After a subpar 2021 season, the Washington Commanders are looking to rebound in 2022 and with many new key arrivals, they could very well sneak into the playoffs. Last year, the Commanders missed the playoffs after finishing third in their division with a 7-10 record. Since then Washington has undergone a name change and are looking to be a new team that will try to win a playoff game for the first time since 2006. Washington finally officially changed their name after two years as the Washington Football Team with a very mixed response. Washington is tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the easiest schedule this year. With many easy games and with a weaker NFC than usual, the Commanders are in good shape to make a playoff push.

Offense

Through free agency and the draft, the Commanders have a completely revamped offense. The biggest addition in the offseason for Washington was quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz comes back to the NFC East after a very respectable season with the Colts, where he threw for over 3,500 yards and 23 touchdowns. Wentz was also able to cut down on his interceptions from 15 in 2020, to only 7 in 2021. Wentz will be tasked with leading his new team back to the postseason. Washington also brought in a new face to the running game, with third-round rookie Brian Robinson. Robinson was on pace to win the starting halfback job for the Commanders but was shot twice and will miss significant time as he has been placed on the reserve list. While Robinson heals, Antonio GIbson and J.D McKissic will split time in the backfield. The Commanders pass catchers have improved as well, with rookie first round pick Jahan Dotson joining star Terry McLaurin and returning starters Curtis Samuel and Logan Thomas as the pass catchers for Carson Wentz. Washington’s receivers need to improve greatly from last year, where Terry McLaurin was the only receiver to have over 400 receiving yards and Washngton finished with a bottom ten passing offense. The offense seems to have improved since last season, but with all of these new pieces we will have to see how their chemistry together is.

Defense

Over the past couple of seasons, Washington’s strength has been its defense. The Commanders very possibly could have the best defensive line in the league, with stars Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat and eventually Chase Young after he returns from injury, to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. However, Washington did lose a key contributor on the defensive line with starter Matt Ioannidis moving on to the Carolina Panthers. Washington will have to find a way to make up for his production. The Commanders have struggled with linebackers since London Fletcher retired, but Washington is hoping to have a future star in Jamin Davis. Davis had a down rookie year in 2021, but since then has shown improvement throughout the offseason. Davis and veteran Cole Holcomb will be the main starters for the 2022 season. The secondary remains mostly the same as it was last year, with Kendall Fuller and William Jackson at cornerback to go along with Kam Curl and Bobby McCain starting at safety. This group drastically underperformed last year, where Washington allowed the fourth most passing yards last season. Kendall Fuller and William Jackson are both making more than 10 million dollars per year and they must show Washington that they are worth the money and shut down opposing receivers. 

While most people are already writing off the Washington Commanders as a playoff contender, the Commanders definitely have a chance to make the playoffs especially in a weakened NFC conference. With a revamped offense and an already stout defense the Commanders could very well push for a wild card spot in the playoffs or compete for a NFC East division title.