Commanders' rookie already changing everything through four games

"Winning the starting right tackle job before the campaign was just the first step for Josh Conerly Jr. The Washington Commanders' start to the season had some stern tests attached, and the first-round pick was going to be firmly in the firing line. As expected, Conerly went through a baptism of fire. The No. 29 overall selection came up against the vaunted New York Giants defensive front to start the campaign."

"Fans were fearful when Conerly was going into Week 3 versus the Las Vegas Raiders without in-line blocking tight end John Bates to depend upon. Maxx Crosby is a four-time Pro Bowl defensive end who no doubt smelled blood in the water. Everyone was on the edge of their seats at Northwest Stadium to see how the Oregon product would fare. They needn't have worried. Conerly came of age. He didn't give up a sack or even a pressure against Crosby."

"Things might not be going quite according to plan for the Commanders through four weeks. He's not the finished article just yet. Conerly's run blocking needs work, and the player must continue to add play strength. He's conceded four sacks and 13 pressures to date. Still, most fans would have taken that upon further examination of the dynamic opposition in the tackle's way during his welcome to the NFL."

Josh Conerly Jr. won the starting right tackle job for the Washington Commanders as a first-round, No. 29 overall pick. He faced elite pass rushers early, including Brian Burns, Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, and struggled in initial games. Conerly produced a breakout performance in Week 3 versus the Las Vegas Raiders against Maxx Crosby, allowing no sacks or pressures, and followed with another strong outing in Atlanta. Through four weeks he has allowed four sacks and 13 pressures. Run blocking and play strength remain areas for improvement, but pass-protection progress is encouraging for the rookie.

Read at Riggo's Rag