Washington Commanders 2023-24 Season Guidebook

While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months.  However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year.

Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here.
 
In today's article, I'll be discussing the Washington Commanders.

I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.  To check out an article for another team, click the link below:
https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl

2022 Season Recap

The Commanders finished the regular season at a mediocre 8-8-1 and were the only team in the NFC East to miss out on the postseason.  They had a solid stretch in the middle of the season, but had a very weak start and end.  
 
Washington’s defense was actually one of the better units in the league, but the same can’t be said for the offense.  They went through three starting quarterbacks, though the games were almost evenly split between two of them.  None of them had much success, and Commanders fans won’t be seeing any of them in 2023 as a result.  Washington’s defense, on the other hand, improved from 25th in points allowed per game in 2021 to 7th in 2022, as their passing defense improved from 29th to 4th as well.  They’ll hope to get some production from the offense in 2023 to have a chance at making the playoffs.
 
Significant Roster Moves

​As I alluded to earlier, the Commanders decided to move on from both Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke in the offseason.  While some of the other departures missed part of last season with injuries, safety Bobby McCain and guards Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner are all season-long starters who won’t return either.
 
Washington signed three offensive linemen to replace the guys they lost, and Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie will start immediately.  Byron Pringle will add some depth at receiver and Jacoby Brissett will begin the season as the backup quarterback.  Cody Barton will lead the defense as middle linebacker.
 
2023 Draft Class

The Commanders selected seven guys in this year’s draft: two corners, two defensive ends, two offensive linemen, and a running back.  1st round pick Emmanuel Forbes will earn an immediate starting role at cornerback while 2nd rounder Jartavius Martin will actually begin the season as backup free safety.  Chris Rodgriuez should see some action in the running back rotation, but the rest of the guys drafted probably won’t make much of an impact immediately.
 
Season Schedule

​The Commanders will take on the NFC West and the AFC East in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games.  Their other three opponents are the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons.  With an opponent prior season win percentage of .535, Washington has the 8th hardest schedule in the NFL.

Washington has just one primetime game this season; a Thursday night game versus Chicago.  They also play on Thanksgiving afternoon at Dallas this year.
 
Depth Charts

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

The Commanders return 16 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year.  Sam Howell has earned the starting quarterback job in his 2nd NFL season after starting the final game of his rookie year.  He’ll have some good weapons around him and is actually in a decent position to succeed given the strength of the defense.  With Chase Young back and healthy, the defense could be even better in 2023.  Washington will need it if they want to challenge for a playoff spot in the suddenly competitive NFC East.
 
Coaching Staff

Ron Rivera returns for his 4th season as head coach of the Commanders.  Two coordinators return from last season’s staff as well: Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio (4th season) and Special Teams Coordinator Nate Kaczor (5th season).  Washington hired Eric Bienemy to become their Offensive Coordinator in the offseason following his Super Bowl victory with the Chiefs.  Bienemy will also act as Assistant Head Coach for the 2023 season. 
 
Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Washington at 6.5 games.  As of right now, the Commanders are the least likely team to win the NFC East and are the 12th most likely team to win the NFC as a whole.  At +6500 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are tied for 21st among all teams in the league.
 
Bucket Squad Predictions

Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Commanders to finish 5-12 in 2023 for last place in the NFC East and 14th in the NFC.  They’ll experience some flashes but not consistent success under young quarterback Sam Howell.

What do you think?  Will Washington be better or worse than I'm projecting?  What offseason moves made by the Commanders surprised you the most?  Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them.

Written by Nick Swatson