Let’s be honest, the 48-18 ass whipping the Commanders received Friday night at Gillette stadium against the New England Patriots means absolutely nothing in the record books, but that doesn’t mean it’s meaningless.
A total of 30 players on offense and defense did not dress. Which left rookies, roster hopefuls and those who needed the extra work to suit up and show what they could do. And they left a lot to be desired if we are brutally honest.
This week, it was difficult to find a lot of positives in the game, but if you looked hard enough there were a few. The negatives, well….there were too many to point all of them out.
Watching that game left a bad taste, but we just need to keep telling ourselves IT’S ONLY PRESEASON and our top 30 players didn’t dress and New England played their starters the entire 1st quarter. Now let’s see whose stock is rising and whose is falling.
STOCK UP
JOHNNY NEWTON
After surgery on both of his feet last offseason, Newton finally looks healthy and showed glimpses of that game wrecker Washington thought they were getting when he slipped to the 2nd round in last years draft. He was able to get into the backfield multiple times and recorded a strip/sack/fumble. This is what we were waiting for
STOCK DOWN
SAM HARTMAN
Hartman just didn’t look comfortable from the moment he stepped on the field, in fact he was terrible. While in a battle with veteran Josh Johnson for the 3rd QB spot, Sam did himself no favors. His arm strength just isn’t strong enough for the NFL and his accuracy is terrible. While playing almost the entire 1st half Hartman went 9-19 for 64 yards and a INT
STOCK UP
BILL MERRITT
Although he didn’t necessarily stand out, Bill Merritt showed good burst, vision and the ability to make defenders miss. He had 7 carries for 24 yards and caught 1 pass for 8 yards. I expect a heavier load next week as he and Jeremy McNichols are in a battle for the 3rd RB spot.
STOCK DOWN
THE ENTIRE SPECIAL TEAMS
The opening kickoff was taken by rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson for a 100 yard TD and then later former Washington Commander, Antonio Gibson almost ran for another. Couple those with a missed FG and you’d have to think Larry Izzo will lose his shit after watching the film from Friday night.
Just keep telling yourself, the top 30 didn’t dress…
STOCK UP
Ja’Corey Brooks
The leading receiver of the evening caught 5 balls for 59 yards at a 11.8 avg. The UDFA out of Louisville is in a battle with experienced veterans for a roster spot and has stood out in camp many times. Can he keep it up and steal a spot? Time will tell
STOCK DOWN
JOE WHITT JR??
I know, I know, the top 30 players didn’t play and the New England Patriots played their starters the entire 1st quarter blah blah blah……but FUCKING HELL the Patriots were able to do whatever they wanted it seemed. The run defense was worse than last year. I know, that is hard to believe.
Could this be a schematic issue?? I’m not sure, but if Whitt doesn’t have dramatic turn around from last year the Commanders will be looking for a new defensive coordinator in the offseason, you can bet on that.
STOCK UP
TREY AMOS
I believe Amos has been on my list each week. He looks like a vet out there playing smart and sticky in coverage. Looks like we will have a really good CB room for years to come.
STOCK DOWN
TACKLING
They don’t know how. Smh
STOCK UP
JEREMY REAVES
All Pro Reavo, as we like to call him, doesn’t get a lot of time on defense being our special teams ace. But he was all over the field Friday night and had a big hit that was flagged and it should not have been.
STOCK DOWN
MICHAEL GALLUP AND CHRIS MOORE
Both veteran WRs were prime to make an impact during Friday night’s game and both disappointed, making the depth of our receiver room scarce.
STOCK DOWN
Matt Gay
Will Washington ever solve its kicker woes? It seems unlikely this year at this rate. Gay had missed 6 of 10 FGs going back to the joint practice after a strong start to camp.
Other Notables:
Josh Conerly Jr- looked steady at right tackle and its good to see after a rough camp early on
Noah I- just a solid piece. Played a lot and gave up a TD, but overall he played well. Its nice to have depth at CB.
No need to freak out yet, but another showing like this, questions need to be asked. They just weren’t ready to play from the opening kickoff.
Just keep reminding yourself that the top 30 players didn’t play. See you next time!
