Much has been made of the struggles of the Washington Commanders' offensive line this summer as they adjust to life without star left tackle Laremy Tunsil. And this weekend, they're headed straight into a trial by fire.
The Commanders are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. They'll be playing the role of underdog against the back-to-back defending NFC East champions.
To pull off the victory, they'll need to bring their best in all aspects of the game, including those in which they match up poorly on paper.
Commanders' offensive line must hold their own versus Eagles' dominant defensive line
Suffice to say, the offensive line will be under a heavy microscope against Philadelphia's vaunted defensive front.
And they'd better be prepared.
The Eagles' interior defensive line duo of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are surely licking their chops at the havoc they're intending to wreak in the Commanders' backfield at Lincoln Financial Field. It'll be up to Brandon Coleman, Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi, and Josh Conerly Jr. to stop them.
The last time we saw the Commanders in action, the Baltimore Ravens manhandled them in every way, shape, and form. Before that, the offensive line tanked the starting offense's only drive against the Detroit Lions.
They'll need to be better. A lot better.
Washington can't let one injury derail its season. But where the offensive line is concerned, the way they hold up against the Eagles will tell us everything.
Lest we forget, the Commanders made the NFC Championship game two years ago with Coleman at left tackle. Two of the other starters from that unit are still there, though Allegretti's position has been moved. And last year, Paul was a pleasant surprise while Conerly made tremendous strides throughout an up-and-down rookie season.
Many of the offensive line's preseason woes came with Julian Good-Jones at center while Allegretti was nursing a calf injury. The seventh-year veteran is back now, though there are questions about what his own level of production will look like at a position he's barely played in the NFL.
This season is nothing short of critical for Washington, and especially for the health and growth of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Protecting him will be paramount, and right now, that protection is viewed as the Commanders' weakest unit.
But that narrative can change quickly if the offensive line exceeds expectations.
If they can hold their own on the road versus Philadelphia's dominant defensive front, it will go a long way.
Let's see if this new-look unit is up to the task.
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