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The Washington Commanders kicked off the preseason against the New York Jets. Highly anticipated number 2 overall pick QB Jayden Daniels orchestrated a quick and clean first drive with some help from RBs Brian Robinson Jr and Austin Ekeler.
Although the biggest play came from a 42-yard reception to Dyami Brown – which originally should have been a screen pass -right offensive guard Sam Cosmi mentioned Daniels audibled the play at the line. The drive ended with a QB keeper in the endzone for Daniels.
The interior of the offensive line looked the part with Nick Allgretti, Tyler Biadasz, and Cosmi producing run lanes and decent protection. That’s a positive sign for the Commanders and could get even better when rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman returns. The line appears to be set with Coleman stamping the left tackle opening and presumably Andrew Wylie holding onto the right tackle position.
Game Notes:
-Rookie Tight end Ben Sinnott had a huge play up the seam with a catch and run for 44 yards. Plenty of Jets defenders were trying to bring down Sinnott who showed his expected physicality. Later in the game, with another short reception, Sinnott would not go down on first contact again.
-Safety Tyler Owens has shown a lot in Ashburn during camp and it carried over in New Jersey. He was impressive against the Jets flying all over the field with tackles including a big breakup that was caught by another receiver in a strange sequence. Owens also had a big-time hit on punt coverage as he continues to make decisions that are tough for coaches when deciding the team’s safety room.
-Cornerback looks to be a lingering issue as no one firmly stood out.
Emmanuel Forbes Jr had an early pass breakup but was also targeted on a TD pass. Overall, the cornerback group will continue to be monitored as it seems to be currently deficient in some areas.
-Second-year edge rusher KJ Henry flashed a bunch when his number was called along with linebacker Anthony Pittman. Both were very active for players making their mark and hoping to make the final 53-man roster.
-Kicker may be a problem. And could Jeff Driskel push for QB2 over Marcus Mariota? We shall see in the coming weeks how the roster continually shapes up.
