Washington Commanders: Can They Rise to the Top?

The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, have been a staple in the National Football League (NFL) for decades. With a rich history and a loyal fan base, the team has experienced its fair share of successes and setbacks. As the NFL continues to evolve, the Commanders are faced with the daunting task of rising to the top and competing with the best teams in the league. In this article, we'll explore the team's current state, their strengths and weaknesses, and what it will take for them to become a consistent playoff contender.

The Commanders have been in Washington, D.C. since 1932, making them one of the oldest teams in the NFL. Over the years, they've had their fair share of triumphs, including three NFL championships and five Super Bowl appearances. However, the team has struggled to find consistency in recent years, with only a few winning seasons since 2012.

One of the main reasons for the Commanders' struggles is their poor performance on the field. The team has ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including scoring offense, passing yards, and total defense. This has led to frustration among fans and a sense of disappointment among players.

Despite these challenges, the Commanders have shown flashes of brilliance. In 2020, the team finished with a 7-9 record, which was the best finish in the NFC East since 2012. This season was marked by the emergence of quarterback Sam Howell, who showed promise in his rookie season.

To rise to the top, the Commanders need to address several key areas of concern. One of the main issues is their struggling offense. The team has a talented roster, but they've been unable to put it all together. To fix this, the team will need to invest in more effective play-calling and coaching.

Another area of concern is the team's defense. The Commanders have struggled to stop opposing teams' passing attacks, which has led to a lack of turnovers and a porous secondary. To improve this, the team will need to invest in more experienced defensive players and develop a more aggressive defensive strategy.

The Commanders also need to improve their special teams play. The team has struggled to field a solid punting unit, which has led to costly field position giveaways. To fix this, the team will need to invest in more experienced specialists and develop a more effective kicking strategy.

A Look at the Current Roster

The Commanders have a talented roster, but they need to address several key areas of concern. Here are some of the key players to watch:

• Quarterback Sam Howell: Howell had a promising rookie season, throwing for 2,400 yards and 15 touchdowns.
• Running Back J.D. McKissic: McKissic was a solid contributor to the team's rushing attack, rushing for over 800 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin: McLaurin was a top target for Howell, catching 80 passes for 1,100 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Strengths of the Team

Despite their struggles, the Commanders have several strengths that could carry them to the top. Here are some of the key strengths of the team:

• Physical Play: The Commanders are known for their physical play, which has been a hallmark of their franchise history.
• Talented Roster: The team has a talented roster, with players like Howell, McKissic, and McLaurin.
• Aggressive Defense: The Commanders have a aggressive defense, which has been able to generate turnovers and sacks.

Weaknesses of the Team

However, the Commanders also have several weaknesses that need to be addressed. Here are some of the key weaknesses of the team:

• Poor Offense: The team's offense has been struggling to put it all together, which has led to frustration among fans and players.
• Struggling Defense: The team's defense has been struggling to stop opposing teams' passing attacks, which has led to a lack of turnovers and a porous secondary.
• Special Teams Struggles: The team's special teams play has been struggling, which has led to costly field position giveaways.

A Look at the Coaching Staff

The Commanders have a experienced coaching staff, but they need to make some changes to address the team's weaknesses. Here are some of the key coaches to watch:

• Head Coach Ron Rivera: Rivera has been the head coach of the Commanders since 2020, and has shown promise in his efforts to turn the team around.
• Offensive Coordinator Greg Glosson: Glosson has been the offensive coordinator of the Commanders since 2020, and has shown promise in his efforts to develop the team's offense.
• Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Owens: Owens has been the defensive coordinator of the Commanders since 2020, and has shown promise in his efforts to develop the team's defense.

Strengths of the Coaching Staff

Despite their struggles, the Commanders' coaching staff has several strengths that could carry them to the top. Here are some of the key strengths of the coaching staff:

• Experience: The coaching staff has a wealth of experience, which has been a hallmark of the franchise's success.
• Aggressive Approach: The coaching staff has an aggressive approach, which has been able to generate turnovers and sacks.
• Emphasis on Physical Play: The coaching staff places a strong emphasis on physical play, which has been a hallmark of the franchise's history.

Weaknesses of the Coaching Staff

However, the Commanders' coaching staff also has several weaknesses that need to be addressed. Here are some of the key weaknesses of the coaching staff:

• Lack of Innovation: The coaching staff has been criticized for lacking innovation,