Before the advent of media devices, football coaches at all levels used simple whiteboards to outline plays, map out player positions and explain schemes in real time. Nowadays digital playbooks and tablets have taken over, but coaches still use whiteboards on occasion to impart information quickly and effectively. The following are some quick notes and observations from the Washington Commanders’ second preseason game, a 17-13 loss to the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Replacing the Commanders starting center won’t fix the offensive line
There is no question that the
Washington Commanders need to replace Julian Good-Jones at the center position. Even head coach Dan Quinn seems to have finally come to the realization, stating “(we’ve) got work to do to figure out where we want to get to at center.” Setting aside the fact the coaching staff and front office put themselves in this position with the surprise release of Tyler Biadasz, the return of Nick Allegretti to the starting lineup won’t solve all the issues with the offensive line.
Good-Jones getting driven into the backfield disrupted several offensive plays, including backside pulls, but parts of the lineup also lack the movement skills to wall off defenders and create holes in the run game. Rookie Matt Gulbin didn’t look close to start at guard in his second appearance in a Commanders uniform, and neither did most of the team outside of right guard Sam Cosmi.
The issues don’t all come from personnel. Zone schemes are based on timing and cohesion, and the current version of the Commanders’ offensive line does not have it. Tight end John Bates is known as one of the better blockers in the league, but after missing most of training camp with an injury, he failed to set up his run block on the second offensive play of the game, and the rep quickly led to a sack.
The team needs to settle on a starting offensive line and let the unit work together starting this week. The running backs also need to practice with that group on a regular basis to learn timing and develop a feel for how holes are developing in the run game. As of now, Rachaad White is going to earn his free-agent money as a personal protector for Jayden Daniels.
Ricky Barber may have a leg up on a roster spot
Shy Tuttle and Byron Cowart were both moved off their spots in the run game and didn’t appear to offer much disruption to Detroit’s offense. Ricky Barber, on the other hand, was able to penetrate upfield and disrupt the backfield on multiple occasions. He looks noticeably bigger this season and held his own in the run game. Barber failed to finish a number of plays; otherwise he would have had a much bigger game. Maurice Hurst II did have two sacks, but they came later in the game and he just joined the team. My guess is the team prefers the younger Barber as a player that can replace Newton’s skill set but also hold up in the run game. Jeffrey M’Ba also had an impressive showing and should be in line for a practice squad spot if the coaches don’t opt for one of the veterans.
Will Harris might be on the outside looking in at final roster cuts
Safeties Quan Martin and Will Harris both had a rough start to training camp, but while Martin has responded with two interceptions over the last two games, Harris continues to underwhelm. He doesn’t look physical enough at the line of scrimmage and doesn’t have the instincts and speed to play deep. While Joshua Josephs most certainly should have held contain better on Dobbs long touchdown run, Harris should also have been there to make the stop but instead lost track of the ball.
Releasing Harris nets the team $3.7 million in savings, but more importantly, with the emergence of Tyler Owensand the special teams play of Percy Butler, there isn’t a role for Harris in Daronte Jones’ defense. Expect the team to cut him in favor of another player on the roster.
The Washington Commanders defense has the potential to be special this season
In four quarters of play, the defense created five takeaways to go along with multiple sacks and a defensive touchdown, all without the aid of starters Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Tim Settle.
Settle’s absence has been noticeable in stopping the run game, but the aggressive nature of Daronte Jones’ scheme has been paying off with turnovers so far and we haven’t even seen the full version yet. Getting the first team back on the field while allowing Sonny Styles more time to develop should make for a formidable group this season. While fans should expect the defense to allow some big plays, their ability to generate turnovers should keep the Washington Commanders in contention this year.
