Ben Sinnott finally sees a path to revive his Commanders fortunes

Kliff Kingsbury clearly didn't think much of tight end Ben Sinnott's potential within his offense. But he's no longer around, and it's given the 2024 second-round pick a new lease of life.

The Washington Commanders are challenging Sinnott, and it's bringing a positive response. David Blough's offense is also a big hit with the player, who clearly feels like it's night and day compared to the concepts Kingsbury installed.

"It's not even close. So many different variations. Today we're lining up at number one [receiver on the outside], we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends."

This is what the Commanders desired offensively. Kingsbury's offense was predictable and got found out way too often. Injuries didn't help, but there was a frustrating stubbornness that became his undoing.

Commanders' new offense under David Blough has rejuvenated Ben Sinnott

Blough is here to change all that, and Sinnott could be among the primary beneficiaries.

The Commanders were enticed to take Sinnott at No. 53 overall two years ago because of his athleticism and upside as a well-rounded option. It's taken longer than expected, and he is still behind both free-agent signing Chig Okonkwo and prolific blocker John Bates on the depth chart. But considering how much Blough is expected to use tight ends within his system, there is an opening for more involvement.

Taking it is crucial.

This is Year 3 for Sinnott. He's had a good grace period to develop and learn what it takes to be a solid pro. If Kingsbury were still around, things would still look bleak. Now, the Kansas State product has someone who believes in his capabilities. And he's striving with everything he has to repay this faith.

The results speak for themselves. At least for now.

While the pads haven't come on yet, Sinnott's performance on Day 2 of training camp caught the eye of those in attendance. Confidence, both from the coaching staff and within himself, hasn't been higher since joining the team. It could still go either way, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Blough would be wise to get Sinnott heavily involved when he's on the field during the preseason. He's proven dependable, but targets have been in short supply. Any morale boosts he can gain when things matter less would be a bonus. It may even raise optimism enough to become a bigger piece of the puzzle than initially anticipated.

And let's not forget, the man can block.

These are all positive steps. But what comes next is more important for Sinnott.

Staying engaged, progressing as a route runner, accepting the new demands of Blough's scheme, and maximizing every opportunity remain the key goals that must be attained consistently.

If Sinnott can build on this newfound momentum and achieve these objectives, Blough could get the tune out of him that Kingsbury couldn't.

And that will help the Commanders endlessly.

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