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.
Loser No. 1
Riley Patterson - Commanders K
For those unaware, the Washington Commanders have a kicking problem. Something that could end up costing them games during the 2024 season unless a solution can be found.
Those in power released Ramiz Ahmed this week following his brief yet underwhelming stint with the franchise. Dan Quinn stated he wanted to see what Riley Patterson - picked up off waivers following his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars - could do with sole custody of the No. 1 spot. It did not go well for the veteran.
Patterson missed two makeable kicks in the first half, which was met with obvious dismay by fans and media members alike. He eventually finished the game making two of his four efforts. This did nothing to suggest Wasington's starting kicker in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers isn't on the roster currently.
The question now centers on whether Patterson gets another opportunity this week.
Adam Peters won't hesitate to cut him loose if he can find a better option. This seems like the most likely outcome right now. Whether it occurs when others begin getting released during final cuts or sooner is up for debate.
Winner No. 2
Jamin Davis - Commanders DE/OLB
After going through a significant adjustment period this offseason, the light is starting to come on for Jamin Davis. The former first-round pick is making the transition from linebacker to edge rusher under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and his defensive coaches. It was a big change for the player, who's spent his first three seasons compensating for some extreme personnel mismanagement at the defensive second level.
Davis looked the part in Preseason Week 2 at the Dolphins. He played deep into the game once again to gain some much-needed experience. This time, his explosiveness, hand placement, and improved motions in tight windows came across significantly.
This was against second and third stringers, so it needs the correct context attached. At the same time, Davis' sack that led to a forced fumble was a huge confidence boost for a player whom many believed was on the cusp of being cut under the new regime.
There doesn't seem much chance of that at this juncture. Davis has the physical profile capable of thriving within Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. This was a sign their teachings are having an effect, but what comes next is more important.
Loser No. 2
Kazmeir Allen - Commanders WR/KR
This time of year is about fine margins for those looking to make the team. Kazmeir Allen is a prime case as the former undrafted free agent looks to go one better this time around and secure his place on the 53-man roster.
The Washington Commanders were willing to give Allen another shot after he spent most of last season on the practice squad. His elusiveness in the return game was something to note over the team's training camp. Kliff Kingsbury even provided the player with carries out of the backfield, so a big workload was anticipated at the Miami Dolphins as part of his ongoing assessments.
It didn't turn out that way. Allen accumulated 13 rushing yards from three carries and failed to muster a target in the passing game. His two punt returns brought a total of six yards. There was one decent kick return, which was negated by a lost fumble trying to gain extra yards running the football that will be remembered when the time comes to decide his future.
Allen's got talent. He's also running out of time. Giving the football away with the preseason spotlight glaring wasn't a good look. How the UCLA product responds will be crucial.
Winner No. 3
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
Luke McCaffrey might be relatively new to the wide receiver position, but he's not showing it. The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft is growing in confidence with each week that goes by this offseason. His latest showing at the Dolphins in Preseason Week 2 only whet the appetite further about what he could potentially bring to Kliff Kingsbury's offense.
McCaffrey is an explosive route-runner who knows the importance of body control and manipulation. He comes from an exceptional NFL bloodline and it shows. Bringing in both of his targets for 30 receiving yards represents another big step in a positive direction.
The former Rice star also made his presence felt as a gunner on special teams. This was somewhat surprising and added another string to his bow. Just how much time he'll see in this discipline if given prominent reps on the offensive rotation is anyone's guess. However, it's not a bad trick to have up your sleeve.
There's a growing belief the Commanders can get some immediate output from McCaffrey while he develops all areas of his game as a rookie. Dependability is everything in the NFL, he's got that in abundance.
Loser No. 3
Andrew Wylie - Commanders OT
Jayden Daniels didn't secure a touchdown during the two drives at the Miami Dolphins despite an impressive outing overall from the young signal-caller. On the rookie quarterback's second march downfield, Andrew Wylie was the primary catalyst behind his demise.
Wylie got a reprieve this offseason despite underwhelming in 2023 following his free-agent switch from the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran right tackle's mental errors came to the fore once again, getting called for two penalties - one of which negated a crucial third-down conversion deep into Miami Dolphins' territory.
Better these mistakes happen now than when things matter more. Wylie gave up just four penalties throughout last season's entirety according to Pro Football Focus. Hopefully, this is just a bump in the road and the former Eastern Michigan standout becomes a dependable edge presence.
Fans have their doubts about that. Washington's offensive line has the potential to jeopardize everything. Experienced figures such as Wylie need to step up. This latest showing didn't exactly boost confidence in his ability to stay disciplined and consistent in the face of sustained pressure.
Winner No. 4
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
This seems to be a weekly occurrence. Tyler Owens is pushing extremely hard to make the Commanders roster, enjoying a standout off-season. After another impressive outing at the Dolphins, it might have locked up his spot despite tough competition in the safety room.
The former undrafted free agent continues to prove his credentials on the defensive rotation. Owens gained an impressive tackle for loss with a thumping hit that prevented a sure-fire touchdown by chasing down running back Chris Brooks when all hope seemed lost. That's exactly the sort of speed and commitment Dan Quinn is looking for.
Owens' contribution to special teams play only bolsters his hopes further. The Texas Tech product is doing everything expected and more. Others are also vying for places behind the projected starting safety duo of Jeremy Chinn and Quan Martin, but he's put himself in a good spot heading into the final week before final cuts.
If everything goes according to plan for Owens in the coming days, he should find his name on the initial 53-man roster. Make no mistake, attempting to stash him on the practice squad won't end well for the Commanders.