Thin Ice:
Jake Moody - Commanders PK
The Washington Commanders want to take their kicking competition right through the preseason before making a final decision. But it's clear the momentum is swinging toward a potential winner.
Undrafted rookie Drew Stevens has been relentless since joining the club. Aside from one wayward practice at training camp, it's been almost flawless from the Iowa product so far. Veteran Jake Moody was putting up a good fight earlier in the offseason, but the cracks are beginning to show now.
Moody has been less accurate overall this summer. Still, seeing what both could do in a preseason setting was the strongest measuring stick, and Stevens once again got the upper hand.
Stevens drilled his 41-yard field goal with ease, also hitting his extra point. Moody's 29-yard chip-shot field goal was doinked before, fortunately, going over. He was also successful on his only extra-point attempt.
The 2023 third-round pick out of Michigan will keep plowing forward until proven otherwise, but it's not looking especially promising for Moody.
Cemented:
Colson Yankoff - Commanders TE
Third-year tight end Colson Yankoff has become one of the genuine summer standouts in Washington. While others might be ahead of him on the depth chart, the former UCLA star is demonstrating encouraging development in pursuit of becoming more than a special teams ace this time around.
The Commanders didn't risk Chig Okonkwo against the Miami Dolphins, and John Bates was still out through injury (back this week). That gave Yankoff a chance to shine from a more prominent role, and he took full advantage.
Yankoff's route-running looks much better. He brought in two of his three targets, and the fluidity of his blocking has also improved. This tape matches what he's showing at camp, which is always the best way to stick around.
If there were any remaining doubts about Yankoff's status on the 53-man roster, they should now be alleviated. He offers real value on special teams, but his growth in other areas may also be rewarded when the regular season begins.
Thin Ice:
Jerome Ford - Commanders RB
The Commanders gave their young running backs a ton of work against the Dolphins. Sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen didn't have any negative runs, but the explosive element was lacking. Undrafted free agent Robert Henry Jr. was much more impressive, breaking off some big gains to showcase his elusiveness, speed, and on-field vision throughout.
Allen should still make the team. Henry is also making a strong push, but his fate is still hanging in the balance.
With Jacory Croskey-Merritt and free-agent signing Rachaad White leading the charge, and currently injured Jeremy McNichols deeply respected by the coaching staff, it's starting to look like Jerome Ford might be the odd man out.
Ford got one carry for four rushing yards in Washington's preseason opener. The Commanders might be keeping him fresh, but it might also be a sign that the player is not in their plans.
We'll find out for sure over the next two preseason games. Even so, Ford's status seems increasingly precarious until further notice.
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