The Washington Commanders enter Week 3 at a crossroads. They are 1-1, so there is no need to press the panic button just yet, but head coach Dan Quinn can ill-afford any more early slip-ups in his quest to keep the team's momentum high.
It's all hands on deck with the Las Vegas Raiders coming to town. And for one struggling veteran player, this weekend's clash represents a last-chance saloon scenario with the spotlight burning.
Much of the attention around Washington's offensive line capitulation against the Green Bay Packers centered on rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. The No. 29 pick looked like a fish out of water in the face of Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary. When blocking tight end John Bates went out of the game with a groin issue, there was no help. And he was floundering without a safety net.
Nick Allegretti embarking on critical test that could define his Commanders future
Upon further examination of the game film, there was another big problem. Nick Allegretti was nothing short of woeful, especially in pass protection. He wasn't capable of providing Conerly with adequate assistance — he was barely treading water himself.
The Commanders are greatly missing the presence of Sam Cosmi. He's still working his way back from a torn ACL and will miss the next two games at least. Considering how long the stud right guard has been out of action, it might take him a few weeks to get up to speed even when he's activated.
Allegretti, who lost his starting job at left guard to Brandon Coleman after the Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl blindside enforcer Laremy Tunsil, is currently tasked with filling the void. But any more indifferent efforts moving forward could force Washington's coaching staff into a change.
The most obvious move would be to place Andrew Wylie on the interior next to Conerly. He's experienced and offers much more in pass protection. He also wouldn't be on an island, which is where his problems typically surfaced during his two years as the starter at the right tackle spot.
Chris Paul or Trent Scott could also fill in if required. This means that Allegretti must leave no doubt and assert his dominance. That's the only way he'll convince the Commanders that he can provide the consistency needed in Cosmi's absence.
Allegretti will be demoted when Cosmi returns. And with a $7.17 million salary cap hit on the final year of his deal in 2026, the former Illinois standout already looks like a prime salary-cap cut casualty next spring.
The time to show the correct resolve has arrived. Allegretti's margin for error is long gone, so nothing but supreme execution and flawless protection in all phases will do.