Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn G Fiume/GettyImages

Dan Quinn made the gutsy call Commanders fans swore would backfire

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 1:30 PM ET

Nobody needed to tell Dan Quinn that Josh Conerly Jr. was going through a hard time to begin the campaign. The Washington Commanders' first two games were against teams with phenomenal defensive fronts. Unsurprisingly, the rookie right tackle struggled accordingly.

As the Commanders reshuffled their offensive line interior, Quinn kept faith in Conerly. The head coach believed that the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was capable of weathering the storm. However, fans weren't holding out much hope with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby coming to town.

Crosby is one of the league's most relentless edge rushers. There are very few who manage to nullify this threat. It wasn't easy, and there were times of struggle, but Conerly achieved this feat better than most.

Commanders saw flashes of Josh Conerly Jr.'s potential against Maxx Crosby

It helped that Andrew Wylie was alongside him on the interior. It helped that Ben Sinnott answered the call to become a solid blocking tight end. It helped that the Commanders were able to establish a rushing attack, gaining more than 200 yards on the ground. Even so, Conerly was nothing short of outstanding versus one of the NFL's elite.

Conerly was one of six tackles around the league who didn't give up a single pressure in Week 3, according to Pro Football Focus. Considering the former Oregon standout gave up 11 over the opening two games, this represents a positive step forward.

The OTs with zero pressures allowed in Week 3 pic.twitter.com/IjaPezEQQu
— PFF (@PFF) September 23, 2025

And against a formidable adversary such as Crosby, it's even sweeter.

Quinn could have easily removed Conerly from the firing line. The Commanders have experienced figures such as Wylie, Trent Scott, or George Fant capable of filling the void. However, the coach threw his support behind the player, and this was rewarded with a significantly improved performance under the spotlight.

This will be a massive confidence boost for Conerly. He came through his baptism of fire to begin the campaign relatively unscathed. No game in the NFL is easy, but these early experiences against some All-Pro-caliber performers are only going to serve him well moving forward.

Conerly will be tasked with keeping his fellow first-round rookies — James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker — quiet against the Atlanta Falcons. Veterans such as Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie should also log prominent reps and must be accounted for. It's another stern test for the edge protector, but he finally has some momentum to build upon.

This vote of confidence from Quinn and Washington's offensive coaching staff was just what Conerly needed. Hopefully, this can become the catalyst for a profitable long-term career with the Commanders.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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