The Commanders are making a much-needed change at a position to repair a decision that backfired already this season
The Commanders are making a change that had to happen.
The Washington Commanders have shown some flaws early in the season, but one has stood out above the rest in a big and surprising way so far.
Going into the season, there were a lot of positions that seemed much improved top to bottom, and the offensive line was thankfully one of them. After two weeks, however, things haven’t gone as hoped, and it was time for the Commanders to make a change this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders that probably should’ve happened before the season.
Andrew Wylie starting at RG
The Commanders’ offensive line as a whole improved with the additions of Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr, which helped move Brandon Coleman to left guard and Nick Allegretti to right guard, but they still have yet to mesh well as a unit, and something needed to change. The team is sticking with rookie right tackle Conerly Jr, but they are helping him out in a big way by starting Andrew Wylie at right guard over Nick Allegretti, who has struggled massively.
Allegretti and Conerly Jr. have really struggled on the right side of the line, and they’ve allowed 17 pressures and five sacks combined already this season. The team wants to see Conerly Jr. stick it out through a tough start against the best pass rushers in the league, including Maxx Crosby coming up, but starting Wylie at right guard helps give the rookie some help on his inside from a player who started at right tackle last year.
Andrew Wylie is reliable
Wylie should’ve been the starter at right guard to start the season with Sam Cosmi still out, and he’s had experience at both guard and tackle on the right side. Last season, he didn’t allow a single sack as the starting right tackle, and he knows exactly how Conerly Jr. is going to be playing based on experience. This allows Wylie to better help Conerly Jr. in certain situations, while giving him advice and communicating on the fly against an All-Pro pass rusher.
Wylie just gives you the experience and reliability with a higher upside than Allegetti, even at guard. Marcus Mariota was announced as the starter for Sunday with Jayden Daniels out with his knee injury, and they need the best five up front on the line, and that’s exactly what they’re doing on Sunday. This could be the long-term move until Cosmi comes back if Wylie performs well, which I’m expecting.
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