The Washington Commanders had a highly profitable few days of joint practice against the Miami Dolphins before their preseason win. This is also the best way for general manager Adam Peters to assess where things stand and what more may be required to improve their bounce-back chances.
Peters is dealing with some roster issues, most notably along the offensive line. There is still time to figure things out, but the defensive surge over recent days represents a big positive. Unfortunately, not everyone will come along for the ride when push comes to shove.
There are only two more preseason games remaining before final cuts are due. The Commanders will be watching closely as intensity rises. Some position groups are almost sorted, but others have everything to play for.
Having this strength in depth is something the Commanders just didn't boast last season.
Peters worked hard to achieve this objective over the offseason, which raised urgency. The mindset was right where it needed to be from the moment everyone got back down to business, and aside from a couple of injuries, everything has gone according to plan.
That only makes the roster tougher to predict. But how could things shake out after Washington's impressive preseason triumph against Miami?
Washington Commanders 53-man roster prediction after preseason win over the Dolphins
Special teams (3): Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS), Drew Stevens (PK)
The Washington Commanders have two of their three special teams spots firmly in place heading into the new season. And it's starting to look like the third will also be locked up sooner rather than later.
Tress Way is a Pro Bowl-caliber punter who remains the team's longest-serving player. He's respected in the locker room and is still performing at a high level, so giving him a new one-year deal this offseason was an absolute no-brainer.
Washington also has stability at long-snapper in Tyler Ott. He's experienced and productive. He rarely makes mistakes, which is all you can ask for.
Then, there's the kicking position. And even though the Commanders still plan to take this competition all the way to final cuts, there is a growing gap between undrafted rookie Drew Stevens and veteran Jake Moody.
Stevens nailed his 41-yard field goal against the Dolphins with ease. Moody doinked a 29-yard attempt that fortunately went over. Couple this with how things are unfolding during training camp practices, and the Iowa product is now the firm frontrunner to secure a starting role in Year 1 of his professional career.
Moody won't be giving up without a real fight, but confidence is slipping away at the worst possible time.
Add us as a preferred source on Google