Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders took a major gamble on their offensive line interior this offseason. This was especially evident at center, with general manager Adam Peters throwing his full weight behind Nick Allegretti, who was transitioning after an unsuccessful two years at both guard positions.
Releasing Tyler Biadasz was a contentious call. Striking out on Tyler Linderbaum after he got a record-breaking deal from the Las Vegas Raiders left no real plan. The Commanders drafted Matt Gulbin in the sixth round, and Allegretti missing almost all of training camp with a calf strain wasn't helpful either.
Based on the first two contests, this was a grave error in judgment.
Allegretti has struggled with snaps, communication, and overall protection duties so far. He might improve with more experience, but he's lost some mobility behind him after quarterback Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow.
The Commanders only have Gulbin behind him, though they did sign veteran Lucas Patrick. Peters has been steadfast in his belief in Allegretti, but there has to be a tipping point at some stage.
Things won't get any easier for Allegretti this weekend when the Seattle Seahawks come to town.
Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Jarran Reed are a formidable defensive front capable of setting the tone. All hope isn't lost, but the Illinois product faces a significant litmus test.
Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB
Patience is almost gone with Mike Sainristil. The cornerback has a mountain to climb to win back trust.
Head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, and general manager Adam Peters all publicly called out Sainristil after their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2024 second-round pick out of Michigan was confident he could bounce back, but the same problems continued in Dallas.
The Cowboys saw the tape. They knew Sainristil was a weak link, and they exploited it accordingly. CeeDee Lamb bullied him throughout. His defensive teammates were frustrated, and he was even spotted getting into it with Jones after one lapse of concentration too many.
Washington took him out of the firing line briefly, using him only in nickel packages. Sainristil got some work later in the game but gave up another touchdown. It's been a disastrous start, and fans saw it coming last season.
Sainristil's inconsistencies were masked by his interceptions in 2025. That's not the case this time around, and even though the Commanders aren't exactly blessed with great cornerback depth, the Michigan product is in real danger of being phased out.
This is the last-chance saloon in Washington for Sainristil. And in all honesty, he may have passed that point as well.
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