John Bates may not be the flashiest piece on Washington’s roster, but Week 3 puts him right at the center of the Commanders’ survival plan against Seattle.
With Chig Okonkwo sidelined by a lingering hamstring injury, Washington is left leaning on a tight end room that has done little as a pass-catching group so far. That makes Bates even more valuable, because the Commanders don’t need him to be a roving mismatch weapon against the Seahawks. They need the veteran to do the dirty work that keeps backup quarterback Marcus Mariota upright.
That starts with protection. Offensive coordinator David Blough has to find a way to survive Seattle’s pressure looks, and the Seahawks have plenty of ways to bring heat. Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde are willing to blitz from all over the place, and they especially like sending defensive backs after the quarterback.
Slot cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori are central to that plan. Witherspoon was a problem for the New England Patriots in last season’s Super Bowl, and he blitzed seven times during Week 1’s Super Bowl rematch with the Patriots, according to Pro Football Reference. Emmanwori, meanwhile, is the kind of hybrid defender who gets more dangerous the closer he gets to the line of scrimmage.
Drake Thomas has become another piece Washington has to account for. Through two games, he has one sack, three pressures, one hurry, and a quarterback knockdown.
That’s a lot for Washington’s offensive line to handle on its own, which is why Bates matters so much. He can be used as an extra body in passing situations, helping give Mariota even a chance to operate cleanly. Ben Sinnott is the obvious next tight end in the passing game, but the Commanders’ offense won’t have much room to function if the protection plan falls apart.
Bates’ importance shows up just as much in the run game. Seattle’s best work comes from the middle of its defensive front, where Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II anchor a group that also includes Jarran Reed, DeMarcus Lawrence, and second-year pro Rylie Mills. Washington has to slow that interior group down early and stay out of obvious passing downs.
That’s where Bates’ blocking can matter most. If he can hold up on the edge, Washington can help create double-teams inside and open lanes for Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. It also gives the Commanders a better shot at keeping the Seahawks from unleashing those blitz packages as often.
The numbers at tight end tell the story of how much Washington needs more from the position. Through two games, the Commanders’ tight ends have six catches for 49 yards, according to JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports.
So while Bates has always been a niche player, this matchup asks for exactly what he does best. For Washington, the path to keeping this game competitive starts with playing safe, staying ahead of the chains, and letting Bates help hold the front together.
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