Commanders reveal a permanent change in the starting lineup

The Washington Commanders have decided to make a change on the offensive line. After Nick Allegretti started the season at center for Washington, head coach Dan Quinn announced that the Commanders will be permanently switching to Lucas Patrick as the new starting center. Patrick signed on Sept. 16 and made his first start for Washington at center in Week 3 against the Seahawks.

“[Lucas Patrick] is a pro’s pro of coming in, communication, calls,” Quinn said. “That group, specifically, has excellent connection. So, for somebody to come in new, it wasn’t, ‘Okay, he’s new.’ It was leaning in to help get him up to speed. So, I’ve certainly been impressed by what I’ve seen so far, the professionalism, the detail that he goes to. He’s been an excellent in-season

addition, and when you have players like that, that adds value, man. It just sticks out to you in that way.”

Through the first four games of the season, Allegretti had the lowest PFF grade of any center in the NFL with a grade of 40.5. His run-blocking grade was the lowest in the NFL at 41.6, and his pass-blocking grade was the second-lowest among centers in the league at 38.2. Therefore, the decision to switch to Lucas Patrick, who has been in the NFL since 2017, makes a lot of sense.

It is unclear whether Allegretti’s preseason injuries, including a calf strain that kept him out of most of training camp, contributed to his performance this season. Regardless, this change was necessary, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels returning with an elbow brace after dislocating his elbow in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Giants have the fewest sacks in the NFL through the first four weeks, which should help keep Daniels upright in this game.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders reveal a permanent change in the starting lineup