5 unsung heroes from Commanders' shock triumph at the Bengals in Week 3

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders gave Nick Allegretti a three-year, $16 million deal with a $5.89 million signing bonus and $9.02 million guaranteed in free agency. It's early days and there are still 14 games to go, but this already looks like a tremendous piece of business by the organization.

Allegretti's solved a problem position at the left guard spot effortlessly. He's eager to prove his worth as a prominent starter after starring deep into the Kansas City Chiefs' successful Super Bowl defense in 2023. The interior force is off to a tremendous start - something that was enhanced by another accomplished display at the Cincinnati Bengals.

The former seventh-round selection out of Illinois was outstanding in pass protection. Allegretti's aggressiveness and adaptability came across considerably once again. He also displayed outstanding reactions to jump on a Zach Ertz fumble to avoid catastrophe at a pivotal stage of the contest.

Washington's offensive line interior is quickly becoming one of the team's biggest positives. Allegretti's immediate influence is a big reason behind their initial success.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Luke McCaffrey was held without a target in Week 2 against the New York Giants. The stats proved that the rookie wide receiver was getting open, but something didn't click. That all changed during his limited but impactful involvement on Monday Night Football.

McCaffrey is a crisp route-runner with assured hands. He's a difficult cover even at this early stage of his career and with a little over two years experience at the wideout spot. Jayden Daniels trusts him fully, looking to the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft in critical moments to keep the chains moving.

The Rice product's catch on fourth down was a key early positive during the contest. McCaffrey finished the game by bringing in all three of his targets for 44 receiving yards. The Commanders will still take things easy with his development, but it wouldn't be a surprise if offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury didn't get him more involved as the campaign progresses.

General manager Adam Peters raised a few eyebrows by taking McCaffrey over other gifted receivers who were on the board at the time. If the first-year pass-catcher keeps this up, the front-office supremo will be vindicated.

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