4 winners (and 3 losers) from Commanders preseason loss at Dolphins

It was another preseason reverse for the Washington Commanders, but results are not what matters at this stage of preparations. Dan Quinn took plenty of positives from the game, which saw some starters participate early before those on the fringes took center stage in pursuit of enhancing their chances of making the 53-man roster.

As is typically the case with preseason games, there were some good moments and plenty of mistakes thrown in for good measure. Quinn and general manager Adam Peters got more valuable film on most players whose futures are hanging in the balance. Several boosted their hopes considerably, which will stand them in good stead heading into the final week before final cuts.

Things didn't go so well for others. What Quinn and Peters need to figure out is where this roster stands currently and what more is needed, especially considering they sit at No. 2 in the waiver wire priority order behind the talent-deficient Carolina Panthers.

With this in mind, here are four winners and three losers from Washington's defeat at the Miami Dolphins in Preseason Week 2.

Winners and losers from Commanders' preseason loss at the Dolphins

Winner No. 1

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

It was another encouraging night's work for Jayden Daniels. The Washington Commanders gave their new franchise quarterback two series' as part of his ongoing development. He looked poised, assured under center, and made the right decisions to keep the chains moving more often than not.

Daniels is going through his progressions effectively and gets the football out on time to his playmakers in the passing game. He showcased his ability to gain yards on the ground during a 13-yard run, although head coach Dan Quinn was less than enthused by his signal-caller's refusal to slide when the first down was secured.

Things would have been even better for the Heisman Trophy winner had it not been for some frustrating penalties that negated decent yardage. Daniels completed 83.33 percent of his passes and secured a decent passer rating of 93.8. This was another positive step for the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft - albeit with another limited sample size.

Excitement is growing around Daniels and expectations are surging as a result. If the pressure is getting to the former LSU phenom, he's not showing it whatsoever.