Winner No. 4
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels is the heart of everything good. The Washington Commanders quarterback has adopted a steely determination this offseason, and this trend continued with an exceptional performance in joint practice with the Miami Dolphins.
Though the offensive line didn't shine, that wasn't going to stop Daniels from making a statement. He got the football out quickly, made some dazzling throws throughout to carve open Miami's secondary, and looks extremely comfortable within the new concepts installed by offensive coordinator David Blough.
It would be worth Daniels getting some on-field reps during the preseason, but it probably won't be on Friday. He got a lot of work in during the practice, and it was another positive sign that a genuine bounce-back campaign will be in his immediate future.
long ball to Burks ✊@SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Hlb14ySbYg
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 12, 2026
Daniels' poise, accuracy, and vision are right where they need to be. And if he takes this through into the regular season, the Commanders are going to be a tough out for anybody.
Loser No. 2
Commanders special teams coverage
It wasn't just the offensive line that caused slight concern during joint practice with the Dolphins. According to reports, there were some surprising frailties on special teams, especially on coverage.
The Commanders have bundles of athleticism and youth on their special-teams unit. They don't have the experience of Nick Bellore to rely on anymore, but there is enough to suggest they can be competitive. Even so, there is an enormous amount of hard work ahead before confidence increases.
Perhaps it was just because Malik Washington is that good.
Malik Washington is FAST. He’s about to return some kickoffs for a TD this season. #Dolphins
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) August 12, 2026
Miami's kick return ace will be fun to watch this season. His speed is blazing, and he broke off several impressive runs throughout the special-teams portion of practice. That's a big boost for the Dolphins, but it's clear there is a lot to clean up from the Commanders' perspective.
There is enough talent to work out the kinks. But with the margins finer than ever, making a statement in the preseason is vital.
Winner No. 5
K'Lavon Chaisson - Commanders OLB
As previously mentioned, the defensive front seven caused absolute havoc against the Dolphins. They were fast, aggressive, and looked in sync. Big-money signing Odafe Oweh gained plaudits for his outstanding contribution, but K'Lavon Chaisson continues to stand out in the best possible way.
Chaisson was somewhat overlooked compared to the Oweh signing. He penned a one-year deal, betting on himself in the hope of earning a much bigger payday next year. Based on his imposing performances over the summer, he might just get it.
The 2020 first-round pick out of LSU hobbled off briefly but returned after shaking off whatever was bothering him. Chaisson was relentless coming off the edge, generating pressure while also becoming impactful against the run. His partnership with Oweh is flourishing, and it might be the combination Daronte Jones goes with in the regular season.
This dominance was not a flash in the pan, either. It's the same consistency Chaisson has displayed over camp and during last season's breakout with the New England Patriots. Long may it continue.
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