The Washington Commanders weren't going to give Josh Conerly Jr. a free ride this offseason. They challenged him to earn the right to start in Week 1, and the first-round offensive tackle passed this test with flying colors.
Conerly went through some early growing pains. However, his outstanding performances throughout training camp, combined with his limited preseason involvement, led the Commanders to reward him with the starting right tackle gig in Week 1. And now, he gets the unenviable task of keeping the dominant New York Giants pass-rush out of the backfield consistently.
The Giants have one of the league's best defensive fronts. It's anchored by three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter are all first-round picks with the capability to wreak havoc if early momentum is generated. Washington has concerns about the protection's interior, so they'll need Conerly and Laremy Tunsil to form a highly productive tackle tandem.
Commanders' rookie Josh Conerly Jr. is confident before challenging Week 1 task
That's a lot to ask from a rookie on debut, but Conerly is taking everything in his stride. He knows what a stiff test awaits him at Northwest Stadium, but he's also confident of making an impact by relying on what got him this far to begin with.
"They're great. It's a great front, inside and out. They've been getting after it for quite a while. They've got Abdul [Carter], he's a great player. Got to see him in college a little bit. It is a dream, but at the same time, I've been preparing myself my whole life for this. Trust myself, trust my techniques, make sure I'm communicating, and just go out there and play free."
Josh Conerly Jr. via 7News DC
Big moment on Sunday for Commanders RT Josh Conerly Jr.
He told me, "it is a dream, but at the same time I've been preparing my whole life for this."
Love that confidence from the rookie. pic.twitter.com/J35JWVQdcS
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) September 3, 2025
Conerly isn't going to win every rep. There will be some growing pains, especially against such a prolific edge-rushing trio. At the same time, the former Oregon standout has enough physical and athletic tools to more than hold his own during his first taste of NFL regular-season action.
The Commanders thought a lot of Conerly. They didn't hesitate to take him at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft when he slipped through the net and into their lap. Learning from someone as accomplished as Tunsil has only helped his cause. Now, fans will get to see exactly what he's made of.
Washington is counting on Conerly to deliver the goods. The Giants will likely target him heavily as a potential weak link over the opening exchanges. If he can come through this tough measuring stick relatively unscathed, that should provide the platform needed to excel moving forward.
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