The Washington Commanders could soon face a big decision. With right guard Sam Cosmi out for a second straight game with a concussion, the Commanders will start a reshuffled offensive line in Sunday’s Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Last week, Washington started veteran Lucas Patrick at center. Patrick, a 11-year pro, signed with the Commanders on Sept. 16. Less than two weeks later, he was in the starting lineup. With Patrick starting at center, center Nick Allegretti moved to right guard in place of Cosmi.
In last week’s upset win over the Seahawks, Patrick played well. Washington moved the ball well against Seattle’s top-ranked defense, and the offensive line kept Mariota upright. Patrick was excellent with his communication—vital
for a center—and he always found someone to block, which means helping a linemate. Patrick was solid in pass protection and as a run blocker, and his snaps were clean.
This raises the question: should the Commanders make Patrick the full-time center once Cosmi is healthy? That would make Allegretti Washington’s top interior backup, capable of starting at three positions. That’s a role Allegretti is better suited for.
Here’s the problem: general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn spent all offseason telling everyone Allegretti was the answer at center. Anytime Peters had a chance to bring in another veteran to start, or at least compete with Allegretti, he refused. When Allegretti missed almost all of training camp with a calf injury, Washington’s lack of depth at center became more apparent. Making matters worse, the Commanders didn’t even know what they had in Allegretti at center.
In the first two weeks, Allegretti had his moments. Some plays looked good on tape, and some looked bad, too. In his one game at center, it was apparent that Patrick was a much better fit there. As much as Peters would hate to hear it, everyone saying the Commanders didn’t do enough at center was correct. It became even more glaring after last week.
If Cosmi is ready for Week 5, does Quinn stick with Patrick at center or turn back to Allegretti? Quinn hasn’t been afraid of making personnel changes. Would Peters agree with this potential move? He should. One problem is Patrick’s health. He’s dealt with injury issues, including this summer with the Giants. He also injured his foot last week, but played through it and is fine for Week 4 against the Colts.
This summer, Peters wasn’t happy when questioned about letting go of former starting center Tyler Biadasz. It was clearly a sore spot for him. If Patrick stays healthy, Washington has someone who can capably play center for the rest of the season. That, again, depends on Patrick’s health.
While this may be a big decision for Peters and Quinn, it shouldn’t even be up for discussion.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders could soon face a big decision
