The Washington Commanders have been in the spotlight recently due to the decision to bench quarterback Sam Hartman against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. The move, which was announced by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and analysts alike. The decision reflects a deeper strategy within the team, one that has both supporters and critics weighing in on the future of the Commanders' offense.
One of the primary reasons cited by Kingsbury for not starting Hartman is the short turnaround time between games. According to Kingsbury, it "wouldn't be fair" to have Hartman make his first start on a short week, suggesting that the team needs more time to adequately prepare him for the challenges of the NFL. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially given Hartman's promising performances in the preseason. Despite his struggles in preseason, it seems Kingsbury is focusing on long-term strategy over short-term gains.
Hartman's journey with the Commanders has been marked by both highs and lows. As an undrafted free agent, he has shown flashes of brilliance that have endeared him to fans. However, his lack of reps in Kingsbury's scheme has been a significant challenge. The coaching staff's reluctance to give him more playing time has left many wondering if the Commanders are missing out on a potential star. The decision to bench him against the Cowboys only adds to the mystery surrounding his role within the team.
It seems that the Commanders' decision to bench Hartman is part of a broader strategy to ensure that their quarterbacks are well-prepared for the rigors of the NFL. Despite his struggles in preseason, there are those who believe that Hartman has the potential to lead the Commanders' offense. The mystery surrounding his lack of playing time and the reasons behind it has left many fans and analysts puzzled. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Commanders handle the situation and whether Hartman will get another chance to prove himself.
Hartman's situation is further complicated by the dynamic between him and Kingsbury. A recent Instagram post by Kingsbury humorously noted that Hartman is "way too good looking," adding a personal touch to the professional decision-making process. However, the underlying tension between the two remains a point of speculation. While Kingsbury has been vocal about his support for other quarterbacks, the reasons for his apparent lack of faith in Hartman are less clear.
