Thank goodness that is finished.
Thank goodness the preseason has concluded. The finale for the Washington Commanders, a 30-3 loss to the Ravens, was brutal.
Ready to roll toward the real games, the real season. Frankly, Saturday was tiring and frustrating, as I had to stay informed of what was transpiring. So, why not take an entirely different approach? Why write about today’s game? I mean, it wasn’t a competitive game; the quarterback play was horrible for the Commanders, so I’m not going to say anymore about it.
Tuesday is NFL cut-down day, when the rules stipulate all teams must reduce their rosters to a maximum of 53. So, who have been the bright spots during this preseason?
Jaylin Lane (WR) showed explosiveness to serve well as a punt returner, and he also displayed that he has good hands in making some really nice catches this preseason. Also, notice that Lane did not play Saturday vs. the Ravens. The coaches like what they have seen in Lane, so they didn’t want to risk anything like getting injured.”Bill” (RB) Jacory Croskey-Merritt has impressed in drills, scrimmages, and both preseason games he played. Notice, he did not play today. Dan Quinn said after the game, they felt no need to risk another hit on his shoulder right now, so they let him rest.Chris Rodriguez (RB) ran hard and effectively in his only series today. The coaches wanted to get him a few game reps, and once he showed he’s ready, they pulled him. Rodriguez gained 34 yards in five carries, including a 12-yard run.Ale Kaho (LB) frankly, doesn’t he look like a better tackler than Kain Medrano? Yet, they did draft Medrano. Perhaps they try to get Kaho to the practice squad?Colson Yankoff (TE) is good on coverage teams, was open today, and Hartman missed him. Then, when he caught a pass, he broke a tackle and made it a 52-yard reception.The tight end room is packed. Zach Ertz and John Bates are the starters, with Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff returning from last season. Lawrence Cager has seized the attention of coaches, no doubt. Practice squad?Brandon Coleman (G) displayed maturity, telling the coaches he needed the work and wanted to get ready for the regular season. So Coleman was out there today getting in the reps.Dan Quinn liked what he saw from WR Noah Brown today in warmup. They worked him hard, and Quinn felt it was a good workout, which encouraged him to move forward into next week.Trey Amos (CB), the rookie second-round selection, has established himself as one who is making the team and is going to receive a lot of playing time in the opener.Jeremy Reaves (S) has exhibited aggressive tackling and is visibly a vocal leader. In the past, he has played only special teams; he may earn time this season at safety as well.
Speaking of bright spots, the Commanders do have Jayden Daniels.
Did we say thank goodness that the preseason is over?