Don’t tell that to Blough. While there may be some nerves on Sunday, Blough’s competitive juices will be flowing.
“I think we’ll all be ready to compete,” Blough said about Sunday against the Eagles. “I think you can trust your instincts when they’re founded in hard work, and our whole group has done that, you know? So, that’s kind of the mantra for us is, we’re gonna go cut it loose and, and let it all out there.”
That certainly doesn’t sound like a rookie offensive coordinator in only his third year of coaching.
While the national perception is that the Commanders will stink in 2026 because of their offensive line, someone forgot to tell Blough. Instead of focusing on who he didn’t have, Blough and offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton have continued to work and prepare with who they do have. And they like that group.
“I’m very excited, man. We have so much confidence in that group and the room as a whole, and Darnell’s done a fantastic job getting those guys ready. It’s been cool to see Brandon [Coleman] after Laramy [Tunsil] goes down, just step in and do a really good job. So, I’m excited to see them gel. You know, that takes time, and we’re really confident in that.”
Blough is correct. Offensive line play is about cohesion. And Washington’s current group wasn’t at full strength all summer. So, while the national narrative is one thing, the Commanders’ offensive line could be a pleasant surprise, barring further injuries, of course.
How does Blough feel about Sunday?
“What gives me confidence is that this game always comes down to fundamentals and the team that blocks better, the team that tackles better, the team that throws and catches better, the team that takes care of the football better, you know, will win the game,” Blough said. “And we’ve been drilling it; we’ve been teaching. So I’m excited for people to see what our unit’s about and our play style on full display, but we know as a group what it comes down to.”
That’s the perfect coachspeak answer from Blough. He believes it. The Commanders know that everyone believes the Eagles will not only win, but win convincingly. That’s a good spot to be in for the first-time coordinator.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: