It’s no secret the Commanders have tremendously missed their 2021 starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner and Saahdiq Charles are no doubt tired of hearing about it. I understand. Yet, if the unit’s play was better, the reminders of Scherff and Flowers would be much less frequent.
After scoring 28 and 27 points in the first two games, the Commanders have only scored over 17 points in the win over Green Bay (23-21) over the last seven games.
A reason (not the only reason) the scoring is down has been the inability of the offensive line to protect the quarterbacks. For instance, Washington is ranked 27th in yards lost due to quarterback sacks (179) and 29th in sacks allowed, having yielded 29 in their nine games.
Only seven NFL teams average less than the Commanders in yards per rushing attempt (4.1). The Commanders are 18th in Rushing 1st Down Percentage. Their 1st Down runs have been successful 23.8 percent of the time.
Center Chase Roullier only playing the first two games of the season (28, 27 points) certainly has limited the line’s ability in the middle to run and pass block.
Trai Turner was benched a few weeks ago, yet he has started the last two weeks at right guard. Right tackle Cornelius Lucas had his struggles with pass protection vs Minnesota.
Then comes the screen game, which is virtually non-existent with this offensive line. Sam Cosmi, who tested as one of the more athletic offensive tackles is recovering from a broken hand.
Tress Way has punted more often (50) than any NFL punter through nine games, because the offense simply cannot sustain drives and put points on the board.
Grade: C-
