— @JayDanielsMVP: Based on the three preseason games, what areas of depth do you expect to be addressed?
Someone responded to this question by saying they believe the quarterback position could be addressed, and I think it’s hard to dispute that after what he saw in the preseason games.
Neither Sam Hartman nor Josh Johnson stood out enough from my perspective to make choosing between them an easy decision. I could see the Commanders sticking with two quarterbacks on the roster, but if they want to keep three, which I believe they are at least interested in the idea, then it’s possible whoever fills that role isn’t on the roster right now. It also wouldn’t be hard to get Johnson or Hartman on the practice squad if that’s the route they want to take.
The receivers are in a similar position. I’m assuming the Commanders want to keep six on the initial roster, but if they didn’t, I wouldn’t blame them. There are some players who had great days sprinkled throughout camp, like Ja’Corey Brooks and Chris Moore, but none of those players stood out among the rest to claim that sixth spot. I think it will depend on who becomes available. If a player of the same caliber as Noah Brown gets released, I think they could take a chance. If not, they might just roll with the five they have, which isn’t a bad group.
— @AmatorLudis: Izzo seems to have been experimenting in preseason games (& that’s the best time to do so), but special teams also operated below team’s standard, especially the kick-off return unit. How will special teams units improve in less than two weeks?
I understand people being disappointed in the special teams unit. It certainly didn’t perform up to the high expectations head coach Dan Quinn has for the group. I don’t like taking this approach because it undermines a little of the nuance of how to play special teams, but I think the special teams unit is going to be fine, mostly because the players who made that unit special (no pun intended) weren’t on the field.
The Commanders took a different approach to the preseason compared to other teams. They rested most of their starters in favor of letting their depth try to earn a spot. There are different philosophies on how to get the most out of this time of year, but the Commanders have developed a strong reputation for doing what’s best for their players, so I’m not going to question it.
But back to the point I’m trying to make. Take that kickoff return touchdown they allowed against the Patriots. Neither Jeremy Reaves nor Nick Bellore were on the field for that play. I think things would have gone differently had they been there to make a play. It’s the same situation with the kickoff return unit that you highlighted. On top of that, their primary kickoff returners were not on the field, and I believe they could have one of the best duos if both Ekeler and Deebo Samuel do end up on the field together.
To be fair, I could be totally wrong here. There could be bigger problems, but I just find it hard to truly judge the group when most or all of their top options weren’t playing for most of the preseason.