The Washington Commanders (2-1) open NFC East play on Sunday against the division-leading Philadelphia Eagles (3-0). The Commanders are looking to pull off the upset at Lincoln Financial Field for the second consecutive season.
As we prepare for each week’s game, we here at Commanders Wire like to play a game where we hypothetically steal one player from the upcoming opponent.
The Eagles have several players who could help the Commanders. After all, Philadelphia may have the NFL’s best roster. Two positions of strength are the defensive line and wide receiver. However, Washington is strong in both of those areas.
Philly is also strong at cornerback, but the Commanders like their cornerbacks, two of whom are on rookie contracts.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts would be an obvious answer, but Washington needs to upgrade the offensive line. The Eagles have the NFL’s best offensive line. Therefore, the one player the Commanders would steal is All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson.
Yeah, we know Johnson is 33. Who cares? He’s still, arguably, the top right tackle in the game, continuing to play at an elite level. Could you imagine what Johnson could do for Washington’s offensive line? Imagine pairing Johnson at right tackle with promising right guard Sam Cosmi. Two big, athletic guys who can move would do wonders for the Commanders.
Through three games, right tackle has been Washington’s worst offensive position. Yes, that can change, but if the Commanders had a chance to steal a player from the Eagles, stealing an elite offensive lineman from their rivals would be the smart choice.