Dan Quinn names three standout players from disappointing preseason loss, and it bodes well for the future of the Commanders
The future looks bright for these three standout players
There weren’t a lot of highlights from the Washington Commanders’ first preseason loss to the New England Patriots, but there were a few standouts who caught the attention of head coach Dan Quinn.
There were three sure playmakers on Friday night, and luckily for the Commanders’ roster, they were all younger players who look to be long-term important pieces of the team.
Johnny Newton
The Commanders need second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton to step up with the team moving on from Jonathan Allen, and with Daron Payne’s future still in question. He wasted no time making the most of his limited preseason snaps with the starters not playing, and he dominated against the Patriots’ starting offensive line.
Newton showed that he could help improve the run defense, which was bottom three in the league last season, and produce more as a pass rusher as well. The stunt between Newton and outside linebacker Jacob Martin showed what this defensive line can do with the right pieces, and they went right at first-round pick left tackle Will Campbell.
Josh Conerly Jr.
If there’s one thing I learned from Josh Conerly Jr’s NFL debut at right tackle, it’s that the Commanders’ run game will be much improved thanks to him. We knew he could move out in space, but it was refreshing to see it translate to the Commanders’ offense in the very first game against starters on the Patriots’ defensive line. He had a play where he helped pave the way on a double team before climbing up to the second level and taking on a linebacker for Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
He also had 14 pass-blocking snaps and only allowed one pressure. The future is bright for Conerly Jr., especially with him still being only 21 years old and learning from veteran Laremy Tunsil. I’m not sure if Conerly Jr. will start right away or rotate time like the Commanders did last season for Coleman, but he’s off to a near-perfect start in preseason.
Trey Amos
We shouldn’t be surprised by rookie cornerback Trey Amos getting his name called as a player who stood out, because he’s been doing that all of training camp, and we saw it on the field Friday night as well. Amos didn’t play a ton, but whenever he did, he popped on film. His best coverage play came on a fade to the end zone from Drake Maye, who was targeting veteran Mack Hollins.
Amos also impressed me with a run stop that was out in space near the line of scrimmage. People always talk about coverages with the corner position, but being able to tackle in one-on-one situations is just as important to keep you on the field.
There weren’t a lot of positives to take away from the first preseason game, but the future looks bright with these three players shining in their first game of the season. Having your young core contribute will go a long way in sustaining success for the long haul in Washington.
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