The Washington Commanders have had their fair share of struggles with their offensive line in recent years, and the team is looking to improve in 2023. With the opening of free agency, the team has wasted no time in addressing this concern by signing veteran linemen Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie.
The State of Washington’s Offensive Line
The Commanders’ offensive line has been a weak spot for the team in recent years. In 2022, the unit struggled to protect the quarterback, and the running game was inconsistent. Injuries to starters, such as Chase Roullier, only compounded the problem.
The Offensive Line Signings
The Commanders have made significant moves to improve their offensive line with the signings of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie. Both players bring experience and positional flexibility to the line, which is vital as the team looks to patch up spots that were inconsistent in 2022.
Nick Gates
Nick Gates played his first four seasons with the New York Giants, primarily as a left guard and center. Gates suffered a season-ending leg injury against Washington in Week 2 of 2021, requiring seven surgeries. He was able to rehab and play in 10 games for the Giants last year.
Gates’ Versatility
One of the most significant strengths of Nick Gates is his versatility. In his five NFL seasons, he has played guard, center, and tackle. This experience will be crucial for the Commanders as they look to improve their offensive line for the 2023 season.
Gates’ Injury Comeback
Gates’ career has been marked by his remarkable comeback from a gruesome leg injury he suffered in September 2021 against the Washington Commanders. He suffered multiple breaks in his leg and underwent seven surgeries. However, just over 13 months after that injury, Gates returned to his starting spot on the Giants’ offensive line. He played in 10 games, making eight starts, which is a testament to his hard work and determination.
Gates’ Leadership and Nastiness
Aside from his versatility, Nick Gates is also known for his effort, leadership, and the preferred nastiness that you want from your offensive linemen. He is beloved by New York fans and media, who appreciate his work ethic and intensity on the field.
Dan Benton, the managing editor of Giants Wire, spoke to Commanders Wire about Gates’ strengths:
“You’re getting a good one in Nick Gates,” Benton said. “For real. You and Washington fans are gonna LOVE that dude.”
Where Will Gates Play for the Commanders?
Gates’ versatility means that he can play in multiple positions, but he is better suited for playing inside at guard and center. Benton believes that Gates could be a starting center for the Commanders, but his intensity and heart make him an asset for any position on the offensive line.
Washington fans should be excited about the scouting report on Gates, which highlights his work ethic, leadership, and intensity. The Commanders have made a significant investment in a player who has already overcome significant adversity and has the potential to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
Andrew Wylie
Wylie brings experience to the Commanders’ offensive line, having played in 71 games in his five NFL seasons, making 59 starts. He played right tackle and guard for the Chiefs, and in 2022, he started every game at right tackle, including the playoffs. Wylie’s excellent performance in the Super Bowl win over Philadelphia earned him recognition as a key player in the victory.
Andrew Wylie’s Position Flexibility
Wylie’s versatility is a significant asset for the Commanders. He can play both guard spots and right tackle, giving head coach Ron Rivera the position flex he loves. With Wylie’s addition to the team, it’s likely that third-year OL Sam Cosmi will move to guard.
Wylie’s Scouting Report
Charles Goldman, managing editor of Chiefs Wire, provided a scouting report on Wylie, describing him as the “ultimate team player, tough as nails, versatile (starts at RG, LG and RT), great character, loves Pokemon and sports trading cards.” Goldman also believes that right guard would be the best position for Wylie, but he has the flexibility to kick out and play right tackle if needed.
The Washington Commanders have made significant moves to address their concerns over the offensive line, and the addition of Andrew Wylie is another step in the right direction. Wylie’s experience and versatility make him an asset for the team, and his performance in the Super Bowl shows that he can perform under pressure. The Commanders will benefit from his position flexibility, which will allow the team to address other areas of need in the draft or free agency.
Washington’s Offensive Line Moving Forward
The signings of Nick Gates and Andrew Wylie are a significant step in the right direction for the Commanders’ offensive line. With their experience and versatility, the two new recruits bring value to the team, which has struggled in this area. Gates and Wylie join starters Andrew Norwell and Chase Roullier on the roster. However, both veterans have contracts that could make them cap casualties in the coming weeks.
Chase Roullier, in particular, has had his season cut short in consecutive years due to injuries. He played in just two games last year, and head coach Ron Rivera has made it a priority to address the center position this offseason. The Commanders have some decisions to make regarding the starting lineup, but with the addition of Gates and Wylie, the team’s offensive line is already looking better for the 2023 season.
Current Possible Starters:
| Left Guard | Andrew Norwell |
| Center | Chase Roullier |
| Right Guard | Samuel Cosmi |
Injuries and Depth Issues
Wylie’s presence on the offensive line will also help the Commanders avoid injury concerns. Injuries have been a significant problem for the Commanders’ offensive line in recent years, with only Charles Leno playing in all 17 games in 2022. The center position was hit particularly hard, with Chase Roullier going down with a season-ending injury for the second year in a row. The Commanders had to rely on a combination of Nick Martin and Tyler Larsen, who had varying degrees of success.
The addition of Wylie will provide the Commanders with a reliable backup plan if any of their starters go down with injuries. With Wylie’s ability to play both guard and tackle positions, the Commanders can rotate him in if needed and avoid overburdening any one player with too many snaps.
Moreover, the Commanders will benefit from the progress made by Chris Paul, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Paul didn’t get a chance to show off his talent until Week 18, but once he got on the field, he played all 66 of the Commanders’ offensive snaps and allowed only one pressure. He will remain at guard in his second season and compete to be more active than he was as a rookie.
Conclusion
The Commanders’ offensive line has been a point of concern for the team in recent years, but the addition of Wylie and the development of Paul provide reasons for optimism heading into the 2023 season. With better depth, versatility, and the ability to avoid injuries, the Commanders’ offensive line should be able to provide solid protection for their quarterbacks and pave the way for a successful rushing attack. With decisions still to be made regarding the starting lineup, the Commanders have taken a significant step in the right direction to improve their offensive line for the 2023 season.
