Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders may have placed too much faith in Nick Allegretti this offseason. That was a major concern for fans heading into the campaign, and those fears only grew after his dismal performance against the Dallas Cowboys.
Allegretti was a weak link. He struggled to snap the football effectively in the shotgun. He couldn't pick up double teams or stunts effectively enough, and the number of blown assignments from the Illinois product was deeply frustrating.
It's only one game, but this cannot continue for much longer.
The Commanders raised the urgency by signing veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick to the 53-man roster. He's dealt with some injury issues in recent years, but he has the experience and versatility to play anywhere along the interior offensive line.
Including the center position.
This is a better contingency plan for the Commanders. Patrick wouldn't be classed as an elite difference-maker, but he's capable of manning the anchor if Allegretti continues to flounder.
Another week of practice should help, especially given Allegretti missed the entire summer after suffering a calf strain. The Commanders are still confident, but the jury is still well and truly out.
With Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark up next, Allegretti simply cannot put a foot wrong. After all, he's been benched after two games of the season before.
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
When Chig Okonkwo left the game early in Week 1, offensive coordinator David Blough didn't increase Ben Sinnott's involvement all that much. He played 18 snaps in the contest, with only rookie running back Kaytron Allen, fellow tight end Colson Yankoff, and backup lineman Andrew Wylie playing fewer.
Given how Sinnott talked throughout the offseason, it's a clear sign of how much hard work lies ahead for the 2024 second-round pick.
Okonkwo is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, and his status for Week 2 is in doubt. John Bates would take on more of the TE1 responsibilities in this scenario, but if the free-agent signing cannot go, there's never been a better time to see what Sinnott is truly made of.
The Commanders didn't draft Sinnott at No. 53 overall in 2024 for him to be playing so little in Year 3 of his professional career. Those in power thought he could be a complete package, but his development just hasn't gone according to plan.
Just how much Kliff Kingsbury had to do with that is debatable. But with the previous offensive coordinator no longer around, Sinnott has no excuses.
And if he cannot raise his influence if Okonkwo is ruled out, it'll be a long way back from there.
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