Heading into the 2022 NFL offseason, anyone who followed the Washington Commanders would tell you that adding a linebacker was a priority.
In 2021, third-year linebacker Cole Holcomb played almost every snap for Washington and did an adequate job. No one would consider Holcomb a star, but he was certainly a capable player who was still improving.
The Commanders had also spent a 2021 first-round pick on Jamin Davis. Washington envisioned Davis as a middle linebacker, but the team quickly realized the speedy rookie was better on the outside. Still, Davis struggled as a rookie and some were mistakingly already calling him a bust.
So, in the offseason, head coach Ron Rivera decided to move Holcomb to the middle and play Davis strictly on the outside. The coaches felt Holcomb had improved to the point he was ready to be the full-time “mike” linebacker and that Davis would naturally improve in his second season.
The Commanders didn’t spend on another linebacker because the team only uses two linebackers on the field because they spent a lot of time in nickel.
So, how have Holcomb and Davis performed in 2022? Let’s give Washington’s linebackers a midseason review, followed by a grade.
Holcomb has missed the last two games with a foot injury. It does appear he is close to a return. In his first season as the full-time middle linebacker, Holcomb has played well. Washington’s defensive line has been outstanding and Holcomb is off to the best start of his career.
How good is Holcomb? Only Washington knows the answer to that question, but overall, the former North Carolina Tar Heel has adjusted well to playing inside.
As for Davis, his season didn’t begin on the best note. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio openly criticized him after Week 1. However, since that time, Davis has continued to improve week after week.
In last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Davis had, arguably, the best game of his young NFL career. Davis didn’t fill up the stat sheet, but if you go back and watch that game, he was everywhere. He was impacting the passing game and the run game. He was quick to diagnose his run fits and was playing instead of reacting. He’s been playing this way for several weeks, but really stood out vs. Minnesota.
Considering how Washington’s linebackers were viewed ahead of the season and how they’ve played through the first half of the season, the position has been a pleasant surprise for the Commanders.
Grade: B-