NFC East Projection: Commanders Challenging Cowboys, Eagles?

Once labeled the "NFC Least," the division is now one of the tougher ones in football, but where does Washington sit in the pecking order this season?

The Washington Commanders have gone through an offseason of change, most notably on offense, as Eric Bieniemy was installed as the new offensive coordinator.

After a season that saw Washington be in a playoff spot until a spectacular collapse, there is optimism that the Commanders can again be a player come playoff time. But to do that, they must qualify for the postseason, a task that is extremely difficult given the quality of the NFC East as it stands. 

The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are Super Bowl contenders, while the New York Giants pose a threat in the NFC as well, but what about Washington's standing in the division next season?

The Commanders' schedule is rather brutal. Washington plays the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles (x2), Cowboys (x2), Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers. Ouch.

With Sam Howell being thrust into the starting quarterback role, the Washington offense is something of an unknown. Scott Turner's unit ranked 24th (18.9 points per game), and with Bieniemy at the helm, it appears that Brunson thinks Howell will have a rather tricky time of it.

Washington could be a defense-first football team next season, as Jack Del Rio's unit was one of the better ones in the NFL last season. 

But after all the excitement this offseason has brought with the franchise's sale, Bieniemy coming in, and an all-around better feeling, the Commanders still endure a poor season next year.

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