The Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins took to the fields at Ashburn for a joint practice session that confirmed a lot for both sides. For the Miami Dolphins, it confirmed that they are in a rebuild mode. Coach Hafley stated that he wanted to see his players compete, and they did. However they will have a long way to go as they are either young or not enough NFL starting experience. For the Washington Commanders, they were the aggressors and dictated in most place the style of play. On both sides of the ball the Commanders were the better team and played with confidence. Here is what I observed from practice today.
Offense
- Jayden Daniels, Superstar-Â When asked quarterback Jayden Daniels says he has a long way to go. In performance Daniels was sensational today. Throws all over the field, patient in the pocket, comfortable under center, seeing the entire field. I asked him how comfortable he was in the offense and he said it is a work in progress. Daniels is being modest but he was the best football player on the field today.
- Running Game was OK-Â The running game was just ok, nothing spectacular but not bad in anyway. With the sides not taking players to the group you never quite know a result of a run, however I think the line bears responsibility in that as well.
- Passing Game was Exceptional- Daniels put on a show but others have to catch the ball and the Commanders Wide Receivers, Tight Ends, and Running Backs all contributed to the effort. All practice Washington receivers made catches at all levels. It is probably easier to name who did not have a big catch. The addition of Stephon Diggs just makes the offense so much better that others will have so many advantages and chances to make big plays.
- Up and Down Day for the O-Line-Â The group people are worried about the most was the offensive line. In the one on one drills against the Dolphins defense, which is their best unit by the way, The Dolphins Defensive made some plays. However when the 11 on 11’s started, the line played extremely well. Scheme played a part but Daniels had plenty of time to survey the field and was so comfortable in the pocket. The ending was better than the beginning.
Defense
- Defensive Line Runs the World-Â The probable best unit on the Commanders showed their value today. Yes it was the Miami Dolphins offense, however they dictated the pace all day. K’Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh were all over the field and lived in the backfield. The Commanders front 7 (really 14) can dictate pace and control the game. Once they add Deatrich Wise the league will officially be on notice. This the deepest thine line as been in ages.
- Linebackers are Fast-Â This linebacker corps has one noticiable different than previous teams, Frankie Luvu as the Green Dat and it works well, which allows Sonny Styles and Leo Chenal to line up everywhere and create havoc.
- Defensive Back Show Fight-Â You can see the hard work from Daronte Jones on the defensive backs. Technique was better, competition was way better, and ability is showing. Now it was the Dolphins and they offense was stymied by the Washington defensive front, but plays were made. No one needed a bigger play than Mikey Saniristil and he had a pick-6. The entire defense celebrated. Washington played like they knew they were better and that confidence is major.
Special Teams
- The kicker battle turned up a notch but both kickers were perfect today. Both Jake Moody and Drew Stevens hit all of their field goals today. Stevens had a clear advantage but after some tough days the door opened back. Bring on the games.
Overall the Commanders did well against another NFL team. That is the good of today. They also saw that the offensive line can work with help from scheme and an above average quarterback, the line can be completely fine. The best thing I saw was the confidence that both sides of the ball had with a brand new schemes versus last year when Washington had joint practice, they looked unsure. Washington is on the right track to have a good season. Now let’s see who plays on Friday night.
