Last year at this time, multiple Washington Commanders were named to the Pro Bowl Games. This year, only punter Tress Way earned the nod. Way’s pick to the Pro Bowl is a testament to how good he is at his job, but it also speaks volumes that only the punter earned a trip to Orlando.
When you’re 4-11, these things happen. Some of Washington’s Pro Bowlers from a year ago, quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, spent much of this season injured, while linebacker Bobby Wagner played on one of the league’s worst defenses. While Wagner has had another productive season and is, as usual, among the NFL tackle leaders, he struggles in coverage.
Rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane was named as a second alternate as a returner, while linebacker Nick Bellore was named as a third alternate for special teams.
There was one glaring omission for the Commanders: left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil has started all but one game for the Commanders after coming over in a trade. He’s been dominant as a pass blocker, earning an 88.9 pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, which is No. 2 in the NFL for offensive tackles with 200 or more pass blocking snaps.
No one is surprised that Tunsil has erased opposing pass rushers. It’s his run blocking that has surpassed expectations. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury praised Tunsil’s run blocking recently, noting that his left tackle was going to get paid a lot of money.
Here are the three tackles who made the NFC’s roster: Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions), Trent Williams (49ers) and Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers). All are phenomenal. But you could make the case that Tunsil has been just as good, if not better. The problem is that once a player makes the Pro Bowl, he’s often selected again and again. Tunsil is a five-time Pro Bowl selection, all of which were while he was in the AFC.
When the Commanders acquired Tunsil last offseason, he had two years remaining on his contract. You can bet that GM Adam Peters will make extending Tunsil one of his top offseason priorities.