Hogs Haven
After a dreadful showing last week in Foxboro, where Washington sat 30 players, Dan Quinn came out with a pseudo “starting lineup” at home against the Bengals, and the Commanders, for two series, looked the part.
Then the backups came in…
Regardless of the score, it was important for some key guys to get in some live action in this contest and for the most part, they didn’t disappoint. However, with Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson under center, with third and fourth stringers along the offensive line, things got a bit sloppy on offense.
Defense was pretty much the same. The first two groups showed pretty well against Joe Burrow, however our backup got carved up by Jake Browning.
Overall, I think Washington put enough on film to glean some good evaluation by the coaches. One position where it was hard to see anything positive was from our bottom-of-the-roster wide receivers who suffered from poor quarterback play most of the evening.
Below are my Studs and Duds of the game, followed by some notes.
Jayden Daniels – Jayden Daniels, in his first action of the preseason, picked right up where he left off last season. Despite not throwing a pass, he showed his playmaking ability dodging a few defender in the backfield and sprinting up the gut for a 14-yard score.
Bill Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez – Bill and CRod showed why the Commanders are content moving on from the pedestrian Brian Robinson. The duo combined for 108 yards on just 17 carries, and Bill scored his first touchdown (a 27-yard scamper). CRod ripped off a 40-yard gain early in the game to set the tone.
Jaylin Lane – Lane led the receiving corps with three receptions for 42 yards, including a beautiful diving reception. He also had a punt return for 11 yards and one kickoff return for 22 yards.
Colston Yankoff – Yankoff was a beast on special teams recording three tackles including two big hits.
Javon Kinaw – In limited playing time, Kinlaw made his presence felt with two solo tackles and a pressure. I think it’s going to be a big year for him.
Sam Hartman – For as good as Jayden Daniels is, Hartman is equally as bad. His first pass of the game should have been picked. It didn’t take him long however to throw that interception. He finished 4 for 10 for just 29 passing yards and a pick and made things really difficult for coaches to fairly evaluate our receivers.
Bobby Price – Price was abused in coverage all evening allowing multiple receptions and a touchdown catch.
Car’Lin Vigers – Viggers continues to get beat in coverage and was absolutely POSTERIZED in the back of the endzone by Tinsley on a touchdown reception.
