Commanders' Offensive Line Key to Playoff Success?
The Washington Commanders' offensive line was seen as perhaps the team's biggest weakness. Allowing 48 sacks last year (ranked seventh-worst), the Commanders needed to fortify it.
Well, they have done just that. Veterans in Andrew Wylie and Nick Gates have come to the nation's capital, and now XFL star Jaryd Jones-Smith has been signed by Washington.
That is three new faces coming into the offensive line unit along with draftees in Ricky Stromberg and Braeden Daniels, and with Sam Howell likely embarking on his first season as an NFL starter, he will need all the help he can get.
Is the offensive line key to Washington's hunt for a playoff spot next season?
From Week 13 last season, the Commanders gave up 16 sacks. That is far too many, and in Howell's only start, he was sacked three times. That has to change.
With Eric Bieniemy taking over the offense, how he makes the line gel and perform will ultimately decide Washington's fate.
The defense led by Jack Del Rio was a vastly improved unit last season, and after adding cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who some have likened to Dallas Cowboys star Trevon Diggs, many expect the unit to improve again.
That makes what the offense and Howell's protectors do all the more critical.
Washington boasts an offense that is brimming with talent in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel out wide, and with the running back duo of Brian Robinson Jr and Chris Rodriguez Jr., the Commanders have the pieces to make some waves in the NFC next season.
But if Howell is constantly picking himself up off the turf, then Washington's skill players might as well have a seat on the bench.
It was deemed necessary to fortify Howell's protection heading into the offseason, and the Commanders have done just that. The unit needs to get into a rhythm, and if it can protect Howell, then this Washington team could surprise a few team's next season.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.
Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter
Follow Commander Country on Twitter.
Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here
