Heading into the 2024 NFL season, there were concerns that Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters didn’t do enough on the offensive line to protect rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Washington signed center Tyler Biadasz and left guard Nick Allegretti, who started in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Biadasz represented a significant upgrade for Washington at center, while Allegretti would become a full-time starter for the first time in his career in 2024.
In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders selected offensive tackle Brandon Coleman in the third round. Coleman impressed over the summer and looked poised to be the Week 1 left tackle until a pec injury forced him to miss the entire preseason.
So, against the Buccaneers last week, veteran Cornelius Lucas started at left tackle, with Andrew Wylie returning at right tackle, joining Washington’s best offensive lineman, right guard Sam Cosmi.
In the opener, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was only sacked twice. Considering the Commanders’ issues protecting Sam Howell last week, that’s an encouraging number.
Pro Football Focus ranks every NFL offensive line weekly, with the Commanders at No. 28 heading into Week 2.
While rookie Brandon Coleman played 14 snaps at left tackle, starter Cornelius Lucas won’t give up the position easily, as he played an excellent game against the Buccaneers, especially in pass protection. His 85.8 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked sixth among offensive tackles in Week 1.
Washington’s unit looked promising, especially compared to expectations, as it gave up just eight total pressures — and no sacks or quarterback hits — on 34 dropbacks. The Commanders’ PFF pass-blocking efficiency score was tied for the 14th highest in Week 1.
The 33rd Team also ranked the offensive lines after Week 1 and had the Commanders at 19th.
How all 32 offensive lines held up in pass protection in Week 1 🛡️💪
Sponsored by @RootInsurance https://t.co/GUPEH4QBo3 pic.twitter.com/mbgvVEozPY
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 11, 2024
It’s not great, but it’s much better than some initially believed. It will be interesting to follow what happens at offensive tackle. If Wylie continues to struggle, Washington could move Lucas to right tackle and start the rookie Coleman at left tackle.
