Sports

Nobody is talking about the Commanders breakout force hiding in plain sight

Riggo's Rag · Jul 21, 2026 11:30 · 3 min read

Nobody is talking about the Commanders breakout force hiding in plain sight — Washington Commanders offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images) | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Washington Commanders right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. has put all the pieces in place for a Year 2 breakout, and nobody is talking about it.

The Washington Commanders are going under the radar again, which shouldn't shock fans.

They aren't being discussed among the Super Bowl hopefuls or even as a realistic challenger within their own division by many. That's standard procedure for a team that achieved just five wins last season, but there is a quiet belief in the building that a bounce-back is well within their capabilities.

It'll need to be a collective effort. The Commanders need their franchise cornerstones to stay healthy and perform to the high levels expected. They also need their young players to make the desired improvements, and there is a legitimate breakout being overlooked that warrants a bigger role in the conversation.

Josh Conerly Jr. looks primed for a Commanders breakout, and nobody is talking about it

Offensive linemen don't get much love. They are an integral part of any success that comes a team's way, but the flashier headlines on offense are reserved for quarterback, wide receiver, and even running back.

Even so, if the Commanders want to stand any chance of restoring pride this season, head coach Dan Quinn needs second-year right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. to take the next step.

And he looks more than capable.

To say Conerly endured a baptism of fire early in his rookie career would be an understatement. Brian Burns, Micah Parsons, Maxx Crosby, James Pearce Jr., and Khalil Mack were all on deck over the first five weeks. And with stud left tackle Laremy Tunsil on the opposite side, he was inevitably targeted as a weak link.

It was never going to be smooth sailing for Conerly, and he went through severe complications. How he came out on the other side was crucial, and fortunately for the Commanders, the former Oregon standout fought hard in the face of adversity.

Conerly's consistency over the second half of 2025 was much more encouraging. He gained confidence, looked much more assured in pass protection, and started to look like the player Washington envisaged when general manager Adam Peters drafted him at No. 29 overall.

This growth was just the start. Conerly worked on his conditioning and nutrition over the offseason, showing up to workouts looking more defined and ready to make his presence felt. He also spent considerable time away from the team working out with Tunsil, who's one of the most accomplished edge protectors in the business.

Tunsil has been a willing tutor to the young student. They've formed a close bond, and the five-time Pro Bowler sees a potential superstar in his teammate. Conerly is in the best environment to flourish, and even though he might not be a household name right now, it might not be long before some deserved adulation arrives.

The year of experience will serve Conerly well. The self-improvements made during the offseason are another plus for him. It might not be entirely perfect, but having a support system like Tunsil to lean on for advice and motivation isn't a bad thing by any stretch.

Conerly is a breakout waiting to happen. That brings extra pressure, but putting in the hard yards now should make things easier when the real action begins.

And if he achieves this objective, Washington's offense will benefit greatly.