When a season Is lost, protect your pillars and test the margins

Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil delivered another Pro Bowl-worthy season whether he plays again this season or not (All Pro Reels)

ASHBURN, Va. — This late in a lost season, future clarity matters more than immediate competition. The Washington Commanders don’t need to prove toughness or loyalty. They need to protect cornerstone players like left tackle Laremy Tunsil, continue leaning into real progress from award-winning running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and use the current freedom to take bigger or any swings with the bottom of the roster.

I have thoughts on such matters heading into Saturday’s 5 p.m. home game against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.