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Despite coming off a season in which the Washington Commanders’ offensive line allowed a league-leading 65 sacks, those within the team were more optimistic about the unit’s prospects entering the 2024-25 season, and they were rewarded for their faith through four games.
ESPN’s John Kim spoke to several team sources who pointed to numerous factors in the sack total — from former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s emphasis on the pass, to quarterback Sam Howell’s tendency to hold onto the ball as well as the overall talent level of the group.
Washington made several offseason changes on offense, including adding rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, veteran center Tyler Biadasz, left guard Nick Allegretti and left tackle Brandon Coleman. As a result, the Chiefs head into Week 5 with the 11th-most sacks allowed in the NFL.
“We know they (the offensive line) weren’t the most prepared to start the season,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told reporters. “But they really take pride in their approach as a unit and their physicality, finishing, toughness and their communication is great.”
With a powerhouse quarterback in Daniels, who ranks fourth for shortest time before passing at 2.52 seconds, according to Kim, the offense has had more time and opportunity to show its dominance over the league’s best defenses, as it ranked third in time before that. Bag in 5.38 seconds.
Heading into Week 5, the 3-1 leaders will face the struggling Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson.
