Commanders fall in preseason opener

A fan-focused editorial take on Washington Commanders preseason game against the New England Patriots, highlighting players who stood out and positions that need work.

Commanders Open Preseason with Lopsided Loss to Patriots

The Patriots opened the night with a kickoff return for a touchdown, setting a tough tone for Washington in the debut without the usual starters. With first-team players resting, the game became a forum for evaluating depth and development rather than a statement about the season ahead. The result many will focus on is the lopsided score and the visible gaffes on offense, defense, and special teams.

Several young players made their case, offering encouragement about the team’s directional path. Jer’Zhan Newton flashed quickness and a knack for pursuing plays, while Ja’Corey Brooks showed reliable hands and solid separation at the top of routes. Trey Amos impressed in limited time with tight coverage and solid run support, and Tay Martin looked capable in his Washington debut, catching all three targets. In the back end, Noah Igbinoghene contributed in coverage and run support, giving the secondary something to build on. The night also underscored rough spots, including quarterback readiness, linebacker reads, and miscues among the special teams unit.

The game underscored a familiar tension for a depth chart in flux: how much weight should be given to players who are unproven at the NFL level? Washington will rely on rookies and reserves to push the ceiling higher, but the opener showed the gap between potential and execution. The coaching staff must navigate between developing young players and protecting their Week One plans against real competition.

Looking ahead, the team will need to address three themes in practice and the next preseason games: cleaning up special teams misplays, sharpening the linebacking group behind the starters, and proving the quarterback room has a viable path. The sample size is small, but the signals are clear enough to shape the early depth chart and practice priorities. Washington will learn more from Week Two than any box score, and that learning process will define how the season starts for real.

Highlights

What happens next will reveal whether these early signs translate into a sturdier, more versatile depth chart.