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Commanders season opener in 14 days: Washington’s best No. 14

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 14 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 14?

When younger Washington fans think of jersey No. 14, Ryan Fitzpatrick (2021) comes to mind. However, Fitzpatrick unfortunately was injured and out for the season before he could finish one half of his first game.

Sam Howell is No. 14, but of course, Howell has only played in one regular season game thus far. So, for now, we recall two players who made major contributions for the franchise wearing No. 14.

Eddie LeBaron (1952-59) was a quarterback listed at 5-foot-9, but many disputed LeBaron was that height. LeBaron started 57 of his 82 Washington games. Washington was only 23-32-2 in the games LeBaron started. He passed for 8,068 yards and 59 touchdowns. Of all teams, when the Dallas Cowboys became an expansion NFL team, LeBaron started 28 games for the Cowboys from 1960-63.

Brad Johnson (1999-2000) came to Washington after five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Charley Casserly traded for the former Florida State quarterback, knowing he was just what the Washington offense needed. Johnson shined brightly in 1999, leading the team to the NFC East title and a 10-6 record, their first division title since the 1991 Super Bowl Championship team. Johnson completed 60 percent of his passes while throwing for 4,005 yards and 24 touchdown passes. But it was Daniel Snyder’s first season as owner, and he quickly felt the need to assert himself and play general manager, so he went out and signed quarterback Jeff George. The 2000 team saw Johnson start 11 games, and Washington was 7-4 in those games. Yet Mr. Snyder wanted Jeff George to play more, and Brad Johnson couldn’t wait to get out of town. He departed as a free agent, signed with Tampa Bay, and in 2002 led the Bucs to a Super Bowl Championship. Thank you, Mr. Snyder.