How often have you watched other NFL teams over the years and wondered why the Washington Commanders can’t consistently run successful screen plays?
Either Washington didn’t practice the screen, whether to the running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends, or it just wasn’t a focal point of the offense.
That will change under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy comes from Kansas City, where he coached under the legendary Andy Reid for 10 years. Washington fans know all too well how successful Reid has been for over two decades with the screen game.
During OTAs and minicamp, the Commanders practiced the screen game. And with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson and electric wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, it’s imperative that Washington do everything to get the ball in their hands, particularly in space.
Former Washington tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen recently discussed what could make the Commanders’ screen game successful in 2023. It’s all about the revamped offensive line, specifically the guards.
“We got some really athletic guards,” Paulsen said. “We got [Sam] Cosmi, who is one of the most athletic offensive linemen the year he was drafted. He had a RAS score of like 9.5, which is crazy good. Saahdiq Charles, converted tackle, crazy athlete, in training camp, during OTAs, you see these guys getting out in space.”
Cosmi is making the full-time transition to guard this season. The former second-round pick has primarily played right tackle for the first two years of his NFL career. Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is in a battle with Chris Paul to start at left guard.
Paulsen also praised new right tackle Andrew Wylie’s athleticism, as well as left tackle Charles Leno and new center Nick Gates. Paulsen says Gates did some similar things in New York with the Giants.
“So I think if those guys remain the starters, and there is a long time left to go, their skill sets fit that really, really well,” Paulsen continued.
Some believe the Commanders haven’t done enough on the offensive line, despite signing Wylie and Gates in free agency and spending two additional picks on linemen. However, Washington received strong line play in 2020 and 2021, partly because of former Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. If Cosmi and Charles take the next step in their careers, the Commanders could be fun and creative on offense.
Ready to take it to the next level 😈
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 23, 2023
