Even though the Washington Commanders were without some key men for their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, it was a comfortable success for Dan Quinn's squad on home soil. A professional performance that easily disposed of an inferior team with minimal fuss.
There is one move that couldn't be clearer in the victory's immediate aftermath. And it centers on a massive gamble made by the coaching staff that paid off handsomely.
After the Commanders surrendered to countless pressures against the Green Bay Packers, drastic action was needed. Quinn and his team decided to shake things up along the offensive line, replacing both guard positions to see if it could bring about improvements.
Commanders must keep continuity along the offensive line after Week 3 gamble pays off
Andrew Wylie came in on the right-hand side at the expense of Nick Allegretti. More surprising was Chris Paul being installed as the left guard, making 2024 third-round pick Brandon Coleman a healthy scratch.
This raised eyebrows, but fans were eager to see if these alterations could bear fruit. As it turned out, the Commanders looked much more assured in the trenches.
Wylie provided rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the necessary support while also handling his own responsibilities effectively. Paul was almost flawless on the other side, failing to give up any sacks or pressures during a highly accomplished afternoon at the office.
Having stability and protection gave backup quarterback Marcus Mariota all the time he needed to do damage. The veteran signal-caller got the job done, looking athletic and decisive. It wasn't perfect, but the Commanders' carving up more than 200 yards on the ground helped enormously.
Quinn stated that the offensive line remains a fluid situation. The competition is still ongoing, and further changes may still occur. However, Paul and Wylie did more than enough to keep their spots and provide some much-needed stability alongside center Tyler Biadasz.
That is the only move the Commanders need to make at this point. That won't be great news for Coleman and Allegretti, but their replacements earned another shot this weekend at the Atlanta Falcons. Washington rewards players who prove their worth, making the decision seem straightforward.
The Falcons will be fighting to bounce back after getting shut out by the Carolina Panthers last time out. They are a wounded animal that the Commanders need to be ready for. But if they perform to or above the level they displayed to beat the Raiders at Northwest Stadium, they'll be just fine.