4 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 7 at NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
In fairness to offensive tackle Andrew Wylie, his performances have improved slightly over the last fortnight following a rough opening to the campaign. The Washington Commanders are giving up way too many sacks and hits, but this is also down to quarterback Sam Howell's tendency to hold onto the football for too long when pressure arrives.
Wylie's overall contribution through six games could have been better. While it's unlikely the Commanders will move off their starting offensive tackle tandem for their important clash against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, the performance of Cornelius Lucas at the Atlanta Falcons increases the pressure to perform in no uncertain terms.
Lucas filled in admirably for Charles Leno Jr. after his devastating news in Week 6. This gives the Commanders a dilemma about what to do on both edges this weekend. Still, head coach Ron Rivera can at least relax safe in the knowledge he has a dependable swing option if the starters mentioned above cannot meet expectations.
The Commanders allocated decent money to Wylie in the hope he could solidify things opposite Leno during Howell's first season under center. He'll need to call on all his experience versus a Giants pass rush loaded with productive performers who have no trouble snuffing out weakness and exploiting it accordingly.
If there was ever a time for Wylie to have a statement game, this is it.