Concerns around the Washington Commanders' offensive line are palpable. Losing left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a torn triceps has completely changed the mood among fans. But that is not an opinion shared in the building.
Josh Conerly Jr. is confident. He believes any criticism the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels has received over the summer is unjustified, and fans should get a much better look at what this unit can become when the regular season arrives.
Conerly outlined how little time the offensive line has had together in the preseason. People are making judgments based on a very small sample size. And he's clearly looking forward to proving people wrong when the Commanders begin their campaign versus two bitter division rivals.
Josh Conerly Jr. gives defiant message amid Commanders' offensive line concerns
For the team's sake, let's hope Conerly is right.
"I think it's a huge misconception because I know how much we work. There's only been so much put out there of the five being out there at once. We've got a great opportunity to play the Eagles and the Cowboys to start it off. It'll be fun."
Conerly is showing the correct resolve. If anything, these doubts should serve as motivation for every Washington offensive lineman looking to play a major role in 2026.
Another great chat with Commanders RT Josh Conerly Jr. on the concern and worry surrounding the offensive line.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) September 1, 2026
Josh told me, "I think it's a huge misconception because I know how much we work. There's only been so much put out there of the five being out there at once." pic.twitter.com/OQFJF4bxBM
That doesn't mean the concerns aren't valid.
Any team is going to miss someone of Tunsil's caliber. He's one of the league's most accomplished edge protectors, playing at an All-Pro level last year while also quickly becoming a respected leader in Washington's locker room.
Not only this, but projected starting center Nick Allegretti missed almost the entire summer after sustaining a calf strain on the first day of training camp. He reaggravated it during his initial ramp-up phase and only returned in a limited capacity this week. He may be serviceable, but losing so many vital reps is less than ideal.
Commanders offensive line has unknowns, but it also has potential
Chris Paul isn't inspiring much confidence at left guard, while Brandon Coleman is being tasked with filling the gaping void left by Tunsil. This will be an area opposing fronts target as a potential weak link, especially given the right-hand side could be a strength.
The Commanders have right guard Sam Cosmi back healthy, and he recently drew praise from head coach Dan Quinn for taking his game to the next level. Conerly is still learning, but the right tackle's growth over the second half of his rookie campaign leaves reasons for encouragement.
And being written off before a competitive game is sure to bring some added effort along the way.
It won't take long to figure out if Conerly is right or if he's bluffing.
The Commanders face a daunting opening to the campaign, with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis of the Philadelphia Eagles up first. Then, it's Quinnen Williams and the Dallas Cowboys, with both games being on the road.
After that, it's the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Their defensive fronts are formidable, so if the Commanders are not ready to hit the ground running, they're going to get found out pretty quickly.
Conerly will be striving to ensure that doesn't happen. Everyone else will be, too.
Whether they can or not is the million-dollar question with huge ramifications attached.
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