5 Commanders players who could be benched after Week 2 triumph vs. NY Giants

Clelin Ferrell - Commanders DE

Much like Week 1, defensive end Clelin Ferrell gained a sack but was largely underwhelming aside from that against the New York Giants. The Washington Commanders picked up a victory, but their defensive performance left a lot to be desired once again.

Dan Quinn stated that Jamin Davis being a healthy scratch was down to the need for another defensive tackle with second-round rookie Johnny Newton ready to return. There's obvious belief in Ferrell from those making the decisions. At the same time, this trend cannot go on for much longer.

Ferrell's inability to set the edge effectively against the run is glaring. He fails to gain leverage consistently and doesn't have the reactionary moves needed to counteract when things don't go his way at the initial contact point. If the former first-round pick out of Clemson puts together a similar outing at the Cincinnati Bengals, his time as a starter will be short-lived.

The Commanders - Adam Peters, in particular - saw something in Ferrell after he spent time alongside the general manager last season with the San Francisco 49ers. Gaining a sack in consecutive contests is pleasing, but that's not enough to become a forceful edge presence.

Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT

Brandon Coleman got a rude awakening in Week 2 against the New York Giants. The rookie left tackle was always going to go through some growing pains as a rookie, especially considering how much football he missed throughout the summer. That proved to be the case versus the explosive edge-rushing duo of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.

Coleman fought valiantly to hold things steady on the blindside when given reps, but this game was a sign of how much hard work is ahead for the player. With Trey Hendrickson up next when Washington travels to the Cincinnati Bengals for Monday Night Football, it'll be interesting to see how much work the No. 67 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft gets.

This is all part of Coleman's learning experience. Taking him out of the firing line seems unlikely, even though it would be understandable. What's more likely is allocating him a similar number of reps, letting Lucas take the lead, and hoping things improve. He'll get better with every contest, but Hendrickson is one of the league's best when it comes to energetic pressure.

Nobody would blame the Commanders if they leaned into Lucas a little more on the road with the national spotlight glaring. This was always going to be a gradual process for Coleman. One indifferent showing against outstanding opposition doesn't change that.

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