Analysis
7/25/23
4 min read
Washington Commanders 2023 Season Preview: Will the Offense Improve?
As teams head to training camp and the NFL season approaches, The 33rd Team asks its experts to preview every team's outlook for the 2023 season. In this installment, Marty Mornhinweg takes a deep dive into the Washington Commanders.
>>READ: Commanders Fantasy Football Preview
Commanders Team Preview
What To Know: Offense
How much influence is offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy going to have and what is it going to look like on the field?
Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett? Both of those quarterbacks are underrated. Then you throw in Bieniemy and his expertise. I know Bieniemy just a little bit now. I've seen him work just a little bit. This man is detailed. He's to the point. He's tough. He doesn't let anything slide. Bieniemy's influence will have a positive effect on the Commanders' offense.
What To Know: Defense
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio brought that defense from a disappointing 2021 to one of the top defenses in 2022. Their challenge is to remain at the top of the NFL defensively.
Biggest Off-Field Storyline
The top off-field storyline is the change in ownership. The Commanders have been sold, and a new owner is in town.
Coach Ron Rivera needs to make a heck of an impression in 2023. A new owner might want to select his own head coach. Rivera has to make a heck of an impression, and he has the tools to do it with Bieniemy as offensive coordinator and Del Rio as a defensive coordinator.
Will this have a positive, negative or no effect at all on the players? You will likely see little to no effect on the young players. There may be some effect on the veteran players, who may have had a personal relationship with the owner. But the biggest effect is going to be dictated by Rivera making that first-year impression on the new ownership team.
Breakout Player Prediction
Look for Logan Thomas to have a heck of a year. It's all set up for that. The tight end position is so important to Bieniemy's philosophy, his scheme and how he goes about his business play calling.
Thomas and the other tight ends should have a much bigger influence on the Commanders' offensive output.
Move the Commanders Should Make
Look for the Commanders to add an offensive lineman or two. That spot looks like it may be their weakness, but if they add some depth, it could become a strength.
2023 Season Expectations
The 8-8-1 Commanders might have overachieved in 2022. Can they get two games better in 2023? That's a big challenge and a big ask with new ownership and a new offensive coordinator.
At worst, the Commanders' defense is stingy and will keep them in games. Bieniemy's influence might help get them over the hump offensively.
The Commanders could be a possible surprise in the NFC East. They're looking up at the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. But if they win two more games than last season, they could end up in the playoffs. If they get there, they could win in a game or two.
Other Previews
NFC North: GB | CHI | MIN | DET
AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
AFC North: PIT | CLE | BAL | CIN
NFC West: SF | SEA | LAR | ARI
NFC South: TB | CAR | NO | ATL
AFC South: JAX | TEN | HOU | IND
Marty Mornhinweg is a former NFL head coach and assistant with 34 years of football experience. He is best known for coaching quarterbacks and coordinating offenses for the Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.
