The Washington Commanders preseason began on a positive note Friday night, defeating the Miami Dolphins 20-7 at Northwest Stadium.
The first preseason game was more about seeing how deep the team’s bench is, since some key players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and a lot of Washington’s starting defense didn’t play. It was a good chance to evaluate the younger players and see what they can do.
Washington got some promising performances from a few of their young guys, especially the running backs. The defense also showed some resilience, bouncing back from a tough start to the game.
They had a bit of a rough time on their first possession, but after that, they seemed to settle in and play better. Overall, it was a decent showing for Washington, and they got to see some of their younger players step up and make some plays.
This was a big moment for David Blough, the new offensive coordinator, and Daronte Jones, the defensive coordinator.
As you’d expect in a preseason game, they didn’t give away too much in terms of strategy, but Washington played a solid game, making few mistakes and dominating the action after Miami’s initial drive.
They came out strong and set the tone for the rest of the game, showing that they’re a force to be reckoned with. Overall, it was a promising start for the new coordinators and the team as a whole.
Commanders Preseason Starts Off Slow But Respond Back
After a strong joint practice, the Commanders started off a little slow against the first team offense for the Miami Dolphins.
Majority of the starter however did not start in the first Commanders preseason game.
Quarterback Malik Willis helped lead the Dolphins on a 14-play, 93-yard opening drive, completing four of five passes for 43 yards. De’Von Achane finished the possession with a one-yard touchdown run to put Miami ahead 7-0.
Washington responded with a field goal before they went on a run to shut down Miami offense.
Rookie Running Backs Steal the Show
Commanders preseason was entertained with plenty of competition in its running back room, and Allen and Henry made sure their names would remain part of the conversation.
Allen led Washington with 85 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Henry added 75 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts. Together, the two rookies accounted for 160 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries.
Henry provided the explosiveness, averaging 6.3 yards per carry and showing impressive vision and acceleration on his touchdown run. Allen brought a different style with his patience, physicality and ability to consistently keep Washington’s offense ahead of the chains.
It’s only one preseason game, but both players gave the coaching staff something to think about as Washington continues sorting through a crowded backfield.
Defense Bounces Back
After allowing Miami to march down the field on its opening possession, Washington’s defense settled in.
The Commanders did not allow another point for the remainder of the game, and the secondary created turnovers along the way. Safeties Quan Martin, Ale Kaho and Malik Spencer each recorded interceptions, with Martin making one of the more impressive defensive plays of the night.
Washington was without many of its established defensive starters, making the response from its younger players even more encouraging.
It wasn’t perfect, but Jones’ defense showed the ability to settle down, adjust and keep Miami off the scoreboard after the opening drive.
Marcus Mariota Injury Creates Concern
The biggest negative coming out of Commanders preseason game 1 was the injury to Marcus Mariota.
Starting in place of Daniels, Mariota exited in the first quarter after suffering a non-contact right knee injury while handing the ball off to Allen.
His departure gave Sam Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis extended opportunities.
Kaliakmanis finished with 87 passing yards and showed some encouraging decision-making, while Hartman had a more difficult night that included an interception. If Mariota is forced to miss significant time, Washington’s competition behind Daniels suddenly becomes much more important.
Stock Up, Stock Down
The Commanders Preseason football is ultimately about evaluation. The final score is nice, but Washington’s coaching staff will spend more time evaluating which players took advantage of their opportunities.
Several Commanders helped themselves Friday night, while others will need stronger performances moving forward.
📈 Stock Up: Robert Henry Jr.
Nobody helped his stock more than Robert Henry Jr.
The undrafted rookie finished with 75 yards on 12 carries, but it was his 22-yard touchdown that stood out. Henry showed patience before exploding through the opening and into the end zone.
In a crowded running back room, an undrafted player has to force the coaching staff to notice him.
Henry did exactly that.
Stock: ⬆️⬆️
📈 Stock Up: Kaytron Allen
Henry wasn’t alone.
Kaytron Allen showed why Washington invested a sixth-round pick in him. Allen carried the ball 23 times for 85 yards and a touchdown, providing Washington with a physical presence throughout the game.
Perhaps most impressive was his consistency. Allen didn’t record a negative rushing attempt despite receiving more than 20 carries.
Allen’s physical running style could give Washington another interesting option as the Commanders determine how the backfield will look behind the top of the depth chart.
Stock: ⬆️⬆️
📈 Stock Up: Quan Martin
Quan Martin entered the preseason with something to prove in Washington’s secondary, and he delivered against Miami.
Martin came away with an interception and also brought physicality to the back end of the defense. His performance stood out on a night when Washington was resting several defensive starters.
With roles still being determined throughout the secondary, performances like this can go a long way.
It is also worth nothing that Will Harris played all the way to the 3rd quarter, making his spot in question for the Commanders preseason
Stock: ⬆️
📈 Stock Up: Matt Gulbin
With Washington already dealing with questions at center, Matt Gulbin was one of the more intriguing players to watch.
The rookie had an encouraging preseason debut, showing positive moments as both a run blocker and in pass protection. His performance was also highlighted among Washington’s better individual showings against Miami.
With Nick Allegretti missing valuable center reps due to his calf injury, Washington needs somebody behind him to emerge.
Gulbin still has plenty to prove, but Friday night was a good start.
Stock: ⬆️
📉 Stock Down: Sam Hartman
The injury to Mariota created an immediate opportunity for Sam Hartman, but he wasn’t able to completely capitalize.
Hartman struggled with his accuracy, decision-making and pocket awareness while also throwing an interception. Those issues were particularly noticeable compared to Kaliakmanis, who showed some encouraging flashes later in the game.
With Mariota’s health now something to monitor, every quarterback rep behind Daniels becomes more valuable.
Hartman will need to respond in Washington’s next preseason opportunity.
Stock: ⬇️⬇️
📉 Stock Down: Johnny Newton
This preseason represents another opportunity for Johnny Newton to establish himself as a consistent disruptive presence along Washington’s defensive front.
The opener didn’t provide the start he was looking for.
Newton struggled at times holding his ground against Miami’s offensive line and was among the Washington defenders who had difficulties during the Dolphins’ successful opening possession. His performance was cited among Washington’s disappointing individual efforts.
One preseason game certainly isn’t enough to define Newton, but Washington will want to see more disruption from the former second-round pick as the preseason continues.
Stock: ⬇️
Plenty to Build On
Preseason results won’t matter once September arrives, but Washington couldn’t have asked for much more from its first game.
The Commanders got extended looks at several young players, discovered even more competition in the running back room and watched their defense respond after surrendering an opening-drive touchdown.
Most importantly, players such as Henry, Allen, Martin and Gulbin made the most of their opportunities.
The biggest storyline moving forward will be Mariota’s health and what it means for the quarterback depth behind Daniels. Washington will also continue searching for answers along the offensive line, particularly at center.
For now, though, a 20-7 victory over Miami gives Dan Quinn and his staff plenty of positive film to evaluate — and several young Commanders have already made their case for more opportunities in Preseason Week
