What's Happening?
The Washington Commanders concluded their 2025 preseason with a significant 30-3 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens. This loss marks the end of a winless preseason for the Commanders, who now shift their focus to the upcoming regular season opener against the New York Giants. The game highlighted several issues, including turnovers by quarterback Sam Hartman, who was responsible for three turnovers, one of which resulted in a touchdown for the Ravens. Additionally, kicker Matt Gay missed a field goal for the second time this preseason, raising concerns about the team's kicking reliability. Despite the absence of most starters, the performance of the backups and players vying for roster spots was underwhelming, leading to questions about the team's depth and readiness for the regular season.
Why It's Important?
The Commanders' preseason performance raises significant concerns about their depth and readiness as they approach the regular season. The team's inability to secure a win in the preseason, coupled with the struggles of key players like Sam Hartman and Matt Gay, suggests potential vulnerabilities that could impact their performance in the regular season. The lack of depth, particularly in the quarterback and wide receiver positions, could pose challenges if injuries occur or if starters underperform. The team's management and coaching staff may need to address these issues promptly to avoid a disappointing season, especially given the high expectations surrounding the team.
What's Next?
As the regular season approaches, the Commanders will need to make critical decisions regarding their roster, particularly in addressing the quarterback and kicker positions. The team may explore options on the waiver wire to strengthen their depth, especially for a third quarterback. Additionally, the performance of kicker Matt Gay will be closely monitored, and any continued struggles could prompt the team to reconsider their options. The Commanders' management will need to ensure that the team is adequately prepared and that any lingering issues from the preseason are resolved before facing the New York Giants in their season opener.
