The Washington Commanders have made big changes in recent days. Some of them have been forced, but one notable move before their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders is by design.
And it could save their season.
One of the more glaring flaws around the Commanders through two games centers on the right-hand side of their offensive line. First-round rookie Josh Conerly Jr. got a ton of heat, but right guard Nick Allegretti has been even worse without the hype attached.
Commanders have benched Nick Allegretti in favor of Andrew Wylie for Week 3
That might have gone unnoticed by the casual viewer, but it wasn't going to get overlooked by the coaching staff. And with the need to get their campaign back on track, the Commanders have taken drastic action.
According to Jordan Schultz, the Commanders are benching Allegretti in favor of Andrew Wylie. Whether this brings about the improvements needed is anyone's guess, but the NFL insider revealed that Washington deemed this experiment worthy with superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels out of the lineup.
"Washington has dealt with heavy pressure off the right side in two games, and [Andrew] Wylie — who has 88 career starts — is expected to step in to help stabilize things. Jayden Daniels has dealt with heavy pressure through two games, leading to a knee sprain. The team is being extra cautious, not wanting to make any sort of RG3-type mistake — something that’s been mentioned in the building. As a result, Marcus Mariota is starting this week and the Commanders are experimenting with an OL change. The right side of the line has been a major concern through the first two weeks."Jordan Schultz
Wylie spent the last two seasons starting at the right tackle spot. Although he can struggle against speedy edge rushers on an island, there will be more security on the interior. This could provide the protection needed, and Conerly also stands to benefit significantly from this switch.
Conerly won't be getting much help on the edge against Maxx Crosby with blocking tight end John Bates out through injury. Having some extra stability at the right guard spot in Wylie provides some comfort, at least until Sam Cosmi is ready to return from a torn ACL.
Marcus Mariota is not as mobile as Daniels. Keeping his pocket clean is crucial if the Commanders want to get themselves back to winning ways. Wylie is experienced and adaptable enough to cope with these responsibilities effectively. If it has the desired effect, Allegretti could spend the rest of 2025 on the sidelines.
The Commanders need this to work. And who knows, perhaps this could become a genuine turning point for Washington's under-fire protection along the way.