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As we race toward August, Footballguys.com will look at one team per day with our quick-hitting Team Vibes and Players to Target and Avoid, where we check out the overall mood of each team's offense and let you know the players we are in on (because they are great values at the cost it takes to acquire them) and who we're out on (because they are too expensive and won't give you a good return on that investment).
Go Deeper: See in-depth projections for every Commanders player here >>>
This is the first in a daily series that will stretch through July 31. If you like this and want another, come back tomorrow. Another will be here. And all 32 of them will be free to Insiders. To become an Insider, simply sign up with a free account.
Why did we start with Washington? Because no one ever starts with Washington. so let's use reverse alphabetical order for once.
Quick Hits
Want a brief overview? Here it is:
- General Vibes - Neutral
- We're In On at Cost - Antonio Gibson
- We're Out On at Cost - Brian Robinson Jr
Want a longer breakdown of how it's going in Washington? Read on.
Commanders, Team Vibes
- Good - 3
- Neutral - 14
- Bad - 3
Staffers with Good Vibes
- Jordan McNamara: An ownership group led by Josh Harris purchased the team from one of the worst owners in professional sports. For that reason alone, things are looking up.
- Jeff Bell: At least in the sense of worth watching. The skill, talent, and Eric Bieniemy getting a shot at an offensive coordinator job outside Patrick Mahomes II's shadow.
- Ryan Weisse: They have plenty of offensive weapons and now an offensive coordinator that can use them.
Staffers with Neutral Vibes
- Sigmund Bloom: New OC Eric Bieniemy will help but among the league's worst QB situations.
- Ben Cummins: New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and new quarterbacks Sam Howell and/or Jacoby Brissett will provide a spark to the offense.
- Chad Parsons: I trust the weapons and Eric Bieniemy, with the unproven quarterback situation holding back more optimism.
- Nick Whalen: The weapons are good in Washington, but the quarterback situation is one of the worst in the league. Eric Bieniemy is a wild card.
- Phil Alexander: If Sam Howell stinks, Jacoby Brissett can at least sustain Carson Wentz/Tyler Heinecke level of quarterback play.
- Dan Hindery: The wide receiver group is sneaky good, and Sam Howell has the potential to at least be fun. But the overall talent level is mediocre.
- Jason Wood: Eric Bieniemy has never called NFL plays on a regular basis and has Sam Howell at quarterback. This could be a one-and-done situation.
- Daniel Harms: I think Eric Bieniemy will help the offensive structure, but Sam Howell isn't a needle-moving QB. Could see a new staff and QB in 2024.
- Andy Hicks: A transition year in Washington under new ownership. Anything could happen this year with so much up in the air.
- Sam Wagman: This could be somewhat of a throwaway year as the team gets adjusted to new ownership as well as a new offensive scheme under Eric Bieniemy.
- Jeff Haseley: I have a feeling the Commanders offense will be better than we think. Their running backs are decent, and their wide receivers are better than average.
- Dave Kluge: Although the wide receivers and running backs are enticing, the quarterback uncertainty could easily cap the offense’s upside.
- Joey Wright: There are some receivers and running backs I would be happy to have on my team, but no one who feels like they could finish top twelve at their position.
- Christian Williams: While there's reason for excitement on both sides of the ball, questions about Eric Bienemy's ability to call an offense and Sam Howell's ability to execute remain.
Staffers with Bad Vibes
- Jeff Tefertiller: The combination of poor QBs and line play will be ugly for fans this season. Eric Bieniemy has never called plays, and this could be much worse than most expect.
- Craig Lakins: The NFC East is tough right now, and I need to see it to believe it for quarterback Sam Howell.
- Matt Montgomery: You have to think that this is the make-or-break year for head coach Ron Rivera who more and more seems as though he has allowed the league to pass him by.
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