Did Commanders’ Investment in the Offensive Line Prove Sufficient?

ASHBURN — The Washington Commanders took a cautious approach to free agency due to the impending sale of the franchise. Center Nick Gates and tackle Andrew Wylie were their notable acquisitions on the market, but after a lackluster performance in their season opener, questions arise about whether the Commanders could have done more to strengthen their offensive line.

The Commanders’ offensive line didn’t receive glowing reviews in their win over the Arizona Cardinals. Although the six sacks in the box score may overstate the poor performance, the line remains a concern as they face a tough Denver Broncos defensive line this weekend.

Surprisingly, the Commanders rank 27th in positional spending on the offensive line, significantly lower than last season. Despite attempts to address the line with veteran free agents and in-house options, their line’s performance is still uncertain.

However, it’s important to note that spending heavily on the offensive line doesn’t guarantee a top-rated unit. Some of the highest-spending teams on the offensive line last year had poor results in terms of sacks allowed. Thus, the Commanders’ moves were seen as risky.

In their first game, both Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates allowed a significant number of pressures and were partially blamed for the team’s sacks. However, a closer look reveals that Washington’s offensive line had a better game than the box score suggests. Quarterback Sam Howell had a reasonable amount of time to throw on dropbacks and agreed that releasing the ball quicker can help the offensive line.

The most promising performances came from rookie-scale contract players Sam Cosmi and Saahdiq Charles. Cosmi, who transitioned to guard this offseason, had the highest grade among the offensive linemen. Additionally, Charles had a relatively clean game with only one pressure allowed.

Rivera acknowledged Cosmi’s exceptional play and the fact that he is the highest-drafted player on the Commanders’ offensive line. Unlike their defensive line, which boasts several former first-rounders, the offensive line doesn’t have any former first-round picks.

Despite not drafting an offensive lineman in the first round since 2015, the Commanders had opportunities to address the position in this year’s draft but selected other positions instead.

Overall, the Commanders’ offensive line has room for improvement, and the team is aware of the mistakes made in their first game. They are determined to make significant improvements moving forward.