Josh Conerly Jr. Faces a Steep Challenge Against Maxx Crosby After Tough Start Against Micah Parsons
The Washington Commanders’ rookie offensive tackle, Josh Conerly Jr., is gearing up for another significant test as he prepares to face off against Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders. After a challenging outing against Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers, Conerly’s ability to adapt and grow in the NFL is under the spotlight.
A Rocky Beginning for Conerly
Conerly’s journey in the professional league has been anything but smooth. His debut against the New York Giants showcased his potential, but the subsequent week highlighted the difficulties of transitioning to the NFL. In the loss to Green Bay, Conerly struggled to find his footing, facing relentless pressure from Parsons, a player known for his explosive skillset and dominance.
“He’s definitely been thrown into the fire,” said Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. “You talk about the Giants’ front, and then you have Micah Parsons, who is as dominant as any player I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league. Now, he’s up against Mad Maxx this week. He’s got his hands full, but he’s progressing as a rookie should. I’ve been really proud of how he’s battled.”
Learning from Veteran Teammates
To navigate the tough competition, Conerly is leaning on the experience of his teammates, particularly Laremy Tunsil, a veteran with over a decade in the league. The bond between Conerly and Tunsil is evident, as they regularly work together to improve Conerly’s skills.
“That’s been awesome to see LT really take him under his wing,” Kingsbury noted. “They get out there early, work on pass sets, and talk through things. I know he took him down to Auburn to work out, and that’s not something we asked him to do; it’s just the type of person he is.”
This mentorship is invaluable as Conerly prepares to tackle the gauntlet of formidable defenders in the NFL. Tunsil’s guidance is helping Conerly gather the tools necessary to succeed against elite pass rushers like Crosby.
A Tough Road Ahead
As the Commanders gear up for their Week 3 matchup against the Raiders, all eyes will be on Conerly. The game is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, and the stakes are high for the rookie tackle. While the challenges are daunting, the lessons learned from his early experiences and the support from his teammates could prove pivotal as he continues to develop and adapt in a league known for its intensity and competition.
Conerly’s journey is just beginning, and with the right mindset and guidance, he has the potential to overcome these early hurdles and emerge as a key player for the Commanders.
