Everyone seems to be writing off the Washington Commanders' chances, starting in their regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. While that may be premature, some concerns must be addressed before confidence grows.
One of those is the offensive line. And the uncertainty around this unit heading into the campaign had one NFL analyst fearing for quarterback Jayden Daniels at Lincoln Financial Field.
Upon placing the Commanders at an inexplicable No. 31 in his pre-Week 1 power rankings, Nick Shook from Around the NFL centered Washington's problem on the protection in front of Daniels.
Commanders' offensive line concerns have analyst fearing for Jayden Daniels
The injury to five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is a blow. If that wasn't enough, projected starting center Nick Allegretti's absence over the summer doesn't exactly bode well for his hopes of a strong campaign, either.
And if these fears show their head against the Eagles' formidable defensive front, it could be a long day at the office for Daniels.
"Things appear rather dire up front for Washington. The Commanders produced a dreadful showing in a joint practice with the Ravens, then followed that up by getting destroyed by Baltimore in the preseason finale.
"Washington knows it needs to keep Jayden Daniels healthy in order to be competitive, and right now, I'm afraid for the quarterback's well-being Sunday in Philadelphia."
Nobody needs to go over the potential problems. At the same time, there are also positives in this critical area of the field.
The right-hand side of the line should be solid. Interior lineman Sam Cosmi looks healthy and ready to make a considerable impact. Second-year tackle Josh Conerly Jr. showed promise as a rookie and appears ready to take the next step into one of the league's most promising young edge protectors.
Commanders have enough talent for a stable offensive line, which is all Jayden Daniels needs
Brandon Coleman is assuming blindside duties in Tunsil's absence. He spent his rookie campaign at left tackle and did relatively well. The TCU product needs to step things up now, and he set the correct tone this offseason amid an ever-changing situation.
When it looked as if Coleman would potentially beat out Chris Paul for the starting left guard job, the Tulsa product now has a reprieve. He did well overall last season, especially in pass protection. If he can become stronger in his base to assist more consistently against the run, this might be enough for a longer-term financial commitment next year.
Any team would miss a player of Tunsil's caliber. The Commanders' gamble at center has been spoken about ad nauseam, but general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have faith that Allegretti can come through when it counts.
Simply put, the sky is not falling. And the Commanders are not the second-to-worst team in the entire league going into the season.
That's not up for discussion.
Shook also overlooked the new scheme David Blough is installing.
This will be more in keeping with pro-style concepts. Daniels has had heavy input, and the system should play to his strengths. The personnel is in place to get the football out quickly and efficiently. And the No. 2 pick in 2024 is now healthy to put this grand plan into action.
This is pretty good bulletin-board material, if nothing else. But if the concerns around the protection prove unfounded, even without Tunsil to depend on, the only way is up for Washington and Daniels.
But seeing is believing.
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