Houston's loss is Commanders gain?

While the Washington Commanders’ run to the 2024 NFC Championship Game marked a resurgence for the franchise, scepticism lingers about their ability to sustain success.

Critics point to their decisive loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship match-up as evidence of lingering flaws—a concern not entirely without merit.

Years of organizational mismanagement and underwhelming drafts under former head coach Ron Rivera left the roster with glaring holes, forcing the new regime to rely heavily on short-term veteran signings to patch gaps in 2024 (and beyond).

Yet the Commanders’ front office, led by GM Adam Peters, took a significant step toward stability by addressing a critical weakness: securing elite protection for rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels. In a bold move, Washington acquired three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Houston Texans, ensuring Daniels’ blindside is shielded by one of the NFL’s premier linemen.

Peters, who played a key role in the San Francisco 49ers’ acquisition of Trent Williams—a move that transformed their offensive line—has again prioritized a cornerstone tackle to anchor the trenches.

The trade raised eyebrows across the league, particularly in Houston. UKHTTC founder Christian Burt recently discussed the ramifications of the deal with Houston Texans UK, diving into how the Texans’ loss could become the Commanders’ immediate gain.

On the surface it seems strange for any team to let go of a star LT, which do not grow on trees as the saying goes. Did this come as a surprise?

I guess you can say there was both surprise and a feeling of yeah, I can understand the move.

The Texans this season really had to address the O-line struggles this off season and if that meant turning Tunsil into value at this point in time why not.

Big change requires big moves.

It seems Tunsil took some time to clean up pre-snap penalties in 2024 especially with the officials heavily enforcing pre-snap penalties. Did he show Improvement as the year went on?

The frustration caused by Tunsil pre snap penalties was there for all to see with the fanbase and the coaching staff.

I lost count with just how many times the Texans got themselves into late down but manageable situations just to be pushed back into 3rd and very long due to multiple consecutive line penalties and of course #78’s number was called.

At one point in the year the fans were calling for him to be cut so, no, his 2024 season didn’t crown him in glory.

Although making the pro bowl and his pass blocking being in the top 5 the Team decided to move on as they have spent big on an OL that hasn’t produced.

What will Commanders fans love about Tunsil?

If he comes in with the right mindset and you get a clean playing dude, then the fans will love the production he can produce.

He never came across to me in his time there as one of the very best locker room guys or somebody that went out of his way in the community.

And what might cause some frustrations?

The aforementioned penalties.

When he isn’t locked in and focused you will know about it. I’m not going to bash the guy as he was a great servant for the team over the years but sometimes the off-field persona also needs to take a backseat.

How long I wonder if he has bad games before the gas mask Meme surfaces that usually tells you the kind of season he is having.

Is Laremy still a top 5 LT in the NFL?

Sure on his day Tunsil is an absolute unit and can block on the pass all day with great hands and feet.

If he gets his pass blocking back up from his rank of 23rd amongst 141 tackles from last year, then definitely. He has all the tools available it’s just the occasional mental lapses just pre snap that do all the damage.

Any character issues?

I may have touched on them briefly but some reports that come out is that the locker room may actually benefit from his absence which only time will tell from a Texans squad point of view.

I’m sure different teams get different results from different people. Cultures are different so anything that may have been an issue no matter how small with us may be a non-factor. I say all this on hearsay though as nobody really knows the character of these guys apart from the people who know him and work with him every day.

Finally, tell us a little bit more about the Texans fanbase in the UK

Well the UK Texans fanbase is a growing number and it’s great to see more and more people repping Htown in the UK.

From podcasts like the Turn Up for Watt podcast to an ever-interacting fanbase that is seeing more and more UK fans travelling to Houston to watch the team it’s exciting times.

Although we haven’t gone to the levels of meet ups, I would never rule that wouldn’t happen.

The franchise is young and hasn’t the accomplishments of many other teams but to back us and pick us to follow isn’t the easy route but the team we are assembling just now is something to get behind and one thing if you follow the Texans it’s going to be a rollercoaster.

I’ve been very lucky to have taken over this page many years ago and it’s grown in followers every year. I just want it to be a place for Texans fans to connect with each other and share opinion. Thanks to everyone who has supported this group so far #WeAreTexans