Midseason report card: Washington Commanders

Obviously, pass blocking isn’t Washington’s strength but their run blocking could be even worse. The team ranks 12th in passing yards per game this season while only six teams rush for fewer yards per game (90.1) than the Commanders.

New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy deserves credit for getting Howell up to speed and is clearly not just a product of coach Andy Reid’s system in Kansas City. 

Defense: D

Are the Commanders trying to audit the season defensively?

Washington lost 13.5 sacks by trading away defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Both were due to become free agents next year, but with one of the NFL’s more favorable cap situations for 2024, fans would’ve preferred to keep at least one of the two.

Special Teams: C-

Thanks to Antonio Gibson, Washington has done well fielding kicks, averaging 24.5 yards per return, the sixth-highest mark in the league. Jamison Crowder has been less effective in returning punts, but kicker Joey Slye has been an even bigger problem.

After making 83.3% of his attempts in 2022, Slye has made a career-low 75% of his kicks and has been one of the NFL’s worst kickers in 2023. Known as the “Swole Kicker” for his large, tattooed biceps, he needs to make gains with his field goal percentage.

Coaching: D

Ron Rivera’s coaching GPA took a big hit in Week 4 against Philadelphia. After scoring a touchdown to cut the Eagles’ lead to 31-30 at the end of the fourth quarter, Rivera opted for the extra point rather than a two-point conversion to win the game.

In overtime, Washington ran three plays for five yards before losing to the Eagles 34-31. With so much on the line for players and coaches this year, Rivera could stand to be more aggressive.

Extra Credit

With a .449 winning percentage in Washington, it’s easy to forget that Rivera played linebacker for the Super Bowl XX Champion Bears and took the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 as head coach. 

He’ll almost certainly be let go at the end of the season. If so, a major network would be wise to bring him on as an analyst. Records aside, Rivera is well respected around the NFL and should have plenty to offer with over three decades in the league.