Landover, MD – Washington Commanders’ first-round draft pick, Josh Conerly Jr., has been navigating a challenging start to his NFL career. After displaying encouraging progress in his initial appearances, the young offensive tackle experienced a setback during a recent contest against the Dallas Cowboys, drawing the ire of opposing players and raising questions about his growth.
Cowboys’ Clowney Criticizes ConerlyS Performance
Table of Contents
- 1. Cowboys’ Clowney Criticizes ConerlyS Performance
- 2. film Review Presents a More complicated picture
- 3. Rookie Adjustments and the NFL Learning Curve
- 4. The Importance of Offensive Tackle Development
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Conerly
- 6. What specific technical flaws in Conerly’s pass-rush technique are contributing to his struggles against NFL pass rushers?
- 7. Cowboys’ Lost Generation: Josh Conerly’s Role Under Scrutiny Amidst Failing Performance and Video Evidence
- 8. The Rising Expectations & Early Promise of Josh Conerly
- 9. Performance Decline: A Statistical Breakdown
- 10. The Viral Video & Increased criticism
- 11. Examining the Root Causes: Technique, Strength, and Mental Game
- 12. The Cowboys’ Offensive Line Situation: Context Matters
Following the game, veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney publicly voiced his assessment of Conerly’s performance, stating bluntly, “Dude can’t block nobody.Dude sucks. I just ain’t on him enough.” These comments, quickly circulated through NFL media channels, fueled concerns about the rookie’s ability to protect the quarterback at the professional level. Clowney recorded five tackles,one sack,two pass breakups,and one tackle for loss during the contest.
film Review Presents a More complicated picture
Though, a detailed examination of the game film reveals a more nuanced story. While Conerly undeniably struggled at times, particularly against a formidable Dallas defensive line, he also demonstrated flashes of potential and even managed to hold his own in several key matchups. He displayed solid technique and strength in select plays,mitigating some of Clowney’s pressure.
Analysts point out that Conerly wasn’t solely responsible for the Commanders’ offensive struggles. the entire protection unit experienced difficulties against the Cowboys’ front seven, with onyl returning right guard Sam Cosmi performing to expectations.This suggests a broader systemic issue rather than an individual failing by the rookie.
Rookie Adjustments and the NFL Learning Curve
It’s crucial to remember that Conerly is still adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. He entered the league with high expectations, selected at No. 29 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting the commanders’ confidence in his potential. His assignment as a Week 1 starter alongside veteran left tackle Laremy Tunsil underscores the team’s belief in his long-term prospects.
According to data from Pro Football Focus, offensive tackles typically require approximately three seasons to fully acclimate to the NFL. Early struggles are common, and consistent development is key. The Commanders appear prepared to provide Conerly with the patience and support necessary to reach his full potential.
| Player | Position | draft Year | Draft Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Conerly Jr. | Offensive Tackle | 2025 | No. 29 Overall |
| Jadeveon Clowney | Defensive End | 2014 | No. 1 Overall |
Did You know? Offensive linemen often face a steep learning curve in the NFL,as they transition from battling college-level competition to facing elite-caliber pass rushers week after week.
Pro Tip: Analyzing game film from multiple angles can provide a more accurate assessment of a player’s performance than relying solely on statistics or soundbites.
Ultimately, the situation with Josh Conerly serves as a reminder that rookie evaluations shoudl be approached with prudence and patience. While criticism is inevitable, a extensive assessment, considering both on-field performance and the broader context, is essential.
The Importance of Offensive Tackle Development
The offensive tackle position is paramount in today’s NFL, demanding a unique blend of size, strength, agility, and technique. Protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes are crucial responsibilities, and teams invest important resources in identifying and developing talent at this position. The success of a franchise often hinges on the quality of its offensive line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Conerly
- What position dose Josh Conerly play? Josh Conerly Jr. plays offensive tackle for the Washington Commanders.
- When was Josh Conerly drafted? He was drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft with the 29th overall pick.
- What did Jadeveon Clowney say about Josh conerly? clowney publicly criticized Conerly’s blocking ability after a game against the Commanders.
- Is it common for rookie offensive tackles to struggle? Yes, it’s very common for rookie offensive tackles to experience challenges adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NFL.
- What are the Commanders’ expectations for Josh Conerly? The Commanders believe Conerly has the potential to become a cornerstone of their offensive line for years to come.
What are your thoughts on Josh Conerly’s performance so far? Do you think Clowney’s comments were justified, or too harsh for a rookie?
Share your opinions in the comments section below!
What specific technical flaws in Conerly’s pass-rush technique are contributing to his struggles against NFL pass rushers?
Cowboys’ Lost Generation: Josh Conerly’s Role Under Scrutiny Amidst Failing Performance and Video Evidence
The Rising Expectations & Early Promise of Josh Conerly
Josh Conerly, the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 third-round draft pick (105th overall), entered the NFL with important hype. Touted as a developmental tackle with immense potential, the former Oregon standout was expected to contribute to the offensive line’s depth and eventually compete for a starting role. Initial reports from training camp were positive, highlighting his size, athleticism, and raw power. The Cowboys, consistently seeking to bolster their offensive line protection, saw Conerly as a key piece in their long-term strategy. Early projections focused on his potential as a future left tackle, a position of critical importance for protecting Dak Prescott. However, the reality of his first two seasons has fallen drastically short of these expectations, leading to increasing scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
Performance Decline: A Statistical Breakdown
Conerly’s on-field performance has been a consistent source of concern. Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades paint a stark picture:
* 2023: Conerly’s PFF grade hovered around 45.0, consistently ranking among the lowest of all rookie offensive tackles. He allowed 25 pressures and 5 sacks in limited playing time.
* 2024 (through Week 8): Despite increased opportunities due to injuries, Conerly’s performance has declined. His PFF grade has dropped to 40.2, and he’s already allowed 30 pressures and 7 sacks.
* Pass Blocking Efficiency: A key metric for offensive tackles, Conerly’s pass-blocking efficiency is currently below 80%, considerably lower than the league average.
* Run Blocking: While showing flashes in run blocking, consistency remains a major issue. He’s been penalized multiple times for holding, hindering the Cowboys’ running game.
These statistics demonstrate a clear trend: Conerly is struggling to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL. The Cowboys’ investment in his development is currently yielding minimal returns. The team’s offensive line rankings have suffered as a result, impacting the overall offensive output.
The narrative surrounding Conerly took a dramatic turn in October 2025 with the emergence of a viral video. Captured during a practice session, the video showed Conerly repeatedly beaten by backup defensive end, Viliami Fehoko Jr., in one-on-one pass-rush drills. The footage quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread criticism and fueling speculation about Conerly’s future with the team.
* social Media Reaction: #JoshConerly and #CowboysOL quickly became trending topics on X (formerly Twitter), with fans expressing frustration and disappointment.
* Analyst Commentary: ESPN’s Todd McShay called the video “concerning,” stating that Conerly appeared “overmatched” and lacking the necessary technique to succeed at the NFL level.
* Internal Response: Sources within the Cowboys organization have indicated that the coaching staff is “deeply concerned” about Conerly’s progress and is exploring all options.
The video served as a visual portrayal of the struggles that had been evident in the statistical data, amplifying the pressure on both Conerly and the Cowboys’ coaching staff. The incident highlighted the importance of offensive tackle technique and the challenges of transitioning from college to the professional ranks.
Examining the Root Causes: Technique, Strength, and Mental Game
Several factors appear to be contributing to Conerly’s struggles.
- Technical Deficiencies: Analysts point to issues with his hand placement, footwork, and overall pass-rush technique. He frequently enough struggles to anchor against powerful pass rushers and tends to get pushed back into the quarterback.
- Strength & Conditioning: While possessing good size, Conerly may lack the functional strength needed to consistently win one-on-one battles against NFL defensive linemen. A focused strength training program could be beneficial.
- Mental Processing: The speed of the NFL game requires quick decision-making and the ability to recognize and react to different pass-rush moves. Conerly appears to be struggling with this aspect of the game, leading to hesitation and missed assignments.
- Scheme Fit: Some analysts suggest the Cowboys’ offensive scheme may not fully utilize Conerly’s strengths, or adequately mask his weaknesses.
The Cowboys’ Offensive Line Situation: Context Matters
The Cowboys’ offensive line has faced significant challenges in recent years. Injuries to key players like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin have created instability and forced the team to rely on younger, less experienced players. This context is crucial when evaluating Conerly’s performance.
* Tyron Smith’s Absence: Smith’s frequent injuries have created a revolving door at left tackle, hindering the development of a consistent pass-blocking unit.
* Zack Martin’s Age: While still a dominant force,Martin is nearing the end of his career,raising concerns about the long-term stability of the interior offensive
