Three Storylines As Washington Commanders Open Preseason vs Miami

Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins

When: Friday, Aug. 14, 7 PM

Where: Northwest Stadium

TV: WUSA9

Radio: Washington Commanders Radio Network 

The Washington Commanders are set for the first of three preseason games on Friday night, including the only one at Northwest Stadium, when they host the Miami Dolphins. The matchup comes just two days after the two teams met for the first of two joint practices set this month where quarterback Jayden Daniels dazzled, the pass rush was hard to ignore while the Commanders' offensive line struggled. While head coach Dan Quinn noted which starters do and don't play will be revealed prior to kickoff, we dive into three key storylines to watch in game one for new coordinators Daronte Jones and David Blough.

Although I don’t anticipate Jayden Daniels seeing significant action -- if any -- tomorrow, I am locked in on how this unit meshes following the sobering news of Laremy Tunsil’s injury. With center Nick Allegretti also sidelined, the Commanders are essentially down two starters before the season even begins. What was once a projected strength is now the team’s biggest question mark.

What to Watch: Pay close attention to the left side. How does Brandon Coleman handle the transition back to left tackle at game speed? Furthermore, I’ll be watching the mobility of left guard Chris Paul. Paul is a natural power player, but David Blough’s scheme places a premium on athletic guards who can block on the move. Whether it’s the starters or the second unit, I’m looking for two things: can they keep the pocket clean and generate a push in the run game?

If there was one takeaway from the joint practices, it was that the front seven is ready to hunt. The newly acquired Odafe Oweh has been nearly unstoppable in camp, and Sonny Styles has already established himself as a legitimate field general. This will be their first test under the lights at Northwest Stadium, and I expect defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to unleash his edge rushers with aggressive, attacking intent.

What to Watch: I’ll be shifting my eyes to the secondary—a unit that was the hallmark of Jones’ defenses in Minnesota. Can players like Jeremy Reaves, who has looked sharp in camp, maintain that momentum now that he’s officially atop the depth chart? I am also curious to see how Mike Sainristil performs as he battles for a starting role, and whether Amik Robertson—who has been a great “soundbite” in the locker room—can deliver that same energy between the white lines.

While Jayden Daniels continues to draw high praise for his ball placement and command of the offense, the real intrigue lies in who steps up behind the primary targets. With Stefon Diggs now in the fold, the top of the wide receiver depth chart is solidified, but the back end of the room is wide open. I anticipate the Commanders keeping seven receivers, but will a versatile weapon like tight end Colson Yankoff force the coaches' hand and steal a spot?

What to Watch: The running back rotation will be a fun watch. Jacory Croskey-Merritt has added significant mass this offseason and offers legitimate home-run upside, while Rachaad White remains the most reliable option for passing downs. However, keep your eyes on Kaytron “Fatman” Allen. This will be our first look at him in live pads, and I have a sneaky suspicion he will shoulder the bulk of the carries and quickly endear himself to the home crowd.

Usually, a kicking battle doesn’t move the needle, but in Washington -- where reliable place-kicking has been a ghost for decades -- it is arguably the most critical camp competition. Will incumbent Jake Moody fend off the hungry rookie, or will Iowa’s Drew Stevens flex his leg power to win the job? Things change under the lights; it would be nice to see Stevens seize the opportunity and prove he is unfazed and unrattled at the pro level.

Friday’s game may not matter in the standings, but it will be our first real glimpse at the Commanders' new schemes. I’m looking for smooth operations in and out of the huddle and overall efficiency. I’m also looking for improved team speed. But most of all, I’m hoping for good health.