Opinions are mixed on the ceiling for the 2024 Washington Commanders offense. The Commanders have a new quarterback (Jayden Daniels), a new offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury), and questions at offensive tackle.
Each of those concerns is valid. Kingsbury is viewed as a brilliant offensive mind, but this is his first year in Washington, and he’s also breaking in a rookie quarterback. As for Daniels, he’s a phenomenal talent who has drawn rave reviews from his teammates, but he’s still a rookie.
The offensive tackle issue remains a massive question mark. The Commanders bring back Andrew Wylie at right tackle. Wylie didn’t play well last season, but coaches believe he’ll perform better under the new coaching staff. At left tackle, you have veteran journeyman Cornelius Lucas battling rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman.
You add these things together, and it’s not necessarily a recipe for success.
However, there are also reasons to believe the 2024 offense could be better than many believe. CBS analyst Emory Hunt said he’s “expecting a big year” for Washington’s offense, led by Daniels and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Hunt said McLaurin’s TD prop (4.5 receiving touchdowns) seemed “rather low” and explained all of the quarterback issues he’s dealt with since being drafted in 2019. He thinks Daniels changes that.
Here’s the full segment:
I expect the Jayden Daniels-to-Terry McLaurin connection to end up in the end zone a lot for the #Commanders this season pic.twitter.com/Mh69PTFU1x
— Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan) July 13, 2024
Hunt said he thinks McLaurin will get closer to eight or nine touchdowns — either would be a career-high.
Are people sleeping on Washington’s offense? While there are questions, the Commanders have some intriguing pieces. It all begins and ends with Daniels.