Winner No. 2
David Blough - Commanders OC
Dan Quinn took a massive risk by removing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and replacing him with first-time play-caller David Blough. There are concerns, of course, but the Washington Commanders are confident this bold move can pay off when the regular season arrives.
Blough's vision is coming to life. Everyone has bought in, and his innovative ideas are a breath of fresh air. The Commanders didn't pull out their full arsenal during joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, but the creative play-calling was on full display throughout the session.
The Commanders' passing attack has a fresher feel. Guys are in motion and being used in a variety of different ways. There is a nice blend of explosive play capability and simple ways to move the chains in the short- to intermediate-area of the field. It is not perfect just yet, but that's what makes this offense so exciting.
There is no doubt Blough has quarterback Jayden Daniels' full trust. And if everyone stays healthy from here on, this offense is going to be a problem.
Loser No. 1
Commanders offensive line
Not having left tackle Laremy Tunsil to lean on will be a telling blow to the Commanders' chances this season. He's arguably their best overall player, so the five-time Pro Bowler being out with a torn triceps represents a major setback.
The Commanders just have to make the best out of a bad situation. But according to reports from joint practice with the Dolphins, the offensive line's performance showed how much hard work lies ahead.
It was always going to take time, which is on the Commanders' side for now. There were flashes in pass protection, but there were real run-game frailties that were concerning enough not to overlook.
The Commanders’ offensive line so far looks like … an offensive line that lost their best player.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 12, 2026
The Dolphins' defensive front is better than people think. At the same time, the Commanders need to work out this potential issue quickly if they don't want it to be a problem when the regular season arrives.
Perhaps things will improve when starting center Nick Allegretti gets back into the lineup, but there is just no telling for sure right now.
Winner No. 3
Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders OLB
Much has been made of the high-profile defensive reinforcements the Commanders acquired this offseason, especially on the edge. However, joint practice saw a forgotten pass-rusher come to life when hope was fading rapidly.
There hasn't been much mention of Javontae Jean-Baptiste over the offseason. Others are getting more hype, which is to be expected. But if the 2024 seventh-round pick's efforts against the Dolphins are any indication, he's not going to give up his spot on the 53-man roster without a fight.
Simply put, Jean-Baptiste was causing havoc. According to reports, he was in the backfield almost constantly, playing like a man possessed and getting whatever he wanted versus Miami's offensive line. It was the best way to get noticed, but bigger challenges are coming.
The former Notre Dame standout must prove this relentless effort was no fluke when preseason reps come his way. This will give Jean-Baptiste a chance to show just how much he's improved while also gaining valuable game-day experience after missing so much time last season.
But don't count him out just yet.
Add us as a preferred source on Google