The quarterback position is a big question mark for the Washington Commanders in 2023. What will Sam Howell be in his first season as the starting quarterback?
However, perhaps an even bigger mystery is the offensive line. Washington’s offensive line was bad in 2022, so much so that the Commanders have a new offensive line coach and four new starters.
Washington signed two new starters in free agency [C Nick Gates & RT Andrew Wylie], moved former right tackle Sam Cosmi to right guard and have a battle between Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul at left guard.
Throughout training camp, Washington’s acclaimed defensive line has worn out the offensive line. That’s to be expected. You could make the argument that the Commanders have the NFL’s best defensive line. And it’s difficult to get the complete picture in training camp when the offensive coordinator isn’t scheming ways to protect the quarterback.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy certainly understands the questions around the offensive line. He’s been unhappy at times with the group in training camp and let them know. However, Bieniemy believes the group is coming together, and its recent performances in practice indicate as much.
“You know what, our young O-line, they’re doing a heck of a job,” Bieniemy said Tuesday.
“Like I said, there’s been ups and downs. There’s been some days that haven’t been as good, but there’s been some days they’ve done a hell of a job, and the thing that I’m loving about that group is that they’re having fun together. O-line groups are very, very unique because everything is based on communication. They probably do more communicating with each other than any other position outside the quarterback.”
Bieniemy believes going against Washington’s vaunted defensive front will only make the offensive line that much better.
“What better challenge than to face the front four that we’re seeing every single day?” Bieniemy asked. “I love it, I live for it, and I can see the improvement in our guys. Has it all been perfect? Nah, it’s not what training camp is about.”
The key for Washington’s offensive line will be next week’s joint practices with the Ravens. We’ll learn more from those two days than in any of the three preseason games.
For Howell to succeed in 2023, he’ll need the offensive line to be better than it was last season. The Commanders should be better just based on upgrading the two guard positions from last season.
How much better? That remains to be seen.