For the first time since training camp began last month, the Washington Commanders faced another team. Washington was in New Jersey for a joint practice with the New York Jets ahead of their preseason game Saturday.
The weather—rainy and gloomy—often matched Washington’s performance. The Commanders were without part of their projected starting offensive line. The Jets held out quarterback Aaron Rodgers due to the rainy conditions.
Next up is Saturday’s game between the Commanders and Jets. What type of performance can we expect from Washington that we didn’t see on Thursday?
Here are six takeaways from Thursday’s practice.
Jul 26, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball during warmup before day three of training camp at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
If you didn’t get to see Washington practice against the Jets, don’t go on social media looking to find out how quarterback Jayden Daniels performed. He was fine. He completed one deep ball to Dyami Brown, but most of the Commanders offense was short and quick. This was Daniels’ first time against a defense other than his own, and the Jets have one of the NFL’s better defensive units.
The goal of these practices is for your team to face different looks. That goal was accomplished. Daniels received several snaps in less-than-ideal conditions against an excellent defense. The Jets are outstanding at every level. No one on Washington’s sideline came away from this practice discouraged about Daniels. In fact, it’s likely the opposite.
This tweet sums up everything. He got beat multiple times and allegedly tried to pick a fight. That’s not what anyone wants to hear about Forbes. He’s had a mostly solid training camp and everyone was excited to see him against another team to see how he progressed. Instead, it was more of the same. Let’s not write Forbes off after a bad practice. After all, it is one practice. but eyes will be on him Saturday and next week when the Commanders face the Dolphins in a joint practice. Forbes did have an interception at one point, but all anyone is going to remember are the videos of Garrett Wilson taking him to the woodshed multiple times.
It was very disappointing to see rookie offensive tackle Brandon Coleman not practicing. Outside of Daniels, he was probably the player most wanted to see. Facing a strong New York front, how would Coleman hold up? With the weather, it made sense to hold Coleman out. He doesn’t appear to be seriously hurt. Washington needs to see Coleman against opposing defenses to have a better understanding of where he is heading into the season.
Should the Commanders sign another offensive tackle? They signed one this week, but that was a depth signing. If Washington adds another offensive lineman, it needs to be one who can come in and play immediately. There aren’t many available.
There’s no doubt that Washington needed help rushing the passer this offseason. However, the Commanders believe their interior duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will be active rushing the passer, while also creating opportunities for the edge rushers. Linebacker Frankie Luvu flashed on Thursday, but that’s not a surprise. Dorance Armstrong will also be fine, too.
The name to watch here is rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Before camp began, Jean-Baptiste looked more like a project who’d spend his rookie season on the practice squad. However, he’s quietly had a good camp and is a player to watch on Saturday.
When the Commanders signed Riley Patterson to compete with Ramiz Ahmed, it sure looked like he’d be the kicker this season. However, Patterson has looked no better than Ahmed during his short stint with the team. When final cuts begin, other kickers will be cut. General manager Adam Peters may be waiting for that to happen.
Neither had a good day on Thursday. It is important to note that it was raining, but it will rain during the season, too, and teams expect kickers to make those kicks. Patterson has had some NFL success and is still young. Ahmed has never kicked in an NFL game. The games will matter for these two.
Haven’t we said that already? Sam Fortier of The Washington Post explained this the best. Perhaps fans were a little excited based on training camp clips. Thursday was just one practice. If it happens during Saturday’s game and into the next joint practice and the final two preseason games, then we have ourselves a problem. The Commanders improved in some areas as practice progressed on Thursday. There is confidence in this coaching staff, unlike the previous one. Head coach Dan Quinn and his staff will have plenty to evaluate in all three phases. That’s a good thing.
Everyone should remember this is the first year of a rebuild, even if the Commanders do not want to say it. They need to show improvement throughout the year. No one expects a Super Bowl this year.
