Where did the Commanders’ offensive line rank for the 2024 season?

The Commanders’ offensive line overachieved in 2024.

When Dan Quinn hired Bobby Johnson as Washington’s offensive line coach last offseason, fans of the Bills and Giants laughed. New York fans blamed Johnson for the Giants’ poor offensive line play in 2023 despite having a group of underachieving players.

Johnson had the last laugh. He led an offensive line with three new starters, including a rookie left tackle, to one of the NFL’s top rushing teams.

Pro Football Focus did power rankings for offensive lines and recently revealed its 2024 season rankings, with the Commanders coming in at No. 10.

Selecting Brandon Coleman out of TCU in the third round of last year’s draft paid dividends in 2024 for the Commanders. Washington initially rotated at left tackle until Coleman steadily improved and eventually won the starting job for the second half of the season.

Washington’s offensive line ranked 25th in PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating in 2023 and finished eighth in 2024 with an 86.8 rating. The unit allowed 155 pressures — including 18 sacks —  on 654 snaps.

Best player: Sam Cosmi

Even though Cosmi had a slightly down season following his contract extension, his 74.3 PFF pass-blocking grade still ranked 14th among guards this season.

Washington struggled with some teams, especially Philadelphia’s big, athletic offensive line. The Commanders, outside of quarterback Jayden Daniels, struggled to run in multiple games during the second half of the season. Considering the shape of Washington’s offensive line one year ago, the unit made tremendous progress in 2024.

As it turns out, Johnson can catch after all.

The starting offensive line will look different next season. General manager Adam Peters understands that he must continue to build the trenches after the previous regime ignored it for years. Washington will likely be without Cosmi early in the season after he tore his ACL in the NFC divisional round win over the Lions.

Center Tyler Biadasz, signed as a free agent last March, was Washington’s MVP along the offensive line. He brought stability to a position with multiple starters for the previous three seasons.

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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Commanders vs. Eagles: Inactive list for NFC championship game

The inactives are in for the NFC championship game for the Eagles and Commanders.

The Washington Commanders shocked everyone on Saturday by downgrading defensive tackle Daron Payne from questionable to out. Payne broke a finger two weeks ago and was also dealing with a knee injury he suffered last week. Sunday’s NFC championship against the Philadelphia Eagles will only be the second game Payne has ever missed since entering the NFL in 2018.

So, as the Commanders prepare to face the Eagles for the third time this season — this time for a trip to the Super Bowl — Payne’s name headlines Washington’s inactive list alongside guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi injured his ACL in last week’s win at Detroit and is out for the remainder of the playoffs.

Here are the Commanders’ inactives:

  • 13 WR K.J. Osborn
  • 16 QB Jeff Driskel (Emergency 3rd QB)
  • 24 CB Michael Davis
  • 36 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
  • 45 LB Dominique Hampton
  • 76 G Sam Cosmi
  • 94 DT Daron Payne

The Eagles are at full strength for today’s game as center Cam Jurgens, who was a game-time decision with a back injury, is active. Also, quarterback Jalen Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert, both dealing with injuries, are in the starting lineup.

Here are the Eagles’ inactives:

  • QB Tanner McKee
  • CB Eli Ricks
  • DB Lewis Cine
  • OL Nick Gates
  • OL Darian Kinnard
  • G Trevor Keegan
  • WR Ainias Smith

Commanders’ Sam Cosmi has message for teammates, fans

Sam Cosmi posted a heartfelt message to his teammates and Washington fans.

Sam Cosmi has been knocked down, but he is not pitying himself.

The former Texas Longhorn tackle was injured Saturday night in the second quarter of the Commanders’ 45-31 upset over the Lions in Detroit.

The right guard was rolled up under from behind, never saw it coming, and head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury to be season-ending for Cosmi. It is an ACL injury, which explains why Cosmi could not return to action in the second half against the Lions.

Cosmi played on teams that struggled in his first three seasons under Ron Rivera and did not produce a winning record. Last week, he expressed his appreciation for being part of this team.

Consequently, rather than sit around and feel sorry for himself (which would be understandable), Cosmi reached out to his fellow teammates and the fan base on Sunday, expressing his gratitude for this remarkable 2024 Washington Commanders season.

In an Instagram post, he expressed that this season has been a dream for him, that he loves seeing the DMV full of pride in the team, and thanked his brothers (teammates) for bonding together for something bigger than themselves. Understandably, Cosmi said he is both grateful and heartbroken. He then told his teammates to go win the Super Bowl.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFBiICtuiOe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Cosmi was drafted 51st overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the Commanders, played tackle and has blossomed when he was switched inside to guard.

 

 

Former Longhorn Sam Cosmi ruled our for remainder of the NFL Playoffs

While the Commanders were able to stun the NFL world on Saturday, it came at the cost of former Longhorn Sam Cosmi.

While the Washington Commanders moved one win closer to an NFC title on Saturday, they lost one of their key players. During Brian Robinson’s first touchdown of the game, former Longhorns offensive lineman Sam Cosmi went down with a knee injury. On Sunday, the Commanders issued an update on the former second-round pick.

When speaking with reporters, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed what many had feared following a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport earlier in the day that described the injury as potentially serious.

“Unfortunately some tough news on Sam,” Quinn told reporters. “He does have an ACL injury, so that will knock him out for the rest of the season. He’s been a significant part of what we’re doing, especially in the interior. So, that’s a big deal.”

With Cosmi out for the rest of the postseason with a torn ACL, the Commanders will be without an important piece. The Texas native started at tackle for two seasons after being drafted before switching to guard in 2023. Part of the reason Cosmi has become so critical is his ability to block in space on screens. The Commanders’ offense has been hard to stop with him in the lineup.

To replace Cosmi, Washington could turn to Trent Scott. He subbed in for Cosmi during the Commanders’ 45-31 win over the Lions and has gotten most of his playing time this season at tackle. The Commanders could also opt for Michael Dexter, who has started 35 games in his six-year career at guard and center.

Sam Cosmi injury update: Dan Quinn offers unfortunate update on Commanders guard

Disappointing news for the Commanders and Sam Cosmi.

There was only one blemish in Washington’s 45-31 win over the Detroit Lions Saturday in the NFC divisional round. Right guard Sam Cosmi went down with an injury in the second quarter and did not return.

The replay showed a Detroit defender rolling up Cosmi from behind.

On Sunday, head coach Dan Quinn said Cosmi suffered an ACL injury and is done for the remainder of the playoffs. This is obviously a big blow to Washington’s offensive line in the playoffs, but it also means Cosmi could miss some time early next season, depending on his recovery.

Veteran offensive tackle Trent Scott played right guard after Cosmi departed, and it looks like that will be the case from now on, beginning with next week’s NFC championship game.

Cosmi, a second-round pick in 2021, moved to guard in 2023, excelled, and earned a four-year extension just before the season began. Cosmi has started every game at right guard over the last two years.

Cosmi, one of the team’s best young players, has been outspoken about his happiness playing for head coach Dan Quinn and Washington’s new regime.

Former longtime NFL offensive lineman weighs in on ‘BS holding’ call

Former NFL OL weighs in on those questionable holding calls.

The Washington Commanders won their fourth consecutive game Sunday, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 to clinch a playoff berth. Quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Commanders on a last-second game-winning drive for the second week in a row.

However, something hangs over Washington’s performance in the last three games: NFL officiating. The Commanders are dealing with mounting injuries and multiple questionable officiating calls. Let’s not forget the mistake officials made in the win over New Orleans in Week 15 by not keeping the clock moving and essentially allowing the Saints a free play to try to win the game. The NFL acknowledged the terrible mistake.

Last week, the Commanders were called for six penalties for 93 yards. Three of them were defensive pass interference penalties on cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Two were called on the same drive, essentially giving the Eagles a touchdown. Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman weighed in on those calls.

In the win over the Falcons, Washington was penalized 13 times for 108 yards. In some fairness to officials, several of the calls against the Commanders were correct. Mike Sainristil’s neutral-zone infraction that cost Washington four points was the right call.

However, two holding penalties against right guard Sam Cosmi were highly questionable. Even NBC questioned the penalties, especially the first one, during the broadcast.

On Monday, former NFL offensive lineman Will Montgomery, a 10-year veteran who spent six seasons with Washington, took to X to call the second holding penalty against Cosmi, a “BS holding call.”

Here’s Montgomery’s post:

Montgomery provides some excellent details here. It’s important to note that the first holding call was essentially exactly the same scenario.

Ben Standig of The Athletic, via David Aldridge, noted how Sunday night’s officiating crew was No. 1 in defensive holding calls and No. 2 in offensive holding calls.

NFL officiating impacts every game and every team. Unfortunately, the NFL, with its record ratings and profits, does not see it as an issue. Over the last two games, Washington’s opponents have also been hit with questionable calls. Fortunately for the Commanders, they didn’t lose any of these games.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

A solid backup quarterback is the most important thing to an NFL team, and Kenny Pickett finally had his moment after Jalen Hurts was forced to exit with a concussion. The former Steelers first-round pick had one ugly interception but made some big throws as Philadelphia went into the half with a 2-14 lead.

An Eagles win would give Nick Sirianni, the head coach, his second NFC East title in four years.

Here are sights and sounds from the first half.

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Multiple Commanders dealing with illnesses ahead of Week 16 showdown vs. Eagles

While other players are now sick, Tyler Biadasz will be back vs. Eagles.

On Sunday morning, the Washington Commanders were surprised to learn that center Tyler Biadasz had woken up with an illness. The Commanders immediately added him to the injury report and worked him out before the game against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Biadasz wasn’t able to go, and Washington missed him.

While the Commanders won, the offensive line wasn’t the same without Biadasz. Quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked a season-high eight times, and the running game, outside of Daniels, never got going.

Good news: Biadasz will be on the field Sunday when Washington hosts the red-hot Philadelphia Eagles.

“Absolutely, I’m playing, I’m playing,” Biadasz said about Sunday. “You can’t get me out of this game.”

While Biadasz will return, Biadasz’s illness has spread through the locker room. On Thursday, right guard Sam Cosmi and tight end John Bates missed practice due to illness. With Zach Ertz in the concussion protocol, Bates will play even more against the Eagles, while Cosmi is Washington’s top offensive lineman. Cosmi also missed Wednesday’s practice.

Sunday is still a few days away, and there’s a good chance Cosmi and Bates will be fine. However, now the concern will be the illness making its way through the entire locker room.