The Washington Commanders are set to begin one of the most intriguing seasons in the team’s history. Under the new leadership of Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters, and head coach Dan Quinn, the franchise underwent significant changes during the offseason. With fan expectations cautiously rising, 2024 is seen as a crucial year for the Commanders to show progress.
While expectations for the Commanders aren’t sky-high—few expect them to win the NFC East or make the playoffs—the changes bring hope. The team has faced significant challenges in recent years, and Peters has been tasked with rebuilding. This will likely be a gradual process, but the perception of the Commanders has already shifted. They are no longer considered a laughingstock.
Their first game of the season is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the reigning NFC South champions. Tampa Bay has largely maintained its roster from last season, giving them continuity that could prove advantageous. However, the Commanders’ unknown factors—due to the many changes within the team—might give them an edge. As the season opener approaches, excitement is building for football’s return.
Looking ahead to Week 1 at Raymond James Stadium, several bold predictions have been made for how the Commanders will perform. One of the standout expectations revolves around their tight ends.
The tight end position has been an underwhelming spot for the Commanders in recent years, especially during Ron Rivera’s tenure as head coach. While Logan Thomas was competent, he never quite stood out, and his subsequent release without much interest from other teams speaks volumes. Now, under Kliff Kingsbury’s offensive system, more will be demanded from the tight ends, especially in road games.
The combination of Ben Sinnott and Zach Ertz is expected to bring a much-needed boost to Washington’s passing game. While John Bates remains part of the group, primarily focusing on blocking, Sinnott and Ertz will likely handle most of the pass-catching duties. Kingsbury’s scheme emphasizes the importance of tight ends, and if Sinnott and Ertz can provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with reliable options, the Commanders’ offense could benefit significantly.
Both Sinnott and Ertz are considered strong red-zone targets, and if they can establish themselves early in the season, the team might find the stability they need. However, fans are urged to be patient. Ertz, though experienced, is nearing the twilight of his career, and Sinnott is still new to the professional ranks. Nonetheless, expectations are high for this tight end duo. A combined 100 yards receiving and a touchdown in Week 1 would be an impressive start and provide a solid foundation for the season.
