5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders joint practice vs. Dolphins

Loser No. 2

Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR

This had more to do with what transpired before practice than during.

Head coach Dan Quinn left no doubt that Jahan Dotson's spot as the No. 2 wide receiver option was under threat. He admitted this was an ongoing competition for the WR2 role and openly praised free-agent signing Olamide Zaccheaus at length. This laid down the gauntlet to others in no uncertain terms.

Dotson seems eager to take on the challenge, although he's more interested in self-improvement rather than anything out of his control. This is the right attitude to take, but it does nothing to detract from the urgent situation he now finds himself in Year 3 of his once-promising career.

The Commanders' new regime has no emotional attachment to Dotson or any other draft pick from the Ron Rivera era. If they feel like the Penn State product isn't performing to the required standard, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of a more reduced - yet still important - role within Kliff Kingsbury's scheme.

A big effort is needed. Dotson's got the talent. He's proven that on countless occasions. Becoming more consistent is key.

Winner No. 5

Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB

This was another obstacle on Jayden Daniels' road to rookie stardom. The No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft tackled it with his customary composure and natural poise en route to another impressive practice versus genuine competition.

Daniels threw a couple of picks over the joint practice. One came from a ball that should have been caught. The other arrived following a slip from Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Aside from that, there was very little of fault. Something that raised expectations further heading into his first year in a professional environment.

The former LSU standout was ruthless during the red-zone portion of practice. Daniels went through his progressions efficiently and made the right reads to secure five touchdowns, torching the Miami Dolphins' defense along the way based on the musings of those in attendance.

Former Commanders' cornerback Kendal Fuller was full of praise for Daniels after practice. This was a sentiment echoed by Miami beat writers who were watching the signal-caller for the first time. There's a long way to go, but this could be the franchise quarterback Washington has craved for decades.

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