It was a highly enjoyable and profitable joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. The Washington Commanders were the better team by all accounts, which is another confidence boost as head coach Dan Quinn's squad aims for a bounce-back campaign in 2026.
However, there were a couple of problem areas that need rectifying at the earliest possible opportunity.
The new-look offensive line without Laremy Tunsil and Nick Allegretti struggled to find consistency, especially on running plays, according to those in attendance. There was another concern that went completely overlooked in comparison but could be equally as vital to the team's plans for progression.
Commanders' special teams coverage did not shine in joint practice with the Dolphins
There wasn't much to enthuse fans about the special teams coverage throughout the session. This is something coordinator Larry Izzo prides himself on, and it simply wasn't up to usual standards.
It doesn't matter much now. But it will if the complication persists when the regular season commences.
Dolphins do-it-all receiver Malik Washington had no trouble exploiting this weakness. He blazed a trail when returning kicks, and if this was an actual game, he may have made a couple of house calls for his efforts.
This was completely unacceptable from Washington's standpoint. Izzo and other staff no doubt made that clear to every player both during and after practice, but there is enough talent to ensure this doesn't become a lingering issue.
Even though the Commanders won't have Nick Bellore this season after his retirement before training camp, they have young, hungry, and fast players further down the depth chart who are more than capable of filling the void.
Commanders have enough talent to ensure this doesn't become an ongoing problem
Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, and Tyler Owens all have next-level athleticism. Quan Martin, Percy Butler, and Ale Kaho could help. Of course, there is also safety Jeremy Reaves, who can lead the group as an All-Pro performer if he is not needed too much on the defensive rotation.
The upside is there. This is all about fine-tuning.
Izzo still has a few weeks to get them up to speed. Even so, we will find out more about whether joint practice was a blip when Washington takes the field for its preseason opener against the Dolphins on Friday night.
It was mildly concerning that Washington was able to get whatever he wanted. He's good, but not good enough that the Commanders couldn't have stopped him at least once.
This time of year is all about identifying problems and fixing them. Special teams coverage is an understated yet integral cog in the wheel. And during a season when the fine margins will make a big difference for the Commanders, they cannot afford for this to become a weak link when it really counts.
Special teams matter. And the Commanders now have questions to answer.
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