The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Washington Commanders 41-3 on Friday in the preseason finale. It was the end of a rough week for Washington, which also had its share of struggles in Wednesday’s joint practice with the Ravens.
Before the Commanders kicked off on Friday, the team announced 41 players would not play. That’s often the case in the final preseason game, as starters rest, paving the way for coaches to evaluate players fighting to steal some of the last few spots on the 53-man roster.
Washington had several of those players, including some in the rookie class. Two players in particular were running back Kaytron Allen and wide receiver Jaden Bradley. Allen, a sixth-round pick from Penn State, was impressive in the preseason opener against
Miami two weeks ago. He led the Commanders in rushing against Detroit last week. Most assumed that being a draft pick, he’d make Washington’s roster as the third or fourth back.
Bradley, a 6-foot-3 undrafted receiver from UNLV, has had a terrific training camp. It began in OTAs, when coaches and teammates praised Bradley. Terry McLaurin was often seen working with him after practice, and McLaurin appreciated Bradley’s willingness to lean on the veteran for advice. While Bradley had an excellent offseason and training camp, he still found himself on the outside looking in at receiver. He was a prime contender to join Washington’s practice squad.
With so many starters and top reserves not playing, Allen and Bradley had a prime opportunity to impress Commanders’ brass. Unfortunately, like most of the team, it did not go well.
Henry carried the ball three times for four yards. On Washington’s first play from scrimmage, down 7-0, Allen fumbled, giving the Ravens excellent field position. They would score several plays later to take a 14-0 lead. The Commanders also gave Allen a chance to return kicks, and he bobbled one of those, too.
Did Allen hurt his chances of making the 53-man roster? Maybe not, especially considering that Jeremy McNichols remains sidelined with an injury. But we’ll see. Allen isn’t an explosive player at all. He’s known for getting tough yards and for not fumbling. Those fumbles didn’t come at a great time for him.
As for Bradley, it was one last shot to convince Washington he belonged on the 53-man roster. Not only has he impressed as a receiver this summer, but he almost blocked multiple punts in the preseason opener two weeks ago. On Friday, Bradley had four targets, catching two passes for 18 yards. He had a drop, too. And, like Allen, the Commanders had Bradley returning kickoffs to show off his versatility. Also, like Allen, he muffed a kick. While it didn’t result in a turnover, it could still make Washington pause about trusting Allen and Bradley in such a critical role.
Bradley’s standing likely doesn’t change. He had an uphill battle in front of him anyway. The Commanders love him and hope to keep him around on the practice squad. You could make the case that veteran Craig Reynolds actually offers more than Allen. Fellow rookie Robert Henry Jr. may have had a tough week last week, but he’s explosive. Could GM Adam Peters opt for Henry’s ceiling over Allen’s floor?
The Commanders have some tough decisions to make by Sunday. Friday’s results didn’t make things any easier.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 2 Commanders' rookies fail to take advantage of opportunity
