ASHBURN, Va. (7News) — It wasn’t the result the Washington Commanders wanted, but Friday’s 30-point loss to the New England Patriots to open the preseason was a wake-up call to the players and coaching staff.
Without the starters suiting up, Washington’s depth players and rookies stepped into the NFL spotlight and got their first taste of a live-action NFL game.
7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala spoke with all five of the Commanders’ 2025 draft picks about the experience.
“I thought it was a solid game for myself, personally,” said rookie offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. “Getting out there and practicing, I feel like that’s the only way you can get better. Keep working things that you know that you’re good at and fixing things that you know you’re not that good at.”
“Everything was smooth. Went out there locked in, focused, and when I stepped on the field it was just like all the nerves went away,” cornerback Trey Amos said. “It actually like slowed down for me. After the joint practice, felt the new wide receivers and the game just slowed down.”
Running back Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, who has been turning heads during training camp, had seven carries for a total of 24 yards on Friday. His longest went for nine.
“I was just blessed to be out there, but I think it was alright. I know I can improve on a lot of stuff, so it was good to take some of the stuff I can improve on and just bring it into next week. I’ve got a lot to clean up right now,” Croskey-Merritt said.