While most Washington Commanders fans were wowed by Jayden Daniels' first NFL action, it wasn't just the rookie quarterback who impressed in his big league debut. On his second completion of the day, tight end Ben Sinnott made a name for himself, posting arguably the play of the game with a 44-yard catch-and-run in last Saturday's 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.
With just over three minutes left in the first half of the tie game, the second-round pick out of Kansas State busted through traffic down the middle of the field to catch a long pass from quarterback Jeff Driskel. Sinnott's impressive combination of size and strength was on full display as he bullied his way through defenders and brushed off tackles to pick up a few yards after catch.
"That felt good," Sinnott said following the game. "I try to pride myself on my physicality and the after-the-catch stuff. It's tough to show that physicality and that finish without guys actually trying to tackle you. It's something I just wanted to bring from college, so it was good to get that out of the way and kind of prove to myself that I can do it at the next level."
"I wish I could have broken free, but just trying to get the extra yards, extend the play and try to put the team in the best possible position to succeed."
Sinnott posted a team-high 57-yards, catching each of his three targets. He earned a PFF grade of 87.2 -- the highest of any of Washington's 2024 draft picks in Week 1 of the preseason.
Prior to his arrival in Ashburn for training camp, Sinnott had largely flown under the radar. Despite an impressive college resume, marked by 82 receptions for 1,138 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in his three years as a Wildcat, Sinnott was the third of Washington's three picks on the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft (No. 53 overall).
By dusting multiple defenders, Sinnott made a case for himself to get more looks during the team's second preseason game against the Dolphins.
More than just his breakout performance, Sinnott's pregame preparation for the elevated speed and physicality of the NFL is something he focused on before taking the field. Sinnott attributes his performance and impeccable adjustment to the importance of routine, which is why he followed the same pregame regimen from college.
"I brought the same one I used in college usually, and just continue to revamp it and find ways to help me prepare for the game. I think it went well and I'll continue to add and improve, and hopefully find that final one," Sinnott said.
The structure and consistency Sinnott found in his warmup helped to ground him, although he does acknowledge that everything he was told about the jump from college to the NFL is true.
"It's a faster game," said Sinnott. "Guys are more intelligent, bigger, stronger, faster guys, but I don't think it's anything that's going to be too much. I'm adjusting very well and having the guys in practice, being able to go against those guys on our talented roster makes it a lot easier to translate it."
In addition to going up against a strong defense in practice, Sinnott also has the luxury of an experienced tight end room. Among Zach Ertz, John Bates and Cole Turner, Sinnott has an abundance of teammates he can go to for advice or support that have been in his shoes before.
"It's a super tight knit group," Sinnott said. "We all really care for each other, we're brothers in there. Guys that really get along well and I'm so excited to see all of those guys be successful on the field. Obviously you saw it on Saturday, but it's a super talented group and we've got guys who can play. We all kind of have our own little niche, but I'm excited. It's a great group."
As Sinnott and the rest of the Burgundy & Gold jet to Miami, the rookie is excited for what's to come for himself and the rest of the team in Week 2 of the preseason. Aside from his own personal achievements on the field, Sinnott saw flashes of excellence from his teammates that he thinks will instill confidence in the group as they prepare for their Week 1 opener at Tampa Bay.
"Guys are clicking, even today, you see the confidence carrying over from the game and guys really connecting and putting in new concepts and still being able to hit those. It's been great to see and I can't wait to see where we can be."
