Commanders O-Line 'Work in Progress' Ahead of Season?

The Washington Commanders' o-line, regardless of playing time, will have to prove it can take a step forward by protecting Sam Howell on Monday against the Baltimore Ravens, even if it's only for a few drives.

When it comes to putting their offensive line to the test, the Washington Commanders only have two real opportunities left before the start of Week 1. 

One of those chances comes Monday night at FedEx Field against the Baltimore Ravens, as the two teams will suit up for their second preseason game.

But ESPN doesn't seem to think Washington's offensive line - especially when it comes to pass protection - will be able to fix its problems with the regular season now just a few weeks away.

"The line remains a work in progress, though the run blocking has been better than the pass protection so far. Their line won't rank among the NFL's best, but it needs to at least be middle of the pack for the Commanders to have a good season," ESPN's John Keim writes.

Based on last season's numbers, it's hard to argue this. Washington's trio of Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and Sam Howell combined to take 48 sacks last season, which would've been the second-highest total in the league. Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos and Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears both tied with a league-leading 55 sacks apiece.

Howell is now set to be the starter to begin this season, and the Commanders already have two solid building blocks on their line to help protect him in tackle Charles Leno Jr. and guard Sam Cosmi. Washington also invested in its offensive line in April's draft with the selections of center Ricky Stromberg and tackle Braeden Daniels.

But the unit, regardless of playing time, will have to prove it can take a step forward by protecting Howell on Monday against Baltimore, even if it's only for a few drives.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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