The Washington Commanders will kick off their 2024 preseason schedule on Saturday by taking on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Here are three things to watch during the matchup.
1. Jayden Daniels' progression.
We don't know how much we'll see Washington's No. 2 overall pick on Saturday, but however many snaps he ends up getting will be an important look at where he's at in his development.
Daniels started camp looking every bit like a former Heisman Trophy winner, showing poise and command of the huddle that's expected of a veteran instead of a rookie. He had developed strong connections with Zach Ertz and Terry McLaurin and impressed his coaches with his study habits.
Thursday's practice with the Jets brough some of that down to earth, although it was difficult to give him a fair evaluation because of the rain and lack of starting offensive linemen in the lineup. He didn't commit a turnover and had an impressive throw to Dyami Brown during seven-on-seven drills. For most of the morning, though, he was limited to shorter throws.
Regardless of whether Daniels plays three plays or 15, the preseason game will provide valuable experience for the rookie. It'll also be his first time playing in front of an NFL crowd and directing the offense in game scenarios. Of course, he wants to play well, but it will be more beneficial to show he can handle the other demands of being an NFL quarterback.
2. The secondary.
Washington's secondary was a major point of concern in 2023 with the number of explosive plays it gave up on a weekly basis. The team has spent the last two weeks trying to figure out how all the players they brought in through free agency and the draft will work together. It will get the most clarity on Saturday against the Jets.
The Jets and their wide receivers, led by Garrett Wilson, appeared to win the day against the Commanders' defensive backs, as they got open downfield multiple times. Many of the same issues the secondary had in 2023 seemed to persist, although it is worth pointing out that Washington kept things simple with its coverages.
Saturday will provide an opportunity to regain some of the positivity it built in training camp. We'll likely see plenty of Emmanuel Forbes Jr., who has played most of his snaps with the starters but also let Wilson get behind him on Thursday. We'll also see more of Mike Sainristil, the second-round pick who has impressed coaches with his maturity and production at the nickel corner spot.
The Commanders' secondary still has much to prove before Week 1. Putting together a solid performance in a game scenario would go a long way towards showing the group is heading in the right direction.
3. The competition at receiver.
There are three locks to make the Commanders' roster at receiver; the rest of the position is a big question mark, although there are a few players who have started to stand out.
Sitting at the top of the list is second-year pro Brycen Tremayne. He's become a favorite target for Daniels and Marcus Mariota when they're looking for explosive plays. He did it again -- twice -- in the joint practice with the Jets during seven-on-seven drills. Tremayne has already fought to give himself a shot to make the roster thanks to his rapport with Washington's quarterbacks. If he repeats that feat again in a game scenario, it should give him a firmer hold on his long-term status with the team.
Mitchell Tinsley is another player who has started to separate himself from the rest of the receivers competing for a spot. While he doesn't have the eye-popping moments that Tremayne does, he has come down with some impressive catches over the past two weeks and has special teams value.
As good as Tremayne and Tinsley have looked in practice, performances in games are what matter more, and Saturday's game will give others like Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Davion Davis a chance to get back in the mix.
