3 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders joint practice with NY Jets

The Washington Commanders faced the biggest challenge of Dan Quinn's head coaching tenure so far. Their joint practice with the New York Jets represented a litmus test to see how far this new-look roster has come in a short space of time. Soaking wet conditions throughout only added to the occasion.

Quinn was eager to see how his squad would cope with extra pressure versus legitimate NFL opposition for the first time. There was no Aaron Rodgers - who was held out by the Jets due to the inclement weather. However, this represented a stern test of Washington's credentials looking at the firepower at Robert Saleh's disposal.

What followed during the session was a reality check. The Commanders didn't emerge with much credit from the practice, struggling on occasions in all three phases.

There is a tremendous amount of hard work ahead and not much time before their Week 1 opener at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After so much optimism throughout the offseason, this was a crash back down to earth in no uncertain terms.

With that being said, here are three winners and two losers from Washington's joint practice with the Jets before their preseason clash.

Winners and losers from Commanders' joint practice with the Jets

Winner No. 1

Commanders DL

It was a slow start for the Washington Commanders defensive front. However, there was a lot to like about the way they dusted themselves off as the session wore on.

This front four looks rejuvenated under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are setting the tone from the interior. They caused untold problems for the Jets' offensive line according to those in attendance. This is more in keeping with the standard fans have come to expect from the duo after things regressed in 2023 thanks in no small part to a lack of motivation.

Dorance Armstrong Jr. is quietly putting together an outstanding summer. The pass-rusher reunited immediately with Quinn in free agency and surged into the No. 1 edge rushing role. That's a big increase in responsibilities, but all signs are pointing up.

If the Commanders are to stand any chance of thriving next season, they need their defensive trenches firing on all cylinders from start to finish. It's so far, so good on that front.

Loser No. 1

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. - Commanders CB

Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was looking to redeem himself after a rookie campaign to forget. Previous head coach and primary decision-maker Ron Rivera became infatuated with the undersized yet athletic cornerback during his pre-draft assessments. This also ensured the No. 16 overall selection last year got responsibilities he wasn't ready for.

Everyone turned the page quickly on this catastrophe. Forbes reportedly put on 17 pounds this offseason and was starting to build some genuine momentum under the tutelage of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. All this came crashing to a halt during the Washington Commanders' joint practice against the New York Jets.

Forbes locked horns almost constantly with Garrett Wilson, one of the league's best wide receivers who could enter the elite category with perennial NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center in 2024. The former Mississippi State was overwhelmed almost from start to finish.

Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong for Forbes. He conceded two touchdowns to Wilson. The Ohio State product juked him after collecting another deep shot and also burned the defensive back over the middle to rub further salt into his wounds. Frustrations boiled over towards the end of practice, which resulted in the second-year pro trading punches with running back Breece Hall.

If Forbes wasn't good enough, that's fine. Wilson's going to give better cornerbacks than him the run-around in 2024. However, his lack of discipline and perceived unacceptable effort on occasions were far more concerning.

Giving up on plays is a disgrace. Forbes was accused of that, which won't go unnoticed by the coaching staff. Any confidence the 2023 first-round pick accumulated throughout the summer evaporated in the blink of an eye. This was his first big challenge versus competition other than teammates and he failed to deliver.

Forbes must show resolve and bounce back during his preseason involvement or the Commanders will find someone who can. Things won't get any easier during his next joint practice versus the Miami Dolphins, with the likes of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill licking their chops at the prospect of going up against him.

Winner No. 2

Dyami Brown - Commanders WR

Wet conditions made things extra difficult for the pass-catchers. The football was slippery and the constant downpour made visibility tough when the football was in the air. The Washington Commanders stuttered in the passing game more often than not. However, there were a few shining lights in tricky circumstances that deserve recognition.

Brycen Tremayne once again caught the eye with a couple of deep receptions. Washington's offensive highlight of the day belonged to Dyami Brown to continue what's been an impressive summer for the wide receiver.

Brown is entering the last chance saloon under the new regime. His production's been minuscule over three seasons despite flashing moments of quality. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but the signs are becoming more promising with every practice.

The former third-round pick out of North Carolina drew gasps from those in attendance when he snagged a pretty deep ball from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with one hand for a successful completion. It'll take much more to become a dynamic force during the regular season. At the same time, this is the latest in a series of confidence boosts attached to the underperforming receiver.

Many fans thought Brown would be made surplus to requirements once general manager Adam Peters took over the football operation. The Commanders weren't ready to give up on him. They needed a gifted vertical threat to maximize Daniels' deep ball accuracy. The West Mecklenburg High School product might be that guy.

Brown has provided supporters with fool's gold before. He often catches the eye at training camp before becoming an afterthought when competitive games arrive. Seeing is believing, so taking this improved form and making every target count is the only way to shift this narrative.

A few more highlight-reel grabs such as this will go a long way to inspiring confidence. That was always half the battle this offseason. Not just to cement his status on the 53-man roster, but to also enhance self-esteem that seems to have disintegrated quickly over his NFL journey so far.

Loser No. 2

Commanders OL depth

New general manager Adam Peters made significant alterations to the offensive line through free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. The starting five looks much more assured. Things are less certain further down the depth chart.

With veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie, third-round rookie Brandon Coleman, and stud right guard Sam Cosmi all missing from the team portion of practice, the Washington Commanders got a good look at their backup options in a pressurized setting. Let's just say it was underwhelming.

There was no push in the running game whatsoever. The New York Jets boast a formidable defensive front, which overwhelmed Washington's protection with relative comfort. Things didn't get much better from a pass-blocking standpoint, with the likes of Trent Scott and Chris Paul failing to provide adequate consistency on the edge.

The Commanders have a big problem on their hands. This was a concern coming into the offseason. Although there were encouraging signs over the opening two weeks of training camp, they failed their first big test versus legitimate NFL opposition.

Washington's long-suffering fanbase will be praying to the football gods that their starting unit is ready to rock in Week 1 and, more importantly, enjoys an injury-free campaign. That's a rare occurrence in the NFL, so those behind the first five step up and restore confidence over the preseason.

Michael Deiter and perhaps Cornelius Lucas aside, one couldn't say with any confidence if the rest are up to the required standard. The Commanders have options available if performance levels don't improve. Peters won't hesitate to acquire additional reinforcements - either through the remaining veteran pool or the waiver wire with the No. 2 priority - if he doesn't like the way things are progressing.

This joint session with the Jets was deeply concerning. Washington cannot have their offensive line depth exposed as a weak link once again. Not when they have a new franchise quarterback to protect in 2024 and beyond.

Winner No. 3

Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB

One could have forgiven Frankie Luvu for having extra motivation during joint practices with the New York Jets. This is the place where the linebacker started his NFL career, spending three campaigns at MetLife Stadium. He never quite established himself and was cast aside with little fanfare attached. As it turned out, being discarded became the best thing that ever happened.

Luvu signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, emerging as a core rotational piece and special teams ace in 2021. This earned the former undrafted free agent a new deal and the promise to start. To say he capitalized on this would be a massive understatement.

After starring for the Panthers over the last two years, Luvu sought out the Washington Commanders as a primary destination in free agency. He thinks Dan Quinn's system can take his game to new heights. Thursday's joint session was another example of the phenomenal attributes the Washington State product brings to the table.

The energetic second-level enforcer was everywhere on defense during scrimmages. Luvu got around the football consistently and created pressure when opportunities arose according to those in attendance. It was an up-and-down day for the unit overall, but he was a constant source of inspiration.

The Jets have to look at Luvu's exceptional emergence into a dominant playmaker with a sense of regret. There was untapped potential they didn't realize. Now those in power must watch the dynamic figure potentially enter the elite category for linebackers under Quinn's exceptional guidance.

This session did nothing to diminish expectations around Luvu heading into the 2024 season. Reporters following the Commanders this offseason confidently claim that he's emerged into the beating heart of Washington's defense already. If the same trend continues in the coming weeks, this could be one of the signings of free agency when it's all said and done.

Superstardom beckons for Luvu. The Commanders are going to reap some hefty rewards if he gets a clear run on the health front.

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