Preseason games can be tiresome for some. However, that wasn't the case for Washington Commanders as they got a glimpse of how this new era could look under head coach Dan Quinn.
There was a significant amount of intrigue attached to Washington's warmup clash with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. A few key veterans weren't risked for the matchup, but the Commanders gave rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels his first taste of live-fire reps at the professional level. It's a test he passed with flying colors.
The contest also represented a chance for those further down the pecking order to show that they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. Some thrived with the added spotlight glaring. Others didn't perform as well and will look to improve their fortunes in the coming weeks.
With this in mind, here are four winners and three losers from Washington's preseason road defeat versus the Jets.
Winners and losers from Commanders' preseason loss at the Jets
Winner No. 1
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
After flashing promise over the second half of 2023, K.J. Henry is looking to carve out a prominent role for himself on the defensive rotation once again. The former fifth-round selection is steadily building momentum throughout the preparation period to achieve this feat.
Henry looked like someone who could help during his time on the field at MetLife Stadium. He was a force against the run, setting the edge well and displaying more anticipation of where the football was going than we saw last season. The Clemson product also generated pressure when required, which was a big question mark coming out of college in 2023.
His tackle for loss to stop a play dead in its tracks was an undoubted highlight. Henry seems to be behind a couple of more established veterans right now, but there's nothing to suggest the edge presence cannot emerge into a valuable contributor if the same trend continues.
The Commanders need someone to step up and make a pass-rushing impact. Henry could be that guy if this performance was any indication.
Loser No. 1
Riley Patterson - Commanders K
The Washington Commanders scooped up veteran kicker Riley Patterson off the waiver wire following his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars. This provided competition for Ramiz Ahmed after his wayward start to life with the team. However, it doesn't seem as if he'll become a genuine starting-caliber possibility all things considered.
Patterson started well enough over the first few days of training camp. It's been a steady decline since then, with the former Memphis star missing his only field goal attempt in perfect weather conditions at MetLife Stadium versus the New York Jets.
Although Ahmed made his field goal effort count from 40 yards, this is a fluid situation. There's a good chance Washington's starting kicker in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn't on the roster right now. They have the No. 2 waiver wire priority, so general manager Adam Peters will be scouring the options available before deciding on his next move.
It would be a shock if Patterson was their chosen kicker based on his sample size so far. There's still time for that to change, but the Commanders won't hesitate to cut him loose if a better option becomes available.
Winner No. 2
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Commanders are expecting big things from their rookie class in 2024. Ben Sinnott is one of the more intriguing prospects picked up by general manager Adam Peters. Looking at his first taste of legitimate NFL action, it's not hard to see why.
Sinnott's got the tools to potentially become the total package over time. He put these on full display against the New York Jets - something that only whets the appetite further about what the second-round selection could accomplish as a rookie.
The Kansas State product's blocking was as advertised. There was also a lot to like about Sinnott's body control, assured hands, and ability to generate yards after the catch. He finished as the Commanders' leading receiver, bringing in all three of his targets for 57 receiving yards.
It was a relatively small sample size with targets going everywhere as part of the coaching staff's ongoing evaluations. However, this confirmed Sinnott's potential to become a matchup problem and a significant long-term upgrade at the tight-end position.
The physical attributes are there to be special, perhaps much sooner than most anticipate. Learning from an established veteran such as Zach Ertz is only going to help Sinnott flourish.
Loser No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
There's a growing sense that all might not be as it appeared for Chris Rodriguez Jr. in the running back room. Most believed the second-year pro would be the No. 3 running back option behind Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler after catching the eye during limited involvement in 2023. However, the Washington Commanders are giving others opportunities to unseat the former sixth-round selection.
Rodriguez didn't do his chances much good in Preseason Week 1 at the New York Jets. The Kentucky product failed to gain positive yardage from six carries and couldn't bring in his only target in the passing game. In contrast, Michael Wiley looked much more forceful, gaining 34 rushing yards and one touchdown from eight touches.
This only raises the urgency where Rodriguez is concerned. He's not out of contention by any stretch of the imagination. But it's hard to ignore how precarious his situation is if the same trend continues over the next few weeks.
It'll take a huge effort from Rodriguez to cement his status on the 53-man roster. If he thinks it's the right thing to do, general manager Adam Peters won't hesitate to dispose of another Ron Rivera draft pick way ahead of time.
Winner No. 3
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
Tyler Owens has been the hot name throughout Washington's training camp. The undrafted free agent rose from obscurity into roster contention quickly. He's got the size and physical profile Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive backs - something that can be an asset to the secondary rotation and special teams in 2024.
Owens looked explosive and made his tackles count throughout his first chance to shine in an NFL game-day setting. The former Texas Tech star's outstanding special teams play - stopping a punt return with a thumping hit - demonstrated his speed and physicality to full effect.
This is another impressive feather in Owens' cap. There is some legitimate momentum building around the player, so he's someone to watch over the next fortnight before the time for final cuts arrives.
Competition for places is fierce in the safety room, but Owens is leaving no doubt regarding his status based on how things have unfolded this summer. The Commanders would be taking a monumental risk if they plan to stash him on the practice squad. A player demonstrating this much promise is unlikely to clear waivers.
Those in power have a big decision to make. However, it's getting to the point where it would be surprising if Owens didn't make the 53.
Loser No. 3
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB
Emmanuel Forbes Jr. needed to bounce back after his woeful display during a joint practice with the New York Jets. The cornerback is coming under increasing fire and doesn't look ready for significant responsibilities right now. That's not what the Washington Commanders had in mind when they took him No. 16 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Forbes had a couple of nice moments. His pass breakup early on almost led to an interception, which was encouraging. However, another lapse in concentration proved to be his undoing in a critical moment at MetLife Stadium.
The former Mississippi State star allowed Jason Brownlee to get some leverage in the red zone. He took full advantage, snagging a 12-yard touchdown reception on Forbes' watch.
This has been the story of Forbes' professional journey so far. He sometimes looks the part, but it's nowhere near consistent enough. The Commanders will keep working hard on his development. Whether it comes with an immediate surge in performance levels remains to be seen.
Winner No. 4
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels strutted into MetLife Stadium with swagger and confidence wearing a retro jersey paying homage to Doug Williams. The Commanders gave him the starting job - something he'd earned following a sensational transition since becoming the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was a small sample size, but his performance only raised expectations.
Daniels was amped up early, sailing an easy completion over the head of running back Austin Ekeler. The Heisman Trophy winner dusted it off quickly to come up with the game's best highlight by a considerable margin.
After checking out of the original call, Daniels unleashed a deep bomb to wide receiver Dyami Brown for a huge gain. This was in stride with pinpoint accuracy. It's also exactly what the Commanders became enamored with the signal-caller during their pre-draft evaluations.
The former LSU star capped off his first NFL drive by keeping a zone-read option and going in for an easy rushing touchdown. Washington took him out of the firing line after that, but Daniels did nothing to diminish the excitement regarding his potential credentials as the franchise-caliber quarterback the Commanders have craved for years.
