5 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 3 at the Bengals
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
Jeremy Chinn came into the Washington Commanders with big ambitions to silence his doubters in 2024. The physically gifted safety was cast aside by the Carolina Panthers after falling out of favor with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. There were some positive early signs over the summer. Unfortunately, this hasn't transitioned to a competitive setting as yet.
Chinn hasn't performed well so far. There are deficiencies in coverage. More concerning is the former second-round pick's lack of explosiveness against the run. That was his big positive throughout a once-promising career that tailed off quickly.
Joe Whitt Jr. challenged his defensive players to be better during his latest appearance in front of the media. Chinn needs to step up and make his presence felt. It's a big season for the Southern Illinois product, who needs to prove he was a victim of his environment in Carolina and earn another contract along the way.
Showing out against the Cincinnati Bengals would be a good place to start. A big performance is needed with the entire NFL world watching, so it'll be interesting to see how Chinn copes with this added sense of expectancy.
Brandon Coleman or Cornelius Lucas
One of the biggest complications facing the Commanders through the opening fortnight centers on the left tackle spot. The coaching staff is flip-flopping between veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman. It's not doing much for continuity, so a big decision awaits Dan Quinn and his staff on Monday Night Football.
The Commanders have to counteract the supreme threat posed by Trey Hendrickson. Cincinnati's edge rusher is one of the league's most relentless forces in generating pressure. Unless the offensive staff has a plan to limit his influence, he'll be an immensely difficult proposition to stop.
Coleman got a rough ride versus the New York Giants, which is all part of his first-year learning experience. Whether this is a step too far against elite opposition on national television in only his third game remains to be seen, but the risks of giving him prominent reps versus Hendrickson are there for all to see.
While Lucas is more polished, his limitations are obvious. Getting whoever mans the left tackle position help - whether that's from John Bates at the tight end position or left guard Nick Allegretti - is imperative.