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The Washington Commanders opened the preseason on Friday with a 20-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. After Miami scored on its first possession, the Dolphins would go the next 11 possessions without a score. During that time, the Commanders intercepted three passes and forced a turnover on downs. It was the type of defensive performance — preseason or not — Washington fans haven’t seen in recent years.
Most of the Commanders’ starters did not play. With the two teams having a joint practice only two days earlier, head coach Dan Quinn chose to give his backups and roster hopefuls a chance. Some of those backups and roster hopefuls took advantage of the opportunity, while others still have some work to do.
Which player helped his cause on Friday? Which ones still have work to do? Here’s our preseason Week 1 stock report.
Undrafted rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. (12-75-1 YD) and sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen (23-85-1 TD) combined for 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If we go by past years, the Commanders will likely keep four running backs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are roster locks. Jeremy McNichols isn’t a lock, but Washington loves him. He delivers in every aspect when his number is called. So, Allen and Henry could be battling for one spot, with the other potentially heading to the practice squad. It was a great night for the rookie backs, especially Henry.
Sam Hartman had a tremendous college career between Wake Forest and Notre Dame. But he doesn’t physically have the arm strength to play at the NFL level. Washington has kept him on the practice squad for the last two seasons. Hartman had a rough start on Friday but played better as the game progressed. Unfortunately for him, it won’t be enough, as rookie Athan Kaliakmanis looked like he belonged. Hartman is going to need to show much more to even remain on the practice squad.
The rookie sixth-round pick came off the bench and looked good. Yes, it was against Miami’s backups, but Gulbin did his job and made some key blocks in both the running and passing games. Go back and watch that Henry touchdown from above. Look for No. 66. Considering Washington’s concerns at center, Gulbin should start next week’s game and get some runs against Detroit’s starters, even if it is for only one series. That’s how you evaluate his progress.
There’s a reason that Good-Jones has been around the NFL for several seasons and has barely played. That’s not a knock on him. He’s good enough to make a roster and serve as a reserve interior lineman, but there is no way Washington could trust going into the season with him as the backup center. Good-Jones’s play strength is an issue.
Quan Martin needed a good night. The talent is there. After what looked like a potential breakout year in 2024, big things were expected last season. He regressed badly. So did almost everyone else on last year’s defense. He hasn’t exactly stood out in training camp, but sometimes that can be deceiving. Martin made more plays than just the interception in Friday’s game. He’s back in the mix, alongside Jeremy Reaves, to start at free safety. Based on Friday’s game, I’d rank him ahead of Will Harris.
It’s fair to ask if Newton will ever live up to being the former No. 36 overall pick. It’s also fair to wonder if the foot injuries Newton suffered have impacted his long-term potential. He flashed in the Dallas game last season. Outside of that, he’s mostly been a guy. I don’t see the Commanders cutting Newton. He could be a trade candidate. He will be given every chance to shine, even if it keeps him on the field longer in preseason games.
A second-year former UDFA, Barber was on the practice squad for much of last season. Ironically, in the same game where Newton excelled, Barber also stood out. Entering camp, Barber was more of a practice squad candidate. He was outstanding against the Dolphins. Very active against the run and in the pass rush. Barber has a real shot to make the 53.
Turn out the lights, the party’s over. Undrafted rookie Drew Stevens has already won Washington’s kicker job. Both kickers were perfect against Miami, but even Moody’s make wasn’t easy. He doinked it in from only 29 yards out. Stevens easily made his only FG attempt from 41 yards right down the middle. Moody will remain on the roster until the end, but there’s no way the Commanders are letting Stevens go in favor of Moody.
Certain players just always catch your eye. That’s 10-year veteran Antonio Hamilton Sr. After signing with the Commanders last season, injuries forced Hamilton onto the field. He was terrific on special teams and, truthfully, one of Washington’s better corners last season. NFL teams may not want to keep 33-year-old cornerbacks over younger players, but everything you saw from Hamilton on Friday exemplifies what head coach Dan Quinn says about what he looks for in players. With two more performances like Friday’s, Hamilton will make it hard on GM Adam Peters.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' preseason Week 1 stock report
Continue reading...
Most of the Commanders’ starters did not play. With the two teams having a joint practice only two days earlier, head coach Dan Quinn chose to give his backups and roster hopefuls a chance. Some of those backups and roster hopefuls took advantage of the opportunity, while others still have some work to do.
Which player helped his cause on Friday? Which ones still have work to do? Here’s our preseason Week 1 stock report.
Stock up: Rookie RBs
Undrafted rookie running back Robert Henry Jr. (12-75-1 YD) and sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen (23-85-1 TD) combined for 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns. If we go by past years, the Commanders will likely keep four running backs. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White are roster locks. Jeremy McNichols isn’t a lock, but Washington loves him. He delivers in every aspect when his number is called. So, Allen and Henry could be battling for one spot, with the other potentially heading to the practice squad. It was a great night for the rookie backs, especially Henry.
Stock down: QB Sam Hartman
Sam Hartman had a tremendous college career between Wake Forest and Notre Dame. But he doesn’t physically have the arm strength to play at the NFL level. Washington has kept him on the practice squad for the last two seasons. Hartman had a rough start on Friday but played better as the game progressed. Unfortunately for him, it won’t be enough, as rookie Athan Kaliakmanis looked like he belonged. Hartman is going to need to show much more to even remain on the practice squad.
Stock up: C Matt Gulbin
The rookie sixth-round pick came off the bench and looked good. Yes, it was against Miami’s backups, but Gulbin did his job and made some key blocks in both the running and passing games. Go back and watch that Henry touchdown from above. Look for No. 66. Considering Washington’s concerns at center, Gulbin should start next week’s game and get some runs against Detroit’s starters, even if it is for only one series. That’s how you evaluate his progress.
Stock down: C Julian Good-Jones
There’s a reason that Good-Jones has been around the NFL for several seasons and has barely played. That’s not a knock on him. He’s good enough to make a roster and serve as a reserve interior lineman, but there is no way Washington could trust going into the season with him as the backup center. Good-Jones’s play strength is an issue.
Stock up: S Quan Martin
Quan Martin needed a good night. The talent is there. After what looked like a potential breakout year in 2024, big things were expected last season. He regressed badly. So did almost everyone else on last year’s defense. He hasn’t exactly stood out in training camp, but sometimes that can be deceiving. Martin made more plays than just the interception in Friday’s game. He’s back in the mix, alongside Jeremy Reaves, to start at free safety. Based on Friday’s game, I’d rank him ahead of Will Harris.
Stock down: DT Johnny Newton
It’s fair to ask if Newton will ever live up to being the former No. 36 overall pick. It’s also fair to wonder if the foot injuries Newton suffered have impacted his long-term potential. He flashed in the Dallas game last season. Outside of that, he’s mostly been a guy. I don’t see the Commanders cutting Newton. He could be a trade candidate. He will be given every chance to shine, even if it keeps him on the field longer in preseason games.
Stock up: DT Ricky Barber Jr.
A second-year former UDFA, Barber was on the practice squad for much of last season. Ironically, in the same game where Newton excelled, Barber also stood out. Entering camp, Barber was more of a practice squad candidate. He was outstanding against the Dolphins. Very active against the run and in the pass rush. Barber has a real shot to make the 53.
Stock down: K Jake Moody
Turn out the lights, the party’s over. Undrafted rookie Drew Stevens has already won Washington’s kicker job. Both kickers were perfect against Miami, but even Moody’s make wasn’t easy. He doinked it in from only 29 yards out. Stevens easily made his only FG attempt from 41 yards right down the middle. Moody will remain on the roster until the end, but there’s no way the Commanders are letting Stevens go in favor of Moody.
Stock up: CB Antonio Hamilton Sr.
Certain players just always catch your eye. That’s 10-year veteran Antonio Hamilton Sr. After signing with the Commanders last season, injuries forced Hamilton onto the field. He was terrific on special teams and, truthfully, one of Washington’s better corners last season. NFL teams may not want to keep 33-year-old cornerbacks over younger players, but everything you saw from Hamilton on Friday exemplifies what head coach Dan Quinn says about what he looks for in players. With two more performances like Friday’s, Hamilton will make it hard on GM Adam Peters.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' preseason Week 1 stock report
Continue reading...
