It hasn’t been a good year for Washington’s offensive line. Last offseason, it was no secret that the Commanders needed to upgrade the offensive line. Washington did sign two offensive line starters early in free agency, but center Nick Gates, who signed a three-year deal, was benched several weeks ago.
Andrew Wylie, who signed a two-year to start at right tackle, has struggled badly with opposing pass rushers all season. Quarterback Sam Howell was once on pace to shatter David Carr’s NFL single-season record of 76 sacks and has been sacked 58 times.
Howell has done a much better job of getting rid of the ball quicker over the last six weeks and is taking fewer sacks. However, as we saw in last week’s loss to Miami, he remains under constant duress.
Howell gets a break in Week 14 as the Commanders finally have a bye week.
So, where is Washington in Pro Football Focus Week 14 offensive line power rankings?
The Commanders fall to No. 26, down two spots from Week 13. Here’s what PFF had to say about Washington’s offensive line:
Projected starters entering bye:
- Giving up 14 total pressures — including three sacks — on 29 dropbacks, the Washington offensive line ranked just 24th out of 26 teams in pass-blocking efficiency in Week 13.
- Chris Paul’s 29.6 pass-blocking grade this season ranks just 72nd out of 76 guards in the NFL.
Best player: Sam Cosmi
- Cosmi earned an 88.4 pass-blocking grade against the Dolphins, which led all offensive linemen — regardless of position — in Week 13.
Paul entered the lineup at the same time as Tyler Larsen. Larsen replaced Gates, who was struggling, while Paul replaced Saahdiq Charles, who was injured. Regardless of who has played, it’s been a struggle.
Currently 4-9, the Commanders are likely to have a top-five pick — perhaps even higher — in the 2024 NFL draft, which could put them in a position to select elite left tackle prospect Olu Fashanu of Penn State.
