3 noteworthy observations from Commanders preseason opener vs Panthers
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders took the field for the first time since January when they hosted the Carolina Panthers for their preseason opener Saturday.
With no joint practices, this marked Washington’s first look against opposing competition since the offseason started so it wasn’t overly surprising Ron Rivera’s group came out a little rusty and Carolina took an early lead.
When the dust settled, the Commanders fell short thanks to a 45-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez with under a minute left in regulation.
It’s important to know the preseason (largely) isn’t worth an overreaction unless a player suffers a major injury. Having said that, there were no shortage of noteworthy developments from Saturday. Let’s highlight some of them, shall we?
3 major observations from Commanders’ preseason opener
3. Third Down Defense Still a Concern?
Perhaps the Commanders’ greatest defensive flaw from last season was their inability to get off the field on third down. Believe it or not, Jack Del Rio’s group finished 31st in opponent third down percentage at 48.47 percent. Only the Chargers had a worse percentage and it was by a slim margin at 49.54 percent.
On the Panthers’ first drive they completed their first three third down attempts, which ultimately helped them get into field goal range and take a 3-0 lead. The lowlights included a wide open receiver on a crossing route and Danny Johnson getting beat in man coverage on third and long.
Luckily, Kendall Fuller saved the day with sticky coverage to limit Carolina to three points, but this drive wasn’t a sight for sore eyes, that’s for sure.
Yes, it’s only one preseason game, but it was a tad alarming that the Commanders’ first-team defense got sliced up by Baker Mayfield, who’s still learning Carolina’s playbook after they acquired him via trade a few weeks ago.