Washington wide receiver Jahan Dotson was a popular choice for a breakout player in 2023. Anytime someone discussed potential breakout players across the NFL, Dotson’s name always came up when you mentioned the Commanders.
Dotson was excited about new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense.
Unfortunately, despite playing in all 17 games, Dotson’s breakout season didn’t happen. The second-year wide receiver had just 49 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns, and he was held without a catch in three games.
Looking back at Washington’s 2023 season, there were some bright spots in the first half of the season. Quarterback Sam Howell played well through the first 10 weeks before falling apart in the second half of the season. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. was terrific, but the Commanders wide receivers had a down year.
While Terry McLaurin went over 1,000 yards, it wasn’t easy.
When players were cleaning out their lockers earlier this month, several veterans didn’t hide their frustration with Bieniemy’s offense. Washington led the NFL in passing attempts but finished last in rushing attempts.
Dotson was one of those frustrated players.
Last week, JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC 4 caught up with Dotson to discuss Washington’s changes. The Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera three weeks ago and hired former 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as the new general manager. Washington is expected to hire a new head coach this week.
Dotson told Finlay he trusts owner Josh Harris’s vision for the future and called him a “great dude.”
Finlay asked Dotson what he thought of the Detroit Lions offense. Detroit’s offense is led by Ben Johnson, who many believe will be Washington’s next head coach.
“Electric,” Dotson answered. “They seem unsolvable right now………they do a lot of things very well. A very balanced offense, they can the ball, they have a lot of playmakers over there who do a lot of great things.”
Finlay also asked Dotson about the Texans offense, which Bobby Slowik coordinates. He, too, is a contender for Washington’s head coaching job. Dotson praised Houston’s offense, too.
If Johnson becomes Washington’s coach, there will be plenty of opportunities for Dotson, McLaurin, Robinson and others. Lions wideout Amon-Ra St-Brown had 1,514 receiving yards in 2023, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta finished with 889 receiving. Both players had 10 touchdown receptions, and quarterback Jared Goff passed for over 4,500 yards. Detroit’s top two running backs combined for 1,960 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.
The 2024 season will be critical for Dotson, and he’s excited about the future.
Jahan Dotson ready to adapt for Commanders future, excited for changes and new offense. Good conversation here worth watching. pic.twitter.com/2Ab2kvMnk2
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) January 27, 2024