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Washington Commanders Win in 20-10 Preseason Comeback Led by QB Trace McSorley

The Washington Commanders finished the preseason with a win, and now turn their focus to their first 53-man roster of the year.

The Washington Commanders have wrapped their first preseason under new head coach Dan Quinn, and they did it with a relative skeleton crew on the field yet still secured a 20-10 win over the New England Patriots.

As soon as Quinn announced that Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels would sit out the game it was all but confirmed that several players would be doing the same. Those assumptions were confirmed pregame as 35 players were declared inactive against the New England Patriots.

Meanwhile, the Patriots came into their final preseason matchup against Washington looking to play anyone who was healthy enough and starters like quarterback Jacoby Brissett and cornerback Christian Gonzalez did in fact take the field to start the contest.

With just under 10 minutes left in the contest McSorley targeted veteran receiver Martavis Bryant deep down field drawing a penalty on New England that put the ball on the nine-yard line going in. One play later running back – and roster competitor – Michael Wiley took a pitch around the left end for a nine-yard touchdown run. York’s third made kick of the night gave Washington their first lead of the night, 13-10.

McSorley came onto the field looking to stack successful drives for his team and in nine plays drove the ball 48 yards resulting in a four yard touchdown toss to Bryant. A fourth made kick of the night by York gave the Commanders the 20-10 lead they’d ultimately win with.

The preseason is a wrap, and the Commanders now turn their attention to the uncomfortable business of trimming a full roster down to 53 by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Commanders.com

Five takeaways from Washington’s 20-10 preseason win vs. New England

3. The running backs battled.

The competition for the Commanders’ third running back position has been one of the more interesting battles throughout camp. The three players vying for that job — Chris Rodriguez Jr., Michael Wiley and Jeremy McNichols — all made strong cases Sunday night.

McNichols started the game in the backfield, and there were several moments where his blend of physicality and versatility shined. He got the ball on four of the Commanders’ first five plays, amassing 13 yards and converting a third-and-1.

Rodriguez was up next, and the former sixth-round pick had his moments. He had 17 yards on a drive in the second quarter and caught a 15-yard pass in the third to convert on a second-and-10. Rodriguez is a physical player but hasn’t shown much as a pass-catcher. Perhaps his four catches for 39 yards on five targets was enough evidence to give him a roster spot.

Then there was Wiley, who quietly put together a solid camp and showed some of the same versatility that the Commanders like from Austin Ekeler and McNichols. He’s had his best moments in games, scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first preseason game. He hit pay dirt again against the Patriots by diving for the pylon on a nine-yard run after Martavis Bryant drew a pass interference penalty.

It feels like the Commanders will keep three running backs on their initial roster, and whoever they end up keeping, each player has made it a tough decision for them.

Washington Post (paywall)

RFK stadium bill could progress after election, Josh Harris says

The Commanders hope Congress passes a bill during a lame-duck session late in the fall.

“Everyone’s focused on the election,” so it’s “not really realistic” to expect the bill to pass before voting on Nov. 5, Harris said. The ensuing session — before the start of the next Congress in January — will last about 24 days and end Dec. 20.

If the bill passes, it would give D.C. greater control of the site that is owned by the federal government and leased to the city. It would allow the District to better compete with Maryland to land the next stadium.

If the bill fails, Maryland would, at least for the start of 2025, be the lone jurisdiction with an available site and a mechanism to provide public funding.

Opening a new stadium by 2030 remains a “realistic target,” Harris said, but he pointed out there are a lot of factors, such as land and zoning, that are not in the team’s control.

“There’s no way to predict a specific date,” he said, “but I think (2030 is) a reasonable target.”

“We’re working super hard,” Harris said. “It’s taking up a lot of my own mind space to find our next home.”

The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders owner Josh Harris ‘very pumped’ to see stadium upgrades, sets ‘realistic target’ by 2030

Harris addressed the significant changes on the football, organizational and stadium fronts since the end of a dismal 4-13 campaign with media members before Washington hosted the New England Patriots on Sunday night. Inside a stadium known more for its flaws than highlights now includes new suites and lounging areas for season ticket holders, frictionless marts and significant food options.

Even the simplicity of a fresh paint job excited the local kid who purchased his hometown team for $6.05 billion in the summer of 2023.

“I’m very pumped to see the new … everything,” Harris said.

Various matters on the horizon generate the most attention from fans and others, including where the organization stands on the Commanders’ name.

“We’ve been very clear. For obvious reasons, the old name (Redskins) can’t come back,” Harris said. “But right now we’re focused on things that unify the team around our football team and unify the city around our football team. The first objective is … to start winning football games.”

NFL.com

Owner Josh Harris says 2030 ‘reasonable target’ for new Commanders stadium

Harris also said he is hopeful to bring the NFL draft to the region in 2027, ideally taking place on the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and Lincoln Memorial.

The team is working with the NFL and the National Park Service to make that a reality.

“Think about the idea of having — and I’m not breaking news here, it’s not done yet — but think about a draft on the Mall, and how exciting that would be, for the city of Washington, for the NFL,” Harris said. “Everyone sees that, and obviously there’s a lot of complexity to it with the Park Service … but I believe it will happen, and it’s a question of when.”

ESPN

Washington Commanders final 2024 roster projection

The Commanders’ new front office and coaching staff have turned over their roster from last season, with approximately 55% of it — possibly more — being newcomers. They’ve changed completely at quarterback and linebacker. But Washington will enter the season needing to determine whether it has two quality starting cornerbacks and has done a good enough job rebuilding the offensive line. The Commanders could look to trade some notable draft picks from the prior regime, such as defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis.

The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection for the Commanders:

RUNNING BACKS (3): Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols

Robinson will handle the heavy load in the run game while Ekeler will serve as a third-down back. But Robinson can also help as a pass catcher and Ekeler in the run game (he also might help as a kick returner). McNichols was used a lot this preseason, from scrimmage and on special teams. Kazmeir Allen is one to watch — he’s only 5-foot-8, 176 pounds but coaches like his potential — especially if they feel he can help as a kick returner.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Terry McLaurin, Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Jamison Crowder, Byron Pringle.

Washington lacks a strong No. 2 target opposite McLaurin, so it will fill that role by committee. That was true even before they traded Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia. Crowder and Pringle make it for their return ability — on punts and kickoffs, respectively. Martavis Bryant could always be stashed on the practice squad to see if he develops; if nothing else he’d provide a big body to work against in practice.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (10): Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Dante Fowler Jr., Jer’Zhan Newton, John Ridgeway III, Jamin Davis, KJ Henry, Javontae Jean-Baptiste

Allen and Payne will start inside with Armstrong and Ferrell outside. The coaches like how Davis, a linebacker his first three seasons, has progressed at end. Ridgeway barely gets the nod over 2022 second-round pick Phidarian Mathis. Another to watch: undrafted tackle Norell Pollard.

LINEBACKERS (5): Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Mykal Walker, Dominique Hampton, Jordan Magee

Wagner and Luvu should be a productive combination. Magee might miss the first game or two after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus so it’s possible they keep another linebacker until he’s ready — possibly veteran Anthony Pittman. Hampton was drafted as a safety and can play both spots.

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Commanders.com

Commanders vs. Patriots | Preseason Week 3

Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders during their preseason finale against the New England Patriots. (Photos by Emilee Fails and Kourtney Carroll/Washington Commanders)

NFC East links

ESPN

NFL preseason Week 3 takeaways

Dallas Cowboys

Preseason Week 3 result: Lost to L.A. Chargers, 26-19

Sometimes not playing in a preseason can matter as much as playing can. Rookie Cooper Beebe was dressed but did not take a snap against the Chargers, which is a sign he will be the Week 1 starter at center. Same goes with first-round pick Tyler Guyton, who started at left tackle after Chuma Edoga suffered a toe injury.

With news of DaRon Bland needing 6-8 weeks to recover from upcoming foot surgery, cornerback depth will be tested. Andrew Booth, picked up in a trade earlier in camp from Minnesota, was beaten for a 78-yard touchdown a week after giving up a 48-yard grab vs. the Raiders. Caelen Carson did not play Saturday, which is another sign the Cowboys will be counting on the rookie fifth-round pick. Perhaps the Cowboys look for corner help during the final cut-down process.

Deuce Vaughn stated a case for a running back job. The coaches will have to find a way to get him the ball because he has some juice the other backs don’t have. — Todd Archer

Season opener: at Cleveland Browns (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)

New York Giants

Preseason Week 3 result: Lost to N.Y. Jets, 10-6

Tommy DeVito went start to finish at quarterback against the Jets and didn’t exactly impress. Not that it likely will make a difference. Backup Drew Lock (hip/abdomen) was limited in practice this past week. Starter Daniel Jones has an extensive injury history. Unless DeVito’s struggles in this game with the offensive line in flux swayed the team greatly, he is likely to remain as the third quarterback. But this showing couldn’t have helped. DeVito went 14-of-27 passing for 103 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and was sacked eight times in the contest. — Jordan Raanan

Season opener: vs. Minnesota Vikings (1 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)

Philadelphia Eagles

Preseason Week 3 result: Lost to Minnesota, 26-3

The acquisition of Jahan Dotson from the Washington Commanders strengthens the top of the receiver depth chart and could change the calculus further down the roster. Veteran Parris Campbell looked to be a favorite to claim the No. 3 wide receiver role earlier this summer but missed some time with a groin injury, opening up reps for Britain Covey and rookie Johnny Wilson, among others. Will the Eagles hold on to the veteran, or will they be more incentivized to keep fifth-round pick Ainias Smith, who was slowed this offseason by a shin injury but could offer more value down the line? Campbell had a pair of catches for 34 yards in the preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, and Smith caught six balls for 36 yards. — Tim McManus

Season opener: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sao Paulo, Brazil (8:15 p.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 6)

Washington Commanders

Preseason Week 3 result: Defeated New England, 20-10

Wide receiver Martavis Bryant had a big fourth quarter. He caught three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown but also drew two pass interference penalties. It’s still hard to say he’ll make the 53-man roster, but he at least helped himself. Two defensive tackles on the bubble — Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway III — both played with strength inside. Some players, such as running back/receiver/returner Kazmeir Allen, remain firmly on the bubble after having a quiet night. Quarterback Jeff Driskel completed 12 of 18 passes for 73 yards but also was intercepted. He is competing with Sam Hartman for a possible third spot. — John Keim

Season opener: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 8)

Blogging the Boys

5 players on other teams the Cowboys could possibly target during roster cuts

There are still players on other teams who could wind up Cowboys before Week 1.

Commanders DT Phidarian Mathis

The Cowboys are probably done making moves at the defensive tackle spot after trading for Jordan Phillips last week and signing Linval Joseph this week. But let’s say they decided they want five defensive tackles and don’t like Viliami Fehoko or rookie Justin Rogers enough to make them their fifth.

One place they could look is a player that new defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina already knows well. Phidarian Mathis was a second-round pick out of Alabama in 2022, but he’s been buried on the depth chart behind Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne. In college, Mathis was a versatile defensive lineman who flashed solid run defense, average pass rush ability, and limited athleticism. That’s made it hard for him to break the lineup, and also made it even harder to impress new head coach Dan Quinn, who prioritizes pass rush over all else.

If that results in his release from Washington, who also drafted the highly touted Jer’Zhan Newton this year, then the Cowboys would likely take a long look at him given his history working under Zgonina.

Eagles CB James Bradberry

Saturday brought the bombshell news that cornerback DaRon Bland will miss six to eight weeks with an injury sustained earlier in training camp, leaving a gaping hole at the outside cornerback spot opposite Trevon Diggs, himself recovering from a torn ACL nearly a year ago. Rookie Caelen Carson seems the likely starter in his place, or perhaps recently acquired Andrew Booth Jr., but the Cowboys could also look for a veteran option.

One potential choice could come from within the division. James Bradberry was a very well regarded cornerback not too long ago, making the Pro Bowl in 2020 and being named a second team All Pro in 2022. He regressed in 2023 and just turned 31, which led the Eagles to draft two cornerbacks this year in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. That’s in addition to Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, and safety/nickel hybrid CJ Gardner-Johnson, which could make Bradberry the odd man out.

If that’s the case, he would make a lot of sense in Dallas. Bradberry has a reputation as a ballhawk – last year was his first season without multiple picks since 2018 – and his coverage style would seem to be a fit in Mike Zimmer’s scheme. Of course, this wouldn’t make sense if the Cowboys are content with Carson, Booth, or even safety convert Israel Mukuamu. But if they want a more experienced option starting things out in Week 1, Bradberry makes an awful lot of sense.

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ESPN

Jacoby Brissett sustains shoulder injury in Patriots’ loss

“I talked to him, but we’ll see (Monday). You always feel a little bit more sore the next day,” Mayo said. “But he said he was good.”

Brissett grimaced after he was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry on the sixth offensive play, with the 6-foot-4, 255-pound Henry coming in free due to a blocking miscue and the full force of his body landing on top of Brissett’s right shoulder. As Brissett came to his feet, he brought his left hand across his chest to clutch the front of the shoulder.

He stayed in the game, connecting on a 6-yard pass on the following play and then delivering a pinpoint deep throw to receiver K.J. Osborn, which was dropped.

Brissett was pulled from the game after that, which Mayo said was the plan beforehand so that rookie Drake Maye could play through the end of the second quarter.

“He would have been able to continue,” Mayo said of Brissett, who spent the rest of the night on the sideline.

NFL.com

Ravens OL coach Joe D’Alessandris dies at age 70

Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who was hospitalized earlier this month due to an acute illness, died early Sunday morning, the team announced. He was 70 years old.

D’Alessandris was hospitalized over the weekend of Aug. 10 because of an illness that required ongoing treatment for an extended period of time. The Ravens then hired George Warhop to fulfill OL coaching duties in the interim.

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