The Washington Commanders had their moment in the sun during their preseason finale versus the New England Patriots. Before the game, majority ownership partner Josh Harris showcased the new facilities, leaving supporters eager to see how the roster bubble players would perform. Head coach Dan Quinn rested his starters 🛑, allowing those on the margins a final chance to establish themselves.
This was the last chance for those competing for a roster spot to make their mark 🏅. Despite several spectacular performances and disappointments, the commanders achieved a morale-boosting victory at home 🏟️. Now, the focus is on final cuts and preparation for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 🏴☠️. Adam Peters, the new general manager, will face difficult decisions, some of which may be simpler than others. This preseason finale provided a crucial evaluation tool 🛠️ as the team prepares for hard talks in the coming days.
Following Washington's preseason victory over the Patriots, here are three winners 🥇 and two losers 😞.
To compete with free-agent addition Dorance Armstrong Jr. 💪, the Washington Commanders want a powerful pass-rusher. While Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. may be the frontrunners, K.J. Henry's continuous growth gives the coaching staff much to ponder about 🤔.
Henry has been a revelation this summer, 🌞. Last season, he showed his talent and is eager to apply his newfound experience 🚀. The former fifth-round selection from Clemson made another good impact in Washington's last preseason game, recording a crushing sack against ex-Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett and generating persistent disruption on the field.
Henry's roster position is undoubtedly assured 🔒. That is not open for dispute. However, if he continues to play at this level under the new coaching regime, he might perhaps acquire a starting job 🏆 during the regular season.
The Washington Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles, creating an opportunity for wide receiver Brycen Tremayne. Adam Peters, the new general manager, either has a plan in the works or is pleased with the possibilities available. Tremayne's strong start in training camp did not continue into the preseason 😕.
The 2023 undrafted free agent from Stanford had high aspirations, but this tendency continued during Washington's last preseason game before Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tremayne expected to see major action as part of his continuous examination, but this did not occur. He just snagged one of his three targets, resulting in a dismal minus three receiving yards.
This was a big blow 💔—one that Tremayne may not recover from with no further opportunities to impress. He is unlikely to make the 53-man roster, but if he clears waivers, the commanders may re-add him to the practice squad.
Phidarian Mathis' career was at a crossroads as he approached the offseason 🛤️. After two miserable years in Washington, hampered by injuries and underperformance 😓, many wondered if his time with the organization was over.
Mathis has the physical tools 🛠️, but combining them in a competitive situation has been his greatest problem. After a difficult start to training camp 🐢, the light is finally turning on 💡 for the former second-round selection from Alabama 🐘.
Mathis showed promise in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots 🏈. He knocked down a pass 🖐️ and continually pushed the pile, increasing hope among the coaching staff 👍. Based on his performance, he'll most likely make the 53-man squad.
However, it's unclear how much playing time Mathis will get 🤷♂️. With Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and second-rounder Johnny Newton ahead of him on the depth chart, making the team was only the first step. The following steps for Mathis will determine his future 🛤️.
Cole Turner's final appearance in a Washington Commanders uniform may have occurred during this preseason game 👕. The tight end secured a massive gain downfield for 25 receiving yards 📏, but two noteworthy lapses in focus during the first half are likely to remain with those making the final selections.
Turner has the physical tools to potentially win a spot on the 53-man roster, depending on how many tight ends the Commanders choose to carry. However, with a likely triumvirate of Zach Ertz, second-round rookie Ben Sinnott, and John Bates headlining the bunch, Turner's position is far from certain 🚫.
Turner had great expectations for a breakout season in 2023, so this would be sad news 🌟. However, under the new coaching regime, he has once again become an afterthought. Turner's time with the Commanders may be coming to an end, as the numbers game works against him.
If he's waived, another club may pick him up on the waiver wire 🚨. If not, the commanders can bring him back to the practice squad to continue his growth with a better coaching staff 📝.
Winner #3: Michael Wiley, Commanders RB 🏃♂️
As final cuts near, the commanders must make difficult decisions in the running back room. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are the top two players on the depth chart 🔒. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess! Several players hope to make the cut, depending on how many Washington decides to keep.
Michael Wiley has done everything he can to earn his position on the roster. In Week 3 of the preseason, the undrafted free agent had another great showing, accumulating 26 running yards and scoring a touchdown on seven runs. He also caught both of his targets in the passing game, although for limited yards 📉.
Wiley has made a solid case for himself, but the outcome is still uncertain 🤷♂️. Chris Rodriguez Jr., who excelled in passing but suffered on the ground, may suffer as a result.
This position group will be one to monitor closely as Adam Peters begins making the final cuts. Don't be shocked if Wiley ends up being the third choice after the dust settles. 🧹.