Dan Quinn has been waiting for a second-round pick from his first draft as Washington Commanders head coach to prove his worth, and that’s just what happened during the 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
It was backup tight end Ben Sinnott who had Quinn effusive with praise. The hype from his coach was merited because of how effectively Sinnott replaced the Commanders‘ “secret weapon.
He’s has been one of football’s best-kept secrets as arguably the best blocker at his position in the NFL, but John Bates was hardly missed against the Raiders. That’s because Sinnott helped dominate the line of scrimmage to key a rushing attack prolific enough to amass 201 yards, shared between a cadre of backup running backs with a point to prove.
Quinn credited Sinnott because “that’s the most he’s played and the best he’s played,” per ESPN’s John Keim. The latter also noted Quinn praised the way offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury “did a good job allowing Sinnott to use his speed to beat guys to the punch. Different blocker than John Bates in terms of how he should best be used.
Those are strong words about a second-year pro who struggled to live up to the hype as a rookie. Justifying his draft status has been tough for 2024’s 53rd-overall pick, but Sinnott has stepped up to solve a not-insignificant problem for the Commanders.
Ben Sinnott Solving Problem for Commanders
He’s flirted with draft bust status up until now, but former Kansas State stud Sinnott is proving invaluable for helping maintain an integral part of this season’s offense. Namely, how Bates springs big plays in the running game with crucial blocks from a roving role.
The importance of what Bates does was summed up best by how uncertain Commanders coaches sounded about their ability to replace the unfashionable but crucial veteran. As Quinn told reporters, including The Team 980’s Ben Standig, after Bates suffered a groin injury against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, it “wouldn’t be in exactly the same way, just plug and play.”
This lukewarm endorsement prompted Standig to comment it “Doesn’t seem like staff is comfortable with Sinnott as TE2.”
Doesn’t seem like staff is comfortable with Sinnott as TE2. But 12 personnel needed at times, especially with Maxx v. Conerly.
Perhaps 6OL is the not exactly the same way.
Fortunately, Sinnott convinced his coaches of his worth with his performance against the Raiders. What No. 82 put on tape was a series of punishing blocks from a variety of alignments.
The multiplicity and physicality of Sinnott’s skill-set were highlighted by Nick Akridge of Pro Football Focus.
He may not replicate Bates’ impact exactly, but Sinnott is showing he can be a vital part of a running game acting as the backbone of Kingsbury’s offense. A ground attack set to be even stronger once Bates returns from injury and forms a powerful double act with Sinnott.
John Bates’ Return Will Take Commanders’ Run Game to New Heights
He’s not back yet, but Bates will be a difference-maker once he returns to the field. His talent for putting defenders on skates is why the Commanders handed the 27-year-old a three-year contract extension worth $21 million this offseason.
It’s handsome money for a backup, but Bates earns his keep because of plays like these highlighted by NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger, from the 21-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 1.
Bates has established a niche role for himself the Commanders value highly, but Quinn and Kingsbury may expect more Sinnott. He wasn’t drafted so early just to block, and the clock is still ticking on the 23-year-old to prove himself enough of a receiving threat to be a credible successor to 34-year-old three-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz.
In the meantime, Sinnott and Bates can combine to underpin a run game averaging a league-leading 5.7 yards per carry.
Dan Quinn Praises Replacement for Commanders ‘Secret Weapon’