GM Martin Mayhew: Commanders 'Feel Good' About OL in Front of Sam Howell
Optimism is the name of the game around the NFL as the regular season inches closer, and for the Washington Commanders, there are plenty of reasons to be excited - starting with the encouraging preseason that quarterback Sam Howell put together.
Entering his second professional season and first as the full-time starter, Howell is riding a wave of momentum after completing 28 of 37 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions during the Commanders' undefeated preseason.
Of course, it was only exhibition - but there was a lot to like about the way Howell threw the ball ... and yet, perhaps the most important thing for him moving forward isn't entirely about the way that he plays but how those around him perform, starting with Washington's offensive line.
Last season, the Commanders allowed the seventh-most sacks in the NFL with 48; Pro Football Focus ranked the unit as 23rd in pass blocking and 26th in run blocking.
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With a young quarterback under center, keeping a clean pocket and providing time to throw is particularly important, putting an even greater emphasis on how the offensive line plays ... and fortunately for the Commanders, general manager Martin Mayhew likes how the group has operated this summer.
"I feel good about our offensive line," Mayhew said Tuesday.
But, why?
Simply put, there's not a lot of carry-over from last year; from left to right, Washington is set to start Charles Leno, Saahdiq Charles, Nick Gates, Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie.
Gates and Wylie signed with the Commanders during free agency and provide a level of stability that was much needed up front, making Mayhew "happy" with his spring additions.
"I think Andrew's going to be solid for us at right tackle, (and) Nick Gates has been really solid for us throughout camp," Mayhew said. "Two experienced veteran players with a lot of skins on the wall."
The same can't be said for Cosmi, who's played in 23 games with 15 starts since being drafted in the second round in 2021. Much of the 24-year-old's time in Washington has been spent at right tackle, but he experimented at guard last year and the Commanders' coaching staff decided he's better suited there in the long run.
Another tackle-turned-guard convert on Washington's offensive line is Charles, a fourth-year pro who's battled injuries to the tune of playing in just 24 games with eight starts.
However, Charles stressed over the summer that he feels healthy, and Mayhew agrees - while also expressing confidence in Cosmi.
"Sam made a seamless transition from right tackle to right guard for us," Mayhew said. "Saahdiq has had his best camp since I've been here; physical, guy's athletic, he can get to the second level, does a lot of really good things. This has been the best he's played since I've been here."
The lone true staple up front for the Commanders has been Leno, who's started every game since signing with the team during free agency of 2021.
Leno, 31, brings lots of leadership, and Washington is banking on him having a big season while protecting Howell's blindside.
"Charles Leno, consummate professional, ironman," Mayhew said. "Knock on wood, he's always there, always steady, does a really good job for us."
Another intriguing element of Washington's line is that Mayhew is confident in the depth that's been compiled, singling out guard Chris Paul and tackle Trent Scott in a group that also includes rookie third-round center Ricky Stromberg and tackle Cornelius Lucas.
"I feel good about the group, and I feel good about our depth, too," Mayhew said. "So, I feel good about the guys we have backing those guys up as well."
The goal for all 32 teams is turning this optimism into production on Sundays, and while there are plenty of positives coming out of the Commanders' preseason, the official answer won't be in until kickoff on Sept. 10.
Washington is set to host the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
