Changes are coming, and there are solutions.
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Washington Commanders' offensive line is facing some issues, especially on the left side. But general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have now confirmed that there will be no personnel shifts after the bye week.
Instead, Quinn believes it's the concepts that need a little work.
And that is going to solve everything.
Commanders must think outside the box to solve offensive line woes
Sounds good, in theory. But the protection in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels lacks the requisite talent, and no changes in the team's approach can mask it.
Of course, things would be different if the Commanders still had Laremy Tunsil to lean on. The five-time Pro Bowl left tackle is an elite performer and an exceptional leadership presence. Losing him to a torn triceps was a devastating blow, and the ripple effects have been detrimental.
No quarterback is under pressure more than Daniels. The secret is now out on this unit, and opposing teams know exactly what areas to exploit.
As for the Commanders' offensive line depth? It's almost nonexistent.
But what can the Commanders do to compensate for these clear flaws?
Simplifying the offensive could make Commanders more efficient
Daniels is getting no time to go through his progressions in the pocket. The Commanders could run more one-read looks with screens and slants to keep him out of harm's way. This should keep defenses honest, but it's not a sure-fire way to move the chains.
Establishing the run would also help.
The Commanders are missing Jacory Croskey-Merritt, which isn't ideal. Rachaad White will be the lead back once again in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he's underwhelmed. Whether that's down to poor performance or a lack of quality blocking is debatable, but it's a collective failure that must be addressed.
There is also the option of different personnel packages to give the offensive line more help.
Specifically, 13 personnel.
Three tight ends along the line of scrimmage with one running back and one wide receiver might make things predictable, but the Commanders need all the help they can get. This is a growing trend around the league, and Washington has the pieces to use this more effectively.
Commanders must consider adopting more 13 personnel to make things easier
The Commanders have two serviceable blocking tight ends in Ben Sinnott and John Bates. Chig Okonkwo can also help, and he'd be an asset for play-action. And with two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, more 13 personnel could be the way to go.
According to Sumer Sports, the Commanders are using 13 personnel on 11.81 percent (45 plays) of their offensive snaps this season, above the league-wide average of 9.11%. The team has called 34 run plays and 11 passing plays out of this formation.
The Los Angeles Rams lead the way in 13 personnel usage at 33.68%. Their offense seems to be doing just fine, so offensive coordinator David Blough must seriously consider upping the number of times he deploys this alignment.
If anything, it gives Washington's offensive line some much-needed help. And this could open things up a little later in the game once the tone has been set.
It's just a thought. But the potential benefits are clear.
And with concerns about the protection and how the receiver room will cope without McLaurin, it's certainly a viable route for Quinn and Blough to take.
Because whatever they've done up to now just hasn't worked consistently enough. And if the same trend continues, heads will roll.