The Washington Commanders have the potential to be a playoff team in 2023. Coming off an 8-win season in 2022, if Washington makes the right moves this offseason, the Commanders could be poised for a step forward next season.
Unfortunately, there are just too many questions to believe in Washington — at least for now.
The ownership situation looms large. Will Dan Snyder remain the owner? If not, when will the sale be official? Who will be the new owner? Who can head coach Ron Rivera hire as offensive coordinator? And what about Rivera himself? He’d be entering year four on the hot seat without a potential new owner. With a new owner, Rivera needs to win, and that doesn’t even mean he’d keep his job.
Sean Payton’s comments last week raised even more questions about Rivera’s future.
With the Super Bowl over, it’s time to look ahead to 2023. How do those on the outside view the Commanders?
ESPN released its early power rankings for 2023 this week, and the Commanders came in at No. 18 — last among the NFC East teams.
Offseason in three or fewer words: Who’s the owner?
The Snyders put the team up for sale in November, and the word remains that they’re motivated to sell — “fixer-upper in nation’s capital, for sale by owner.” But the question remains, when and to whom? What can Washington do in free agency during this state of transition? Can it re-sign key players such as free-agent defensive tackle Daron Payne? How quickly will a new owner install his own people in upper management? And would the Snyders hang on to the team for another year if it doesn’t get the price it wants (hard to imagine)? So many questions that impact the future of the franchise that are even bigger than Washington’s annual one: Can [player X] be the quarterback of the future?
If the Commanders hire the right offensive coordinator who designs an offense around Howell, Washington could be a pleasant surprise in 2023. However, from what we know right now, No. 18 feels about right.
