The Washington Commanders left Northwest Stadium on Sunday with a 21-6 victory over the New York Giants and a clear sign that one of their most important rookies is ready for the big stage. Left tackle Josh Conerly Jr., making his first career NFL start, more than held his own against a highly touted New York defensive front that featured playmakers like Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Conerly faced questions coming into the game about how he would handle the physicality and speed of an NFL defensive line. The answer was clear from the opening drive. He battled in the trenches, anchored the pocket for quarterback Jayden Daniels, and paved the way for late-game runs that iced the win.
“I mean, I feel like it was great for me because I was able to get out there and kind of do what I do,” Conerly said afterward. “Obviously, let up a side, have some pressures, but at the same time, I feel like it was good to start out with someone like that. So, I know where to adjust and how to get better from there. And I feel like there’s a little bit of everything I need to get better at.”
For a rookie, that perspective is invaluable. He did not shy away from admitting mistakes, but he also embraced the challenge. It is exactly the kind of growth Washington needs from its young cornerstone on the offensive line.
Quinn Praises Rookie’s Grit
Head coach Dan Quinn, who has stressed toughness and development since arriving in Washington, praised his rookie tackle for his approach. “Yeah, we knew this was going to be a tough matchup just with the style of Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are going to be there, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and like good matchups, good tough things,” Quinn said. “But one thing that I’ve learned about Conerly, like he really does like a challenge.”
Quinn noted that Conerly has consistently shown the ability to rise to the occasion. “In the early part of training camp, he was good. I would see it. And then we went to New England, and he elevated,” Quinn added. “And when you are a young player and you get your first start, there’s things you like, things you don’t. So, all of those things matter. Like the younger you are, man, like you want to like eat experience. I need them, I need every bit of it. And so, you grow, you make mistakes, you fail some, you do well and then he’s the type of player that does learn from it.”
That willingness to learn was on display throughout the night. Conerly relied on veteran guidance and leaned on teammates who helped him get through the game. “One hundred percent, I feel like I always have to,” Conerly said when asked about leaning on veterans. “We all have to lean on each other. That’s how we get through a full game.”
A great moment for Conerly Jr. was after the game when players were coming off the field, several offensive linemen made it a point to catch up with the rookie and hug and congratulate him on his performance. It showed that the rookie had earned their respect in a key divisional win to start the 2025 campaign.
Building Blocks for the Future
The Commanders’ offensive line was tested, but in the fourth quarter, they finally broke open a couple of big runs to secure the win. Conerly felt the payoff. “It felt great to finish, and you worked the whole game for big runs like that,” he said. “I’m gonna say we were inching along the whole game and finally broke a couple soon. Felt good.”
For Conerly, Sunday’s game represented more than a win in the standings. It was his first career NFL victory, a milestone he will not forget. “Yeah, I mean, really, that was my first win in 2025 of football,” Conerly said. “So, it felt great.”
The rookie admitted there were ups and downs in his performance, but he views that as part of the journey. “It was okay. Lots of ups and downs, but it’s all it started. And you can only go up from here.”
That mindset will be critical as Washington prepares for a quick turnaround against Green Bay and another star pass rusher in Micah Parsons. Conerly knows it will be a challenge, but Sunday’s debut showed he is ready to face whoever lines up across from him.
The Commanders may have found their long-term answer at right tackle. If Conerly’s first game was any indication, he is not just surviving; he is growing into the role of protecting Washington’s franchise quarterback for years to come.
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