The Washington Commanders will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in a pivotal NFC matchup for each team. Washington (2-3) looks to snap a three-game losing streak while the Falcons (3-2) look to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South.
Here at Commanders Wire, we do an exercise each week where we hypothetically steal one player from the upcoming opponent to bolster Washington’s roster.
For some teams, it’s easy to pick one player to hypothetically steal, especially if they have a franchise quarterback. The Falcons are in the same position as the Commanders. Both teams have solid rosters but are banking on second-year quarterbacks being the long-term answer.
So, which player would we steal for Washington?
Unsurprisingly, the Commanders look to Atlanta’s offensive line, plucking away Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom from the Falcons. Lindstrom, 26, signed a five-year, $105 million contract earlier this year after earning his first Pro Bowl last season. Additionally, Lindstrom was named second-team All-Pro in 2022.
While the Commanders currently have Sam Cosmi at right guard, they could move him back to right tackle, giving them a young and potentially dominant right side of the offensive line. Washington could also move Cosmi to left guard.
Lindstrom would give the Commanders their first Pro Bowl offensive lineman since Brandon Scherff departed after the 2021 season, leaving a massive hole in the interior of Washington’s offensive line. Lindstrom is good in pass protection and even better as a run blocker. Like Cosmi, Lindstrom is excellent on the move and perfect for the screen game Eric Bieniemy likes to employ.
The Falcons have other talented players, such as electrifying rookie running back Bijan Robinson, cornerback A.J. Terrell, second-year wideout Drake London and more, but no one player would fit Washington’s needs quite like Lindstrom.