The Washington Commanders sent five players to the Pro Bowl games in 2022. Terry McLaurin, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Tress Way and Jeremy Reaves all made the Pro Bowl after an outstanding 2022 season.
However, in 2023, none of the aforementioned players made the Pro Bowl. Reaves injured his knee and was lost for the season, while the others all had down seasons. Unfortunately for the Commanders, no players made the Pro Bowl games, as almost everyone had a down season. Washington went 4-13 in 2023.
Things are different now. The Commanders hired a new general manager (Adam Peters) and head coach (Dan Quinn) and turned over half of the roster. The returning players are energized by the changes and there is excitement about the upcoming season.
How many Washington players could earn a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2024? We look at six Commanders who could make the Pro Bowl for the first time.
Washington Commanders offensive tackle Sam Cosmi #76 walks to the locker room during half time of the game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
You could make the argument that Sam Cosmi deserved a Pro Bowl bid in 2023. However, Washington’s O-Line as a unit struggled, which impacted Cosmi’s candidacy. During the second half of last season, Cosmi was as good as any guard in the NFL. If you could name one Commander most likely to make his first Pro Bowl, Cosmi would be among the final two guesses.
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) stands on the field during OTA workouts at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Robinson Jr. was healthy all of last season and looked terrific at times. When he didn’t, it was because former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy wasn’t using him. The Commanders led the NFL in passing attempts and were last in rushing attempts. Had Washington run the ball more in 2023, Robinson would’ve easily eclipsed 1,000 yards. Robinson also improved as a pass catcher last season. Having Austin Ekeler will impact Robinson’s numbers, but the third-year back will be a focal point of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) prepares to pass a ball during an OTA workout at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
If rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels starts every game, passes for over 3,000 yards and rushes for 600 or more yards, he’s absolutely a contender to make the Pro Bowl. So much of Daniels’ potential success depends on the offensive line. If the O-Line is a more improved unit this season, Daniels is a legit contender for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the Pro Bowl.
Dorance Armstrong #92 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 07, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Dorance Armstrong was signed to a three-year deal to come with Dan Quinn to the Commanders. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. believe in him. Now, for the first time in his career, he’ll be a full-time player. He was a rotational pass rusher in Dallas and is coming off his two best NFL seasons. In the last two seasons, Armstrong has 8.5 and 7.5 sacks, respectively. In those two years, he has played 47% and 42% of the defensive snaps. He’ll play a lot more in 2024, and Armstrong could go over 10 sacks for the first time in a seven-year NFL career.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 19: Frankie Luvu #49 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on August 19, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
When we said Cosmi was one of two finalists to make his first Pro Bowl, Luvu was the other. Some are flat-out predicting Luvu will make his first Pro Bowl in 2024. Washington signed Luvu to a three-year deal in the offseason and he could quickly become its best defensive player. Luvu is an ascending player who can do a little bit of everything defensively. It would shock no one if Luvu led the Commanders in sacks in 2024.
Washington Commanders cornerback Jartavius Martin (20) celebrates after an interception during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
You can tell the new coaching staff are big fans of second-year defensive back Quan Martin. Quinn and Whitt have spoken highly of Martin and the expectation is he will start at safety alongside Jeremy Chinn in 2024. Martin’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions in the secondary, but his focus on one spot could lead him to have a big year. Remember, Quinn and Whitt’s defenses focus heavily on forcing turnovers. Martin could be the biggest beneficiary of that focus.
Source link : https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/lists/6-commanders-first-time-pro-bowlers-in-2024-frankie-luvu-jayden-daniels-sam-cosmi/
Author :
Publish date : 2024-07-01 05:00:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.