Nobody is pressing the panic button within the Washington Commanders. However, their disappointing loss in Week 2, coupled with some extremely concerning injury problems, has brought doubt where once there was nothing but unrivaled optimism.
These are problems head coach Dan Quinn must navigate effectively. It's not ideal, especially so early in the season, but having the correct coping mechanisms in place is essential. Anything less comes with grave consequences attached as the team looks to meet some loftier expectations in 2025.
This is a strong group of professionals. Quinn's locker room culture shift saw them overcome almost every piece of adversity in their path last season. They'll need all that and more this time around, and some analysts are starting to question whether they have what it takes to mount another deep postseason run.
A massive effort is needed from everybody. This bears more significance for senior players who haven't met their billing as yet. It also applies to some individuals on the fringes who could be tasked with a lot more in the face of Washington's injury crisis.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players who must go from invisible to unstoppable in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Commanders players who must go from invisible to unstoppable in Week 3
Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL
Rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr.'s baptism of fire to begin the campaign has taken the headlines. But the fact that he has gotten almost no help from right guard Nick Allegretti deserves more acknowledgment.
Sam Cosmi is still working his way back from a torn ACL. Dan Quinn is encouraged by his progress, but the stud right guard will be out for the next two games, if not more, on the physically unable to perform list. Until then, Allegretti is tasked with filling this gaping void, but he hasn't come close to reaching the same high standards.
Allegretti's production during running plays is pretty average. The less said about his incompetent pass protection, the better. With John Bates likely absent from the game, the interior presence must provide the assurance needed to make Conerly's life easier on the edge.
Whether he's capable of achieving this feat is another matter. Allegretti didn't shine as the team's left guard last season, but Cosmi's injury has given him a reprieve. However, there's a good chance he'll be demoted to backup duties once the former Texas prospect is healthy enough to participate.
And based on his lack of consistency so far, he can have no complaints.