As if it hasn't been troubling enough so far for the Washington Commanders, head coach Dan Quinn's squad will enter Week 10 against the Detroit Lions facing one of the league’s toughest challenges up front.
Without Jayden Daniels under center, the Commanders will once again turn to veteran understudy Marcus Mariota. All eyes will be on rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to hold up against one of the game’s premier defensive forces in Aidan Hutchinson.
Conerly has had moments this season that show why he was so heavily sought after by Washington's staff en route to becoming the No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
His blend of athletic range and easy movement skills in pass sets is tailor-made for today’s game — but his challenge against Hutchinson presents a new level of test for a young player making the switch from left to right tackle.
Commanders need Josh Conerly Jr. to hold his own against Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson, finally healthy and looking like the player who wrecked offensive game plans as a rookie, has been on an absolute tear. Through eight games, he’s racked up 55 pressures and eight sacks, including 19 pressures in just the last two weeks alone.
To put that in perspective, the Commanders as a team have 21 pressures in that same time frame. He’s living in opposing backfields, and Hutchinson's high-effort style is tailor-made to punish mistakes from inexperienced tackles.
The Commanders’ right side of the offensive line has been a soft spot at times this season. Expect Hutchinson to spend nearly every snap over that side, forcing Conerly to handle a mix of speed-to-power rushes, stunts, and relentless second-effort moves.
Washington will offer help — tight end chips, running backs sliding over in protection — but at some point, it’ll fall on the rookie to win a rep in isolation.
The matchup also holds massive strategic implications. If Conerly can at least limit Hutchinson’s impact, it changes the complexion of the ballgame.
Mariota isn’t the vertical thrower Daniels is, or athlete, or playmaker, or, well, you get the point. Even so, he’s mobile enough to extend plays and exploit an overaggressive pass rush.
The Commanders may also look to attack right at Hutchinson in the run game — the classic antidote to a high-motor edge. Run directly at him, make him stay disciplined in his gap, and force Detroit’s front to defend balance rather than hunt splash plays.
For Conerly, he doesn’t have to dominate the matchup — no one really ever has against Hutchinson — but if he can keep the pocket functional and prevent consistent collapse, it could flip the flow at Northwest Stadium.
That could be massive for a Washington team trying to stay competitive without its franchise quarterback.