The Washington Commanders got the chance to perform with the national spotlight glaring in their preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Majority ownership partner Josh Harris spent time before the game showing media about the improved facility. Fans got the chance to see how those on the fringes are faring with head coach Dan Quinn resting his starters for the clash.
This was the last opportunity those fighting for roster spots had to stake a claim. There were some good moments and some bad ones thrown in for good measure, but the Commanders picked up a morale-boosting victory on home soil before attention turned to final cuts and Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Adam Peters faces some difficult decisions upcoming. Some look easier than others, but Preseason Week 3 gave the new general manager another important evaluation tool to call upon heading into some tough conversations in the coming days.
With that being said, here are three winners and two losers from Washington's preseason win over the Patriots.
Winners and losers from Commanders' preseason win vs. the Patriots
Winner No. 1
K.J. Henry - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders need one of their pass-rushers to step up and become a force opposite free-agent signing Dorance Armstrong Jr. Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler Jr. might be in the driver's seat for involvement, but K.J. Henry's continued progress is giving the coaching staff plenty to think about.
Henry's been a revelation over the summer. He flashed when reps finally arrived last season and is looking to put that newfound experience to good use. The former fifth-round selection out of Clemson left another notable impression in Washington's final preseason game, coming up with a devastating sack on ex-Commanders quarterback Jacoby Brissett and causing consistent disruption when on the field.
There's no doubt Henry's roster status is secure. That's not up for discussion. However, the player's performance levels under the new coaching regime could lead to a potential starting role if the same trend continues during the regular season.
Loser No. 1
Brycen Tremayne - Commanders WR
Opportunity knocks in the wide receiver room after the Washington Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles. New general manager Adam Peters either has something else up his sleeve or he's pleased with the way things are developing with the options already at his disposal.
Brycen Tremayne is on the fringes. His exceptional start to training camp didn't transition to the preseason when targets came his way. Unfortunately for the 2023 undrafted free agent out of Stanford, this trend continued during Washington's last warmup outing before Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tremayne was expected by many to get a heavy workload as part of his ongoing assessment. This didn't materialize, with the wideout bringing in one of his three targets for minus three receiving yards.
This was a body blow - one Tremayne might not be able to recover from with no more chances to impress. He probably won't make the 53-man roster, but there's a good chance the Commanders bring him back onto the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Winner No. 2
Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DL
Phidarian Mathis was entering the last-chance saloon this offseason. It was a frustrating first two years in Washington for the defensive lineman, with injuries and poor production leaving many wondering whether his time with the franchise would end under the new regime.
Mathis has the physical tools, it's putting them together in a competitive setting that represents his biggest stumbling block. After a relatively pedestrian start to training camp, the light is starting to come on where the former second-round pick out of Alabama is concerned.
There was a lot to like about the way Mathis went about his business in Washington's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. The interior presence batted down a pass and pushed the pile frequently to further raise optimism. Based on this showing, he'll get another chance on the 53-man roster.
Just how much time Mathis sees on the field is anyone's guess. Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and second-rounder Johnny Newton are ahead of him on the depth chart. Making the team was a bonus, but what comes next for the Neville High School product is much more important.
Loser No. 2
Cole Turner - Commanders TE
This game could have been the last we see of Cole Turner in a Washington Commanders uniform. The tight end did secure a big gain downfield for 25 receiving yards, but two notable lapses in concentration in the first half are something those in power will probably remember more.
Turner has the physical scope to potentially force his way onto the initial 53-man roster depending on how many tight ends the Commanders take through. However, there is enough to suggest a trio consisting of Zach Ertz, second-round rookie Ben Sinnott, and John Bates will be enough.
This would be bad news for Turner, who looked poised for a potential breakout campaign in 2023 before becoming an afterthought under previous head coach Ron Rivera once again. He's the No. 4 guy right now, so the numbers game alone dictates his time with the franchise could be concluding in the coming days.
Turner might be scooped up by someone else on the waiver wire in this scenario. If not, the Commanders have the option to bring Turner back onto the practice squad to continue his development under improved coaches.
Winner No. 3
Michael Wiley - Commanders RB
The Commanders have some tough decisions to make in the running back room during final cuts. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are cemented as the first two names on the depth chart. It's a toss-up after that, with several players hoping to be included depending on how many Washington takes through.
Michael Wiley's done more than arguably anyone to earn his spot. It was another impressive outing for the undrafted free agent in Preseason Week 3, gaining 26 rushing yards and a touchdown from seven carries before his night came to an end. He also brought in both of his targets in the passing game for minimal yardage.
It could still go either way for Wiley, but the undrafted free agent couldn't have done more to convince the coaching staff he's worthy of a roster spot. This would need to come at the expense of Chris Rodriguez Jr., who showcased his prowess in the passing game but failed to muster much on the ground.
This position group is one to watch closely when Adam Peters begins wielding the axe. Don't be surprised if Wiley is listed as the No. 3 option when it's all said and done.