The Washington Commanders wrap up Week 2 of the preseason with a Monday night clash against the Baltimore Ravens. The game will be the first home game for the Commanders under new owner Josh Harris.
While the game represents just another preseason game on the calendar, it means a little more for the Ravens, who enter Monday night winners of 24 straight preseason games. Baltimore hasn’t lost a preseason game since 2015. Washington right guard Sam Cosmi let his feelings be known on the Ravens’ preseason winning streak.
The game may not mean anything in the standings for Washington, but for several players for the Commanders — and every NFL team — these games do matter. Players are fighting for their NFL futures, and strong performances in the preseason are the difference between landing on a roster or practice squad or having their NFL dreams end.
We pick five Commanders you should pay special attention to on Monday night.
WR Kazmeir Allen
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Kazmeir Allen made this list last week, too. And for good reason. We wanted to see Allen make plays in the preseason opener. He did. He returned kicks and punts, averaging double figures on his punt returns. He also had a big kickoff return called back. For Allen to make the roster, he must show the coaches a little more versatility on offense. According to Zach Selby of commanders.com, Allen has been making more plays on offense.
Kazmeir Allen is another player trying to make his case for a roster spot. Allen’s ability as a return specialist is his best trait, but he will also need to show that he can contribute on offense if he hopes to be on the initial 53. He took a step towards that today, as he made three catches in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills.
Monday is a prime opportunity for Allen.
WR Mitchell Tinsley
Mitchell Tinsley, like Allen, is also an undrafted free agent battling to make the roster. Tinsley is an excellent receiver. He produced at each of his college stops and has shown he can get open this summer. He runs precise routes, has great hands and also took advantage of his opportunities last week. Allen and Tinsley need to beat out a pair of veterans [Marcus Kemp and Byron Pringle] with ties to offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to make the roster.
Tinsley must show he can thrive on special teams to give the coaches the confidence he should be on the 53-man roster.
G Mason Brooks
"[UDFA OL Mason Brooks] shows good signs. He gets guys pumped up with his play. He's a guy to watch… In all honesty, he's been more impressive than Braeden Daniels, their 4th round pick."
–@john_keim (Tier 1🥇)#HTTC | #Commanders | #TrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/Kuxyk3xhjv— We Want Dallas (@WeWantDallas) August 3, 2023
Mason Brooks is another undrafted free agent battling to make the roster. Sam Cosmi has the right guard position locked up. Washington is giving Saahdiq Charles every chance to win the left guard position, but he can’t stay healthy. Chris Paul is waiting in the wings.
One player we should keep our eyes on is Brooks. Brooks was a priority signing for the Commanders after the draft. He’s had a good summer, standing out early in camp against Phidarian Mathis. As of now, Brooks looks like more of a candidate for the practice squad, but he can make things interesting with a strong finish to the preseason.
DB Quan Martin
Quan Martin didn’t have the best debut in the preseason opener vs. the Browns. But it’s the preseason. Relax. The second-round pick would like a better performance against the Ravens for his own confidence. Washington loves Martin. He’s a big part of the future in the secondary. I would expect Martin to bounce back against the Ravens. We’ll be watching him closely on Monday night.
DE Andre Jones Jr.
Is there a defensive player with more buzz than seventh-round defensive end Andre Jones Jr. right now? Jones is likely competing against fifth-round pick K.J. Henry for one roster spot. The other is likely ticketed for the practice squad unless a team claims them off waivers. Jones has quietly impressed all summer. Things aren’t quiet anymore. Jones spent some time opposite Montez Sweat with the starters last week. The coaches love what they see in Jones. He needs to maintain that momentum over the final two preseason games.
