3 causes for concern from Commanders first preseason game

2. Special Teams

It took the Commanders longer than fans expected to put points on the board. When they finally did in the form of a Brian Robinson touchdown run, Joey Slye missed the extra point. Those points were eventually salvaged on a Sam Howell two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter, but Slye can’t be missing these .

We’re all aware Slye earned an extension with Washington after he brought stability to the position last season, but this was a poor start from the big-legged kicker. Let’s hope this was just a matter of preseason rust than anything else. Slye has our full trust and he should have yours, too, after last year.

Additionally, the Commanders’ return game left a lot to be desired. The team returned five kickoffs and three failed to get past the 20-yard line. They returned a couple from the end zone, which is fine, but you better make sure you get a good return out of it as a touchback allows teams to start from the 25.

Recent signing Matt Cole had the longest return with 27 yards, but Washington can’t afford to have its offense start outside the 20. Who ultimately wins the return job is officially a storyline to watch for the rest of camp and preseason.