The Washington Commanders head into Week 3 with their offensive line under heavy scrutiny after a 27–18 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked four times in the defeat as Washington’s reworked protection unit struggled to find consistency. Former Washington head coach Jay Gruden did not hold back when discussing the line’s performance on The Kevin Sheehan Show.
“They’re just not very good right now playing together,” Gruden said.
During an appearance on Grant & Danny on 106.7 The Fan, Gruden went a step further. He suggested the Commanders should sit rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr, “at least for this week,” in favor of veteran Andrew Wylie when Washington hosts the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday
Gruden’s Harsh Assessment
Conerly was Washington’s first-round draft pick, a player the front office believed could anchor the right side of the line after a standout career at left tackle in college. His physical traits and athleticism made him an appealing option to plug in immediately, but the transition to the NFL — and to the opposite side of the line — has proven bumpy. Gruden’s suggestion isn’t about giving up on the rookie, but rather protecting Daniels while Conerly adjusts to the pro game.
Wylie, meanwhile, is a known commodity. The veteran started at right tackle for Washington last season and won a Super Bowl as a starter with the Kansas City Chiefs. He doesn’t bring the upside Conerly offers, but his experience and familiarity with NFL pass rushers make him a safer short-term play.
Rookie Growing Pains
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reported the Packers’ defensive front “dominated with its speed and power,” leaving Washington’s offense looking as poor as it has since at least 2023. The right side of the line — with Conerly at tackle and Nick Allegretti at guard — “struggled the most,” and Daniels spent much of the night under duress.
The problems weren’t confined to protection. Washington’s receivers struggled to gain separation, and in a critical fourth-and-four in the fourth quarter, Terry McLaurin was not even on the field. For a team still searching for offensive rhythm, the miscues quickly added up.
Gruden’s suggestion of a one-game pivot to Wylie reflects a pragmatic approach to helping the rookie find his footing. It’s not a long-term indictment of Conerly’s potential but rather a short-term adjustment to stabilize the unit as it searches for cohesion.
Raiders on Deck
The timing of the decision is critical. Maxx Crosby is one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and has a history of wrecking games against unsettled offensive lines. He posted double-digit sacks in each of the past three seasons and routinely ranks near the top of the league in pressures. For a line still working to establish chemistry, Crosby represents as tough a matchup as there is, even coming off back-to-back games where Washington faced elite pass-rushing talent in the Giants and Packers.
Coming off a mini bye week following a Thursday night showdown, the Raiders will travel to the Commanders for a Week 3 matchup at 1 p.m. ET. Whether it’s Conerly or Wylie at right tackle, the priority will be keeping Daniels clean and healthy while the offense searches for rhythm.
Ex-Coach Says Commanders Should Sit Rookie Starter in Week 3