Commanders' underappreciated anchor refuses to break in chaotic times

Before the 2024 campaign, the last season in which the Washington Commanders had a center play at least 75 percent of the team’s offensive snaps was 2020. That happens to be the last year they made the playoffs before their heroic efforts under head coach Dan Quinn.

The premature ending of Chase Roullier’s career is one of the underappreciated storylines in the disastrous Ron Rivera era. He was an emerging force on the offensive line. He may not have been the best center in the league, but he was steady and reliable, playing a position where those qualities are just as vital as raw talent.

Center is a well-named position. They keep the line organized. They are the quarterback’s closest protectors. They are the only person who touches the ball on every single play.

Having a good center goes a long way toward stabilizing an entire offense. It should come as no surprise that All-Pro centers almost always come from the best teams in the league.

And the flip side is often true. If you have a weak, inconsistent center, you usually have a bad team.

Tyler Biadasz has stabilized a significant problem for the Commanders

That’s why one of the first things Adam Peters did when he took over as general manager was to ink Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal. Washington’s offensive line had been a patchwork for several years leading up to the general manager's arrival. It had been Sam Cosmi, Charles Leno Jr., and whoever else happened to be available.

Roulier, Tyler Larsen, Keith Ismael, Wes Schweitzer, Nick Martin, and Nick Gates had all taken turns at the position with almost no sustained success. Biadasz was precisely what was needed.

Biadasz was 26 years old when he signed the contract. He had just finished his rookie deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Washington's bitter rival, as usual, was in a dire salary cap position and could not afford to re-sign him, despite making the Pro Bowl in 2022.

The former Wisconsin prospect took his place at center with a brand new rookie quarterback behind him. He also had a first-year pro playing left tackle and a new free agent at left guard.

It was not the most cohesive of situations. Still, Biadasz turned in a typically steady performance, grading out in the upper half of league centers. He missed one game late. He then sat out the Commanders' final contest, after playoff positioning was set. Otherwise, he was on the field for more than 80 percent of Washington’s offensive snaps.

And, as all fans know, those snaps went to the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Through three games this season, Biadasz has continued to be the anchor. If anything, 2025 has proven to be a bigger challenge than his first season with the club.

When he lined up on opening day, every other lineman was either brand new or playing a different position. That included another rookie tackle, this time of the right side, and two guards who were shifting spots from 2024.

Three weeks into the campaign, both of those guards were replaced. Through it all, Biadasz continues to play at a solid, reliable level. The Commanders' offense ranks in the top 10 in total offense and yards per play. They are first in yards per rush. Pass protection has been an issue, but it should improve as Josh Conerly Jr. grows more comfortable.

Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson has had to focus on helping Conerly in the early stages of the season. He has had to devote attention to the rotating cast of guards. But he has not had to worry much about his center.

For the first time in five years, the Commanders have that spot covered.