In an instant, all of the Washington Commanders' concerns in the wide receiver room have evaporated. Stefon Diggs finally got his emotional homecoming, and he's the final piece of what figures to be an upper-echelon offense this season.
It also means there are no more excuses for new offensive coordinator David Blough.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels is ready for Year 3. Rachaad White and new sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen join Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the running back room, which could be a tone-setting trio if they all meet expectations.
David Blough has everything he needs after Commanders sign Stefon Diggs
Free agent signing Chig Okonkwo is poised for a breakout at tight end. And now, Diggs will line up opposite two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, who has been healthy and fully committed all offseason after a frustrating contract holdout cast a dark cloud over the franchise last year.
The only question is the man who'll be calling the plays. And there's no reason Blough shouldn't be just what the doctor ordered.
Blough received high praise from his mentors Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson after his surprising promotion was confirmed by Washington. He was coveted by the Detroit Lions to take their vacant offensive coordinator position, but head coach Dan Quinn acted first, promoting him from within after his vision for the offense no longer matched Kliff Kingsbury's approach.
The former player's rise from assistant quarterbacks coach to running the entire offense in only one month will be an adjustment, and Commanders fans had better hope he's up to the task. But based on all indications from offseason camps, he is already making a palpable difference.
Under Blough, Washington should run the ball more and feed its tight ends. The Commanders will also utilize play-action sets and be creative in getting the ball to their top playmakers. Their tempo won't be as frantic as it was under Kingsbury, but will still be fast-paced enough to throw defenses off.
Things were already looking promising under Blough's leadership, and now the young assistant has an exciting new toy to work with.
Diggs will be a reliable short-yardage target whose elite route running makes him a coach's dream. His high-profile arrival also gives the offensive staff more wiggle room in how they choose to utilize developing youngsters such as Antonio Williams and Luke McCaffrey.
Provided this offense stays healthy, there is no excuse for it to be anything less than a high-octane machine. The Commanders have new playmakers at every skill position, and the addition of Diggs gives Washington its best receiving tandem since Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson were in town.
It's all a matter of whether or not Blough can make the pieces click. And he's got the innovative concepts to make things happen.
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