Commanders links
Articles
Pro Football Focus (Premium content)
NFL offensive line rankings ahead of Week 18
15. Washington Commanders (Down 7)
Projected Week 18 starters:
LT Brandon Coleman
LG Chris Paul
C Nick Allegretti
RG Andrew Wylie
RT Josh Conerly Jr.
The Commanders placed right guard Sam Cosmi on injured reserve last week due to a concussion, which thrust Nick Allegretti into the lineup against the Cowboys on Christmas Day. Allegretti struggled and earned a 44.9 PFF pass-blocking grade, though.
To make matters worse, center Tyler Biadasz suffered a lower leg injury in the loss. As a result, Allegretti moved inside to center and Andrew Wylie entered the game at right guard. Wylie earned a 42.3 PFF overall grade against the Cowboys in Week 17.
Best player: Chris Paul
Paul’s 77.0 PFF pass-blocking grade this season ranks sixth among all guards.
Commanders.com
Practice notes | Johnny Newton ‘wreaked havoc’ in opportunity as starter
Newton, lined up to the fight of center Cooper Beebe, had to fight off a double team and then go around fellow defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, which ended up obscuring him from Prescott’s view. The next thing the quarterback knew, he was getting slung to the ground for an eight-yard loss.
That opportunity came last week when it was announced that Daron Payne would miss the rematch against the Cowboys with a back injury. Although the Commanders fell to 4-12 with a 30-23 loss, Newton provided a glimpse of what his future could hold with three sacks and five quarterback hits, both of which were single-game career highs.
Pro Football Focus gave him the seventh best pass rush grade among defensive tackles in Week 17 ahead of players like Jalen Carter and Quinnen Williams.
It was an encouraging sign for what could come next in Newton’s career.
It was the first multi-sack game of his career, and he became the first [Washington] player to record at least 3.0 sacks in a single game since Preston Smith in Week 16 of 2015. His five quarterback hits were the most in a single game since Ryan Kerrigan (5) in Week 6 of the 2016 season.
It’s unclear what Newton’s workload will be in Week 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Daron Payne returned to practice as a full participant from his back injury, which would put him in line to return as the starter. But Newton showed that he can be a disruptive pass rusher, as he accounted for half of the Commanders’ six sacks.
ESPN
NFL head coaching carousel intel, latest Week 18 buzz, news
League sources consider it likely that Washington makes a change at defensive coordinator after Joe Whitt Jr. was stripped of playcalling duties earlier this season. The Commanders are 31st in total defense. Injuries and a lack of pass rush personnel have contributed, but coach Dan Quinn faces a critical third season in Washington and appears poised to make changes. Quinn has been calling the defense; whether he continues to do so will depend on an offseason review.
• Kingsbury’s head coaching candidacy is interesting despite Washington’s struggles. The Commanders rank 21st in total offense — ahead of Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — despite a poor supporting cast ravaged by injury. He’s a potential fit in Tennessee, with a young quarterback in Cam Ward who fits his style of offense. Las Vegas, should that job open as many around the league expect, will take a hard look at improving its offense. Kingsbury has been selective but is also open to becoming a head coach again. So while he’s not the shiniest name because of Washington’s record, I could see him being in the mix again.
• Former Giants coach Brian Daboll should be a viable offensive coordinator option for teams looking to hire one. He could get head coaching interviews, as well. He has significant playcalling experience and did some good things with Jaxson Dart before his November firing.
Heavy.com
Treylon Burks : Misses practice Thursday
Burks (illness) did not practice Thursday. Burks wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s injury report, an indication that his illness is a new development. Unless he’s able to resume practicing in full Friday, it appears that Burks will be assigned an injury designation for Washington’s season finale against the Eagles on Sunday, for which third-string quarterback Josh Johnson is trending toward another start.
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders must give their defense the offseason attention it deserves
There is a significant amount of hard work ahead. John Keim of ESPN believes this should all start with a defensive overhaul. And after watching this unit completely capitulate once again in 2025, anything less is organizational malpractice.
“In training camp, Washington’s defense often outplayed an offense without wide receiver Terry McLaurin, among other players. The defense appeared to be sound. Turns out, that was a mirage. The Commanders’ D enters the season finale ranked 31st in takeaways, 27th in points allowed, 29th in the red zone, 30th versus the run and 30th in yards allowed per play. Coach Dan Quinn took over playcalling duties from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in Week 11. The Commanders will need to settle the coordinator duties while seeking upgrades to every level of their defense. “John Keim
Keim isn’t alone. Fans are clamoring for the Commanders to get younger and more explosive on defense. There are too many aging veterans past their prime, and there are too many young breakout hopefuls who just haven’t come close to meeting expectations. Nothing but a complete revamp will do. And make no mistake; this should be the most pressing priority above all else.
Pro Football Focus (Premium content)
2025 NFL quarterback rankings ahead of Week 18
In this quarterback rankings breakdown, we’ve evaluated the top performers based on PFF passing grades. Using insights from Premium Stats, we’ll also present a variety of key grades beyond passing grade, including grades under pressure, from a clean pocket, against the blitz and more.
