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3 Commanders who strengthened case for 53-man roster spot vs Ravens

By Jerry Trotta

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: Dax Milne #15 of the Washington Football Team warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: Dax Milne #15 of the Washington Football Team warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Commanders came up short in their bid to end the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason win streak. At one point in the second quarter, the Commanders produced 11 first downs to the Ravens’ one and trailed 7-6.

Washington’s failure to execute, specifically in the red zone, eventually came home to roost and the game turned on its end the minute Anthony Brown relieved starter Tyler Huntley and started picking apart Jack Del Rio’s secondary.

It’s never fun watching a loss, but it was refreshing to see the Commanders’ second, third and fourth-stringers give it all on every play. Of course, that isn’t a surprise. With 53-man rosters due late Tuesday afternoon, the majority of players who saw significant playing time Saturday were fighting for their jobs.

While some players squandered their opportunities, these players came to play and bolstered their case to make the final roster.

3 Commanders who bolstered case for 53-man roster vs Ravens

(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

3. Jaret Patterson

Patterson faces long odds to make Washington’s final roster with Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic ahead of him on the depth chart, but Saturday night made it pretty obvious he shouldn’t be playing in the preseason.

Reggie Bonnafon got the start, but Patterson was clearly the superior runner and out-gained Bonnafon in the first half despite getting less carries. The 2021 undrafted free agent out of Buffalo knows how to manufacture positive gains despite being undersized and is quietly sure-handed as a receiver.

Patterson took reins of the backfield in the second half and it’s no surprise the Commanders’ running game had more sizzle.

Washington would admittedly be better off keeping an extra safety, offensive linemen or linebacker than four running backs, but nobody would bat an eyelash if Patterson found himself on the 53-man roster for the second consecutive year.

We’d hate to see him claimed by another club if he’s released, but we suppose that comes with the territory of boasting a deep RB room.

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