The Washington Commanders' decision to move on from Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator after last year's 5-12 season sparked considerable controversy, especially when the team settled on unproven David Blough as his successor.
Not only has Blough never been an NFL coordinator, but until the final month of the 2025 season, he had never even been a head positional coach. But even though it's early days, it's starting to look like this gamble might just pay off handsomely for the Commanders.
Blough was the Commanders' assistant quarterbacks coach until Tavita Pritchard left the team to accept the head coaching position at Stanford. Now, the former Detroit Lions backup quarterback has been thrown into a fire that could burn everybody if he doesn't pan out.
Commanders' offense is showing signs of real growth under new coordinator David Blough
Thus far, all indications from training camp are that Blough has Washington's offense humming.
The Commanders have a new offensive scheme and some new personnel, including running back Rachaad White, tight end Chig Okonkwo, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and third-round rookie Antonio Williams. And according to NBC Sports team insider J.P. Finlay and former Washington fan-favorite Brian Mitchell, it's all going smoothly.
"You can huddle up and then get to the line of scrimmage and go fast. I think the best teams in the NFL have that tool in the bag where you have to wait for the defense to sub, but you don't have to wait for the defense to get set. If you run that pace, it can be a really effective tool on third and short, goal line, lots of situations."
Finlay and Mitchell discussed the more nuanced tempo that Blough is bringing to Washington's offense. There is more creativity and deception on display. He's been utilizing play action and has been finding ways to scheme open his top playmakers.
What a novel concept.
Despite his inexperience, head coaches such as Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell have raved about Blough and coveted him as a top assistant. Had Washington not acted first, he likely would have gone back to Detroit to accept the same coordinator position there.
His promotion was not out of desperation on head coach Dan Quinn's part, but rather a necessary measure to keep a rising offensive mind in his fold.
Kingsbury did wonders for Washington in 2024. But ultimately, as has been the trend throughout his career, the success of his offense came with an expiration date.
Blough gives the Commanders a window into a new world of possibilities that could help star quarterback Jayden Daniels sustain elite production behind center.
There is a long way to go. But so far, so good.
Add us as a preferred source on Google