FEDEX FIELD – The Commanders' collapse reached its climax on Sunday when they fell 38-10 at home to the Cowboys and finished the season at 4-13 with eight straight losses.
The good news?
Because of their shortcomings, Washington will be rewarded with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Expect big changes in Washington ahead of the draft. Head coach Ron Rivera could be fired at any moment and he certainly isn't expected to last another week in that position.
Since Rivera was the leader of the Commanders operation (a coach-centric approach that was a mistake), there will likely be a complete search of the front office and coaching staff. This may not happen with the same expediency as Rivera's downfall, but it's probably happening nonetheless.
As for the players on the field, some have long-term contracts, but the roster is expected to change, and that includes the quarterback. Sam Howell became the first Washington QB to start every game in a single season since Kirk Cousins in 2017, but unfortunately, Howell slumped badly at the end of the year. He has thrown at least one interception in the last seven games and multiple picks in the last three games.
The excitement surrounding the sale of the franchise last summer is finally coming true. The 2023 Commanders have been assembled with Dan Snyder at the helm. Harris took over the position just a week before training camp. Time did not allow his team to leave their mark on this season.
That's changing now. Harris, a D.C. native who had to watch his team fall at home in a stadium full of Cowboys fans, patiently watched and observed for 17 games. Now is the time to act.
The only thing you can sell in Washington now is hope. High draft picks usually mean rookie quarterbacks, and at No. 2, Washington will have plenty of strong options.
A new coach. A new structure. A new quarterback.
This is what Commanders fans have to look forward to in 2024.