USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Feb 10, 2022

The Cincinnati Bengals representing the AFC in Super Bowl LVI has given hope to teams around the NFL. Just two years ago, the Bengals finished 2-14 and wound up with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. - One season later, the Bengals were again bad, recording a 4-12 record and heading into the 2021 NFL draft with the No. 5 overall pick. - Now, the Bengals are 60 minutes away from the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. - The biggest reason for Cincinnati’s newfound success is quarterback Joe Burrow. Unfortunately for Washington, the Bengals picked Burrow No. 1 in 2020 — one spot ahead of the Commanders. If only former interim coach Bill Callahan hadn’t prioritized winning meaningless back-to-back games over the Lions and Panthers in 2019. - To be fair, NFL players and coaches don’t tank. Owners might; coaches don’t. So, you can’t really play a “what-if” scenario regarding Washington’s three wins that season. - The biggest question is, what can the Commanders do to replace the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC and earn a trip to Super Bowl LVII? - Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com recently gave a path on how every NFC team can represent the conference in Super Bowl LVII. - His path for Washington is one we’ve discussed repeatedly: find a legit quarterback. - The Commanders must: hit on a big swing at quarterback. - One year after striking out in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes, Washington figures to go hard after big fish in the quarterback market. I have my doubts Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson would want to play there. If there is clarity about Deshaun Watson’s status, the team is a prime candidate to go after him. After taking a step back in Ron Rivera’s second season, Washington has a lot of cap space to play with in its first season as the Commanders. - Rosenthal is right, it doesn’t appear Rodgers would consider Washington. However, recent reports indicate Wilson may have other thoughts. As far as Watson, with everything currently going on with the franchise, it doesn’t make sense to acquire Watson. - Everyone knows the Commanders need a quarterback. Not just any quarterback. THE quarterback. That is much easier said than done. But, if Washington could somehow pry Wilson away from the Seahawks, it would become an instant NFC contender. -   - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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