The Preseason Paradox: What the Commanders' Win Really Tells Us
The Commanders' 20-7 preseason victory over the Dolphins was, on paper, a solid start. But if you take a step back and think about it, the real story here isn’t the score—it’s the how and why behind it. Preseason games are often messy, chaotic affairs, but this one felt different. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is the absence of the usual preseason sloppiness. It’s like the Commanders decided to skip the ‘getting our feet wet’ phase and dive straight into execution mode.
The Rookies Who Stole the Show
One thing that immediately stands out is the performance of the rookie running back duo, Fatman Allen and Robert Henry Jr. Both found the end zone, but it’s their styles that are worth noting. Henry’s burst and vision remind me of a young Dalvin Cook, while Allen’s patience and agility feel almost Marshawn Lynch-esque. What this really suggests is that Washington might have struck gold in the later rounds of the draft. Rookies often struggle with the speed of the NFL, but these two looked like they belonged.
Quan Martin, another standout, played safety with the poise of a veteran. His interception early in the second quarter wasn’t just a highlight—it was a statement. In my opinion, Martin is a player to watch. He’s not just filling a role; he’s redefining it. What many people don’t realize is that safety is one of the hardest positions to transition from college to the pros, and Martin’s making it look easy.
The Defensive Line: A Tale of Two Stories
Shy Tuttle and Rickey Barber were everywhere. Eight tackles, a sack, and multiple pressures? That’s not just a good game—that’s a dominant one. But here’s where it gets interesting: their success highlights the struggles of Johnny Newton, who looked out of place against Miami’s starting offensive line. Newton, playing with the starters, was blown off the ball repeatedly. This raises a deeper question: Is Newton a bust, or is he just not ready for prime time?
From my perspective, Newton’s performance is a reminder that preseason is as much about exposure as it is about execution. Some players thrive under the pressure; others wilt. Newton’s challenge now is to learn from this and adapt. If he can’t, the Commanders might have a bigger problem on their hands than they realize.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Let’s talk about Sam Hartman. In my opinion, he’s the most polarizing player on this roster. His lack of accuracy and pocket presence is concerning, but what’s more troubling is his inability to command the field. Personally, I think Hartman’s future in the NFL is limited unless he makes a drastic improvement. However, Athan Kaliakmanis offers a glimmer of hope. His control, accuracy, and zip on the ball were night and day compared to Hartman.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the two. Kaliakmanis isn’t perfect—he got sacked twice—but he shows the kind of potential that Hartman doesn’t. If you take a step back and think about it, the Commanders might have their quarterback of the future already on the roster. They just need to give him the reps.
The Hidden Gems and Missed Opportunities
A detail that I find especially interesting is the performance of players like Matt Gulbin and Tanoa Togiai. Gulbin, a sixth-round rookie, held his own at center, while Togiai showed promise at right guard. These are the kind of players who often fly under the radar but could become key contributors down the line.
On the flip side, Sonny Syles’ lackluster debut is a head-scratcher. As a first-round pick, he’s expected to make an immediate impact, but he looked tentative at times. In my opinion, this is less about talent and more about adjustment. The NFL is a different beast, and Syles needs to find his rhythm quickly.
The Bigger Picture
If there’s one takeaway from this game, it’s that the Commanders are a team in transition. They’ve got raw talent, but it’s unpolished. The lack of preseason sloppiness is a good sign, but it’s also a double-edged sword. It raises expectations, and now the pressure is on to deliver in the regular season.
What this really suggests is that Washington is a team with potential, but potential alone doesn’t win games. They need to address their weaknesses—particularly at quarterback and defensive line—while capitalizing on their strengths. Personally, I think they’re on the right track, but the road ahead won’t be easy.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this game, I’m reminded of something Bill Belichick once said: ‘Preseason is about evaluation, not results.’ The Commanders’ win is nice, but it’s the evaluations that matter. Who can step up? Who will falter? These are the questions that will define their season.
In my opinion, this team has the makings of something special, but they’re not there yet. What makes this particularly fascinating is the journey they’re on. It’s not just about winning games—it’s about building a culture, developing players, and finding an identity. And that, my friends, is what makes football so compelling.
