CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 23: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Commanders defeated the Bengals 38-33. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Dan Snyder sold the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris for $6.05 billion in the 2023 offseason. Synder gave up the team due to controversy surrounding the organization. Harris’ first year overseeing the Commanders wasn’t spectacular as the squad finished 2023 with a 4-13 record, tied with the Arizona Cardinals for the second-worst team in the NFC.
Jack Del Rio and Brent Viselmayer were relieved of their duties following their Thanksgiving Day match against the Cowboys – the Commanders surrendered 45 points in the game, losing by 35. Coach Ron Rivera was fired at the end of the season. The Commanders allowed 518 points, the most by any team in 2023, while having the NFL’s worst points differential at -189.
Washington began its offseason by shaking up the coaching staff – it hired Dan Quinn as the next head coach, Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator, and Joe Whitt Jr. to replace Del Rio as the defensive coordinator. Former 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters became the new GM since Martin Mayhew was demoted to serve as Peters’ adviser.
Former Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was signed to add leadership and playmaking abilities to the running game. Zach Ertz was acquired since Washington needed a tight end after Logan Thomas got released. Bobby Wagner adds a veteran to a desperate defense. At the same time, Frankie Luvu fills a hole at linebacker, signing Dorance Armstrong and Clelin Ferrell to boost the pass rush. Center Tyler Biadasz signed up for three years as Washington needed a center.
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The Commanders made a splash by selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in 2024’s draft. Daniels is expected to be Washington’s franchise quarterback after Sam Howell got traded to the Seahawks. Jer’Zhan Newton was taken early in round two to address a need at defensive tackle. Newton won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award with 7.5 sacks in 2023. Later in round two, Mike Sainristil was chosen to build competition for the slot corner role.
Washington has the NFL’s 13th most demanding schedule, highlighted by teams such as the Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Steelers, Eagles, Giants and Cowboys.
2024 is likely to be a continuation of the “rebuild.” However, the Commanders have the talent to be a decent team. They need to find the correct formula to win games every week.
| Sat, Aug 10 (Preseason) | @ | NY Jets | L | 20 – 17 |
| Sat, Aug 17 (Preseason) | @ | Miami | L | 13 – 6 |
| Sun, Aug 25 (Preseason) | vs | New England | W | 20 – 10 |
| Sun, Sep 8 | @ | Tampa Bay | L | 37 – 20 |
| Sun, Sep 15 | vs | NY Giants | W | 21 – 18 |
| Mon, Sep 23 | @ | Cincinnati | W | 38 – 33 |
| Date | Home/Away | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Sep 29 | @ | Arizona1-2 | 4:05 PM EDT FOX |
| Sun, Oct 6 | vs | Cleveland1-2 | 1:00 PM EDT FOX |
| Sun, Oct 13 | @ | Baltimore1-2 | 1:00 PM EDT CBS |
| Sun, Oct 20 | vs | Carolina1-2 | 4:05 PM EDT CBS |
| Sun, Oct 27 | vs | Chicago1-2 | 1:00 PM EDT CBS |
| Sun, Nov 3 | @ | NY Giants1-3 | 1:00 PM EST FOX |
| Sun, Nov 10 | vs | Pittsburgh3-0 | 1:00 PM EST CBS |
| Thu, Nov 14 | @ | Philadelphia2-1 | 8:15 PM EST AMZN |
| Sun, Nov 24 | vs | Dallas2-2 | 1:00 PM EST FOX |
| Sun, Dec 1 | vs | Tennessee0-3 | 1:00 PM EST CBS |
| Bye Week | |||
| Sun, Dec 15 | @ | New Orleans2-1 | 1:00 PM EST FOX |
| Sun, Dec 22 | vs | Philadelphia2-1 | 1:00 PM EST FOX |
| Sun, Dec 29 | vs | Atlanta1-2 | 1:00 PM EST |
| Sun, Jan 5 | @ | Dallas2-2 | 1:00 PM EST |
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