The Commanders addressed the offensive line in the offseason, but from the looks of things, they may not have done enough.
So much of Howell’s success could depend on the offensive line. That’s scary.
Remember, Washington won eight games last season with the combination of Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and a bad offensive line. Howell won the final game in his only NFL action to this point. It’s not difficult to believe that Howell will improve the QB position, and the offensive line is better than last season’s unit.
If those things occur, Washington can topple the eight wins it had in 2022.
