Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after their third-straight preseason triumph against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Even though the large majority of starters were rested, the Washington Commanders still managed to build on their recent momentum with a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at FedEx Field. This moved them to 3-0 for the preseason and gave Ron Rivera plenty of useful information ahead of some important roster decisions in the coming days.
Of course, it also brought some news and rumors for good measure. Among the stories generating waves include Rivera's assessment, Jason Wright on booming business, the Commanders being named as a potential destination for Will Grier, and Mitchell Tinsley on seizing the moment.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders president on booming business
It hasn't been easy to be a Washington Commanders fan over the last two decades. Dan Snyder ran the place into the ground with a poor football product and almost no investment behind the scenes, which cast them into the proverbial wilderness and left many disenchanted with how things were unfolding.
Now, the atmosphere is different. Snyder is gone and Josh Harris' ownership group has already set about improving the fan experience, becoming more engaged in team affairs, returning sponsors to their rightful place, and repairing relationships within the community in a relatively short space of time.
This is galvanizing everyone associated with the franchise - a sentiment echoed by team president Jason Wright, who stated on the TV broadcast via X that business is once again booming where the Commanders are concerned.
"We're back. We're back. … It's night and day — in the business and what you see on the field and, more importantly, the fans. They are back together and unified once again."Jason Wright via X
It's a pretty bold statement - one that not many thought possible just a few short months ago. But there's absolutely no doubt FedEx Field is going to be electric in Week 1 for the first regular season contest without Snyder holding absolute power for 24 years.
Commanders touted as Will Grier landing spot
The Washington Commanders seem confident in their quarterback options heading into the 2023 campaign. Sam Howell is the confirmed starter as some real momentum builds, with Jacoby Brissett occupying the role of backup and mentor throughout his first campaign as a genuine No. 1 in the pros.
Washington might take three signal-callers through onto their roster thanks to the new NFL rule that allows for an emergency option to be activated if an injury occurs. In this case, Jake Fromm looks like the preferred opinion after an impressive preseason.
That said, anything can happen between now and when Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals arrives. If Will Grier becomes available following the Dallas Cowboys' decision to trade for Trey Lance, Rit Nanda from Sportskeeda tabbed the Commanders as a potential landing spot.
"Ron Rivera was clear last season where he thought the problem lay: quarterback. To that effect, they got rid of Carson Wentz to start afresh. Jacoby Brissett has experience in the NFL but the other quarterbacks, including presumably the starter, have lesser total yards in the NFL compared to Will Grier. If he is indeed cut by the Cowboys, what better way to torment them by going instead to their divisional rivals. He has a legitimate chance of fighting for the backup quarterback spot here more than anywhere else."Rit Nanda, Sports Illustrated
Grier and Rivera are closely linked from their time together on the Carolina Panthers and the signal-caller turned in a sensational display in his final preseason outing. Accumulating more than 300 passing yards and four total touchdowns will make a few NFL teams sit up and take notice, even if that won't be the Commanders when one factors everything into the equation.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera gets questions answered
It came as no surprise to see most starting options and even some primary backups sit out the Washington Commanders' preseason win over the Cincinnati Bengals. This is not a time to risk further injuries - especially after what happened to Terry McLaurin on Monday Night Football - so erring on the side of caution allowed those on the fringes a chance to stake one final claim for involvement.
Most positions looked locked up upon further examination of the depth chart. But there's no doubt that this last warmup clash provided some moments that will provoke fierce discussions between those in power before final decisions come to light.
When discussing this after the game, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post that the coaching staff was keying in on six or seven guys to see what they could do. And it's clear what transpired will hold a lot of weight when push comes to shove.
"We had an idea of about six or seven guys we said we want to see. We want to see what they can do. We knew they were going to get an opportunity to play a lot of plays, and it’s going to help answer some questions for us."Ron Rivera via Washington Post
Among the main position battles further down the pecking order centered on the offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback unit. Some tough cuts are coming, but Rivera cannot afford to get any move wrong given how much pressure is on his shoulders this season.
Commanders WR Mitchell Tinsley seizing the moment
Roster spots lower down the pecking order normally come with fine margins attached. So all eyes were on Mitchell Tinsley to see if he could build on his positive momentum and force his way onto the Washington Commanders' squad with one final push against the Cincinnati Bengals.
All signs point to that particular objective being accomplished emphatically. Tinsley brought in three receptions from four targets for 89 receiving yards and one touchdown, which was unfortunate not to be two scores after narrowly missing the goal line.
When discussing his overall outlook, Tinsley feels like he's done enough based on his post-game comments. And after such an accomplished display, one would be hard-pressed to leave him off the 53.
"I think it went pretty well. I took advantage of opportunities when I got them. I would say so [done enough to make the team] but that's not up to me so I'm just gonna control the things that I can control. I'll try to get away, relax and whatever happens, happens. My objective was to impress my coaches, impress my teammates, and make plays. I know that I could play, it was just about showcasing. My versatility [strength] to play inside and out, there isn't anything I can't do and I am willing to do whatever it takes on special teams."Mitchell Tinsley via Commanders.com
This is the right attitude to have and Tinsley certainly looks to have separated himself from other candidates looking for that No. 6 wide receiver spot. But he'll still be facing a nervous wait until the call comes from head coach Ron Rivera in the coming days.