There was an understandable sense of trepidation when the Washington Commanders confirmed that Nick Allegretti would start at center against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. But after a much-improved display, it's given general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn a welcome problem.
With Lucas Patrick missing the clash in the NFL's concussion protocol, the Commanders went with the experience of Allegretti over sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin. It was a calculated risk, but it paid off as Washington secured a season-saving road win at MetLife Stadium.
Allegretti had some indifferent moments. But considering how he fared earlier this season before being benched, it was as clean as fans could have hoped for.
Nick Allegretti's improved performance gives Commanders an interesting dilemma
There was more comfort from a communication standpoint. Allegretti's snaps were more efficient, and he kept nose tackle D.J. Reader from influencing the game too much, albeit with a little help from the guard tandem of Chris Paul and Sam Cosmi.
It was Allegretti's best performance of the campaign by a considerable margin. The bar wasn't exactly high to achieve that, so it'll be interesting to see how the Commanders view this effort when they return from their mini bye week.
While it's not guaranteed, it would be surprising if Patrick wasn't cleared of a concussion before Washington's anticipated Monday Night Football contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. That places Peters and Quinn in a predicament.
Do they install Patrick back into the fold immediately? Or do they give Allegretti a chance to prove this production upturn can be the start of something more?
And with prolific nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II now in a Bengals uniform, it's a decision the Commanders cannot get wrong.
Given the confidence Peters had in Allegretti before the season began, the Illinois product might now be the frontrunner to keep the center job.
Commanders could keep faith with Nick Allegretti, even if Lucas Patrick returns
Peters released starting center Tyler Biadasz, which surprised almost everybody. The Commanders went big-game hunting in free agency, with Tyler Linderbaum as their primary target. It looked as if Washington would get its guy before the Las Vegas Raiders came over the top with a record-setting offer, and the front-office leader had no real contingency after that.
Allegretti was chosen, even getting a new deal early. The Commanders also waited until the sixth round to draft a potential long-term option, but it's clear that Gulbin has a long way to go.
When Allegretti struggled to start the campaign after missing the entire summer with a calf strain, the Commanders quickly signed Patrick to take his place. Now, things might not be so clear-cut, though someone losing their starting berth due to a concussion is incredibly harsh.
The Commanders won't get elite-level production from either.
But they might decide to go with the form guy from week to week now.
Either way, Peters must rectify this issue when the 2027 offseason arrives. Whether that's in free agency or the draft is moot; quarterback Jayden Daniels needs a long-term anchor for the offensive line.
For now, Allegretti's morale-boosting performance against the Giants got his foot back in the door. And if this results in another prime-time start in Week 11, a consistent showing against Lawrence and ex-Washington lineman Jonathan Allen would make people look at him a little differently.
Wouldn't that be something...
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