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

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.