Ben Sinnott, Luke McCaffrey and Jeremy McNichols
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New Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough's plan is tipped to save a draft flop.
David Blough’s primary focus as the new offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders is to get star quarterback Jayden Daniels back on track, but the first-year play-caller’s schemes can also help salvage something from a second-round NFL draft pick who has yet to live up to the billing.
Tight end Ben Sinnott hasn’t played anything like the 53rd-overall pick in 2024, but a former Commanders veteran at the position believes Blough will make the difference.
Logan Paulsen played five seasons as a tight end in Washington, and he told Redzone In The Lab, “What we’re transitioning to, or what we’re purportedly transitioning to with this Ben Johnson offense, I think fits that much more, because he (Sinnott) can play fullback, he can play in-line. He can work some of these releases off of play-action where he doesn’t have to work the technical footwork as much. It’s just like, ‘run fast, hit one cut, run to space, and we’ll get you a football.’ And I think that’s something that I’m pretty excited to see, and I think when you’ve seen him catch the football over the last two years, how long has he been here, two years? Yeah, like the preseason game against the Jets, not last year, but the year before, right? The big play he has against the Giants, they’re all off these play-action seams where he’s really working the middle of the field. And I think you’re going to get a lot more of that here with David.”
Deuce_Redzone
Logan Paulsen breaks down what Ben Sinnott’s ceiling could be with OC David Blough running the offense 🤔 #RaiseHail #Commanders
This is a wonderfully detailed breakdown not only of what Sinnott does well, but also of how Blough’s schemes will play to those strengths. Doing so will help the Commanders tap into Sinnott’s unfulfilled potential, rather than dumping him.
Paulsen’s take is echoed by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who is also expecting more from Sinnott in Year 3, thanks to Blough.
Dan Quinn Predicting Ben Sinnott Change
Quinn acknowledged how different Sinnott is from decorated veteran tight end Zach Ertz. The coach told reporters at the annual Scouting Combine, including JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports, how “I know they’re both playing tight end, but they’re featured differently in that way. What I do know is him on the move, whether it’s the run game, pass game, running away from people. Maybe not finding the zones and stopping, those are differences, and I’m looking forward to seeing that this year.”
JP Finlay
Dan Quinn says Ben Sinnott and Zach Ertz are very different players and that maybe Sinnott will be able to show more in the new offense
This answer hits upon similar themes to those expressed by Paulsen. Specifically, how Sinnott is more of a move-style tight end, able to play on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield.
The latter is a role he may have to get used to in Blough’s offense.
David Blough Template Brings Wholesale Changes
Finding enough ways to use Sinnott more often eluded Blough’s predecessor Kliff Kingsbury, but a role change under the new man on the headset could solve the problem. It would involve Sinnott spending more time in the backfield.
The potential switch was discussed by The Team 980. A discussion that began with the following comparison: “Ben Sinnott, who I just wanna remind everybody, Adam Peters compared to fullback Kyle Juszczyk after the draft, April 2024. Think about that. Ben Sinnott, the general manager compared him to a fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, in San Francisco, when they drafted him. It’s not the position he’s played, obviously. Kliff Kingsbury’s attack did not have a fullback.”
A key note from this on-air discussion was how Blough’s offense will be “more under center, more run-game married to play-action pass and bootleg. More sort of, you know, ’12’ personnel at times with say Sinnott and (John) Bates on the field. Both of whom can block and catch passes.”
The Team 980
Could Ben Sinnott play more of a fullback role in David Blough’s scheme after Dan Quinn’s comments? Kevin on the Commanders’ tight end
The idea of Sinnott becoming the de facto fullback in Blough’s offense makes sense. He’s already proved himself an able blocker when filling in for fellow tight end John Bates, one of the best-kept secrets in football.
Either Sinnott or Bates could function as a lead-blocker in the ground game. Using more two-back formations, with Daniels under center, is the best way for the Commanders to disguise run-pass intent the way Blough wants.
Whether Sinnott plays more fullback or earns extra snaps at tight end, the anticipated changes in Blough’s offense should get No. 82 onto the field more often. Letting Sinnott lean into his strength as a blocker, while also streamlining his route tree to focus on the areas of the field the 23-year-old thrives attacking coverage, mostly between the numbers, will be key.
Those things could yet make the decision to use premium draft capital on Sinnott look like an inspired move from general manager Adam Peters.