Heading into the season, the offensive line was expected to be a bright spot for the Washington Commanders. Over the past two years, Washington ended each season as one of the NFL’s top 10 offensive lines.
Things looked different in 2022. Gone was perennial Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff and 2021 starter, left guard Ereck Flowers. Replacing them were veterans Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner. Norwell has struggled at times this season, and Turner has already been benched.
Washington has also dealt with injuries. Center Chase Roullier was lost for the season in Week 2. It’s the second consecutive season that Roullier ended on injured reserve. Also, center/guard Wes Schweitzer landed on IR, and right tackle Sam Cosmi has missed multiple games with an injury.
But perhaps Washington is turning a corner. Pro Football Focus named the Commanders’ offensive line as its offensive line of the week in Week 6:
The Commanders offensive line allowed one sack and three hurries against the Bears on Thursday Night Football, good for the second-best team pass-blocking grade of the week. They played well in the run game, too, putting up a 75.5 team run-blocking grade that ranked third.
Norwell finished with his highest PFF grade of the season in Week 6 at 85.8. Right tackle Cornelius Lucas came in behind Norwell, earning an 81.0 grade.
It wouldn’t be a shock if offensive line coach John Matsko moved Cosmi to guard and kept Lucas in at right tackle. That would fix two positions at once, and some feel Cosmi is better suited at guard.
The Commanders face a talented Green Bay defensive front in Week 7.
