Ashburn, VA. -- The Washington Commanders open their 2023 NFL training camp Wednesday at their practice facility here. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:

Biggest question: Will the offense be any good?

There’s no question that Washington’s defense has the ability to rank among the NFL’s best. However, for the Commanders to challenge for a playoff spot they must get more help from their offense. It’s not just about Sam Howell’s progress. It’s about the offensive line. It’s about new coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is installing a new offense. It’s asking a lot for everything to mesh right away, but they must provide enough help in the first half of the season to give themselves a chance for any kind of success.

A lot rides on this happening: Coach Ron Rivera and his staff must show new owner, Josh Harris, why they should be kept around beyond this season. Rivera overhauled key parts of the offensive staff and is entrusting Howell. If the offense sputters, change becomes inevitable.

The player with the most to prove: Chase Young, DE

This was an easy pick. He was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 after Washington drafted him second overall. But since that point, Young has not made an impact -- first because of his play over the first nine games of his second season (1.5 sacks) and then because he tore the ACL and ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. That injury sidelined him until the final three games last season.

Washington did not pick up his fifth-year option so Young will become a free agent after the season. The Commanders want to make sure he’s healthy -- and also motivated. They have told him they’ll pay him if he produces, but he needs to make game-changing plays to get back on the track they hoped he was on after his rookie season. It would also elevate their defense.

Most impactful offseason addition: Offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy

Washington has not finished with a top-10 ranking in either yards or points per game since 2016. In the last three seasons under offensive coordinator Scott Turner Washington never finished higher than 20th in either category, albeit with subpar quarterback play.

Bieniemy not only brings a new system -- more of a West Coast offense -- but also a more demanding style. Players harped on his attention to detail during spring practices -- and he’s not afraid to chastise any player if they are not doing something the right way. That alone will help this offense. If he can find a creative way to get their playmakers the ball more in space then it could lead to an improved offense.

The most compelling position group: The offensive line

Washington has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, but the Commanders have not done a good job building their offensive front. They enter camp with more questions, starting with: Have they done enough this offseason? They added Andrew Wylie to start at right tackle, shifted Sam Cosmi from that position to right guard and signed Nick Gates to start at center.

Each move could be a solid one -- and upgrades over what Washington had at those spots most of last season. They do have a question at left guard, with Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul battling for the position next to tackle Charles Leno Jr. Despite Sam Howell’s inexperience, the biggest question on offense remains the line. If it’s good, then the offense has a chance to be much better. If not? Trouble.

Fiercest fantasy-relevant battle: It’s not so much a battle as it is a mystery

Washington’s offense has multiple players who could be key fantasy players, but there are questions. Can Howell become a good quarterback -- and be one this season? Will running back Antonio Gibson finally be consistently involved as a runner and as a pass-catcher? New coordinator Eric Bieniemy moved him around a lot in the spring.

Also, what kind of jump will second-year receiver Jahan Dotson make? He can excel running after the catch. Will Logan Thomas be a red zone threat again? He, too, looked good this spring -- and he was a key target in red zone drills vs. the starting defense. These three players could be sneaky good picks. But the mystery part is how much work they’ll get when the ball also has to go to receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel and running back Brian Robinson.