3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders joint practice with NY Jets
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Commanders OL depth
New general manager Adam Peters made significant alterations to the offensive line through free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. The starting five looks much more assured. Things are less certain further down the depth chart.
With veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie, third-round rookie Brandon Coleman, and stud right guard Sam Cosmi all missing from the team portion of practice, the Washington Commanders got a good look at their backup options in a pressurized setting. Let's just say it was underwhelming.
There was no push in the running game whatsoever. The New York Jets boast a formidable defensive front, which overwhelmed Washington's protection with relative comfort. Things didn't get much better from a pass-blocking standpoint, with the likes of Trent Scott and Chris Paul failing to provide adequate consistency on the edge.
The Commanders have a big problem on their hands. This was a concern coming into the offseason. Although there were encouraging signs over the opening two weeks of training camp, they failed their first big test versus legitimate NFL opposition.
Washington's long-suffering fanbase will be praying to the football gods that their starting unit is ready to rock in Week 1 and, more importantly, enjoys an injury-free campaign. That's a rare occurrence in the NFL, so those behind the first five step up and restore confidence over the preseason.
Michael Deiter and perhaps Cornelius Lucas aside, one couldn't say with any confidence if the rest are up to the required standard. The Commanders have options available if performance levels don't improve. Peters won't hesitate to acquire additional reinforcements - either through the remaining veteran pool or the waiver wire with the No. 2 priority - if he doesn't like the way things are progressing.
This joint session with the Jets was deeply concerning. Washington cannot have their offensive line depth exposed as a weak link once again. Not when they have a new franchise quarterback to protect in 2024 and beyond.