The Washington Commanders opened the 2023 preseason with a 17-15 win over the Cleveland Browns. While you always want to win, it’s not the most important thing in the preseason.
No. 1, every team wants to come away healthy. For the most part, the Commanders did that. Secondly, you want to see something positive from your first-team units, specifically on offense. After a slow start, Washington’s offense went 80 yards behind quarterback Sam Howell to take the lead before departing.
The defense, after allowing the Browns to drive the length of the field, finished with an impressive goal-line stand.
There was a lot of good from Washington’s preseason opener and some bad, too. Here are five takeaways from the Commanders’ win over the Browns.
An excellent start for Sam Howell
The Commanders should be happy with what they received from quarterback Sam Howell. There was a third-down scramble for eight yards that picked up Washington’s first first down. And, despite some unsteady play in front of him, Howell never panicked. He checked down when he should’ve checked down and always kept his eyes downfield. None of his throws were off-target, including his three incompletions. Howell didn’t look overmatched like some young passers. He looked like he belonged. A long way to go, but an encouraging start for Howell.
That offensive line is a concern
It was a rough start for new Commanders right tackle Andrew Wylie. On Washington’s first possession, Howell found tight end John Bates wide open across midfield. Unfortunately, Bates dropped the ball. However, it wouldn’t have mattered as Wylie was called for holding. It killed the drive. On the next series, Wylie was called for holding again, this time in the end zone, leading to a safety. That’s not the start Wylie envisioned.
There was a lot of concern about Washington’s offensive line this offseason. Did the Commanders do enough to improve last season’s woeful unit? Friday’s performance was not encouraging. The positive is that it can only get better for Wylie. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can do things to help the protection once the season begins. But the Commanders need their starters to play well.
Cole Turner's emergence could be huge for the offense
Cole Turner had four targets — and caught all four for 31 yards. He got open and proved to be a reliable option for both Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. Fans are tired of hearing how Turner has been the talk of training camp. They want to see it in games. If Friday’s performance is any indication, Turner will be a popular target for Howell.
Remember Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Rookie running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. carried the ball five times for 39 yards on Friday. It’s not the numbers that stick out with Rodriguez. He’s a throwback; he runs with outstanding vision, sets up his blocks well and will run through you.
All three of Washington’s top backs [Brian Robinson Jr. & Antonio Gibson] looked good. Former Washington GM Scot McCloughan was a huge fan of Rodriguez, grading him as a second-round pick. Bieniemy allegedly loves him. He’s going to have opportunities to carry the football this season.
Not a great start for the defense, but not a concern
Things looked too easy for the Browns on their first possession. Quarterback Deshaun Watson marched them all the way down the field, setting up a first down at the 10-yard line. The Browns were moving the ball on the ground and through the air. When Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said he wanted to start fast, this was not what he had in mind.
Fortunately, back-to-back stops by cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and defensive end Montez Sweat forced a turnover on downs. Because they finished the drive so strong, not much will be said about how it began. There’s no reason to be concerned with Washington’s starting defense due to one drive in the preseason opener. But the Commanders will be motivated to perform much better next week against the Ravens.
Encouraging performances from young players
It was a good night for many of Washington’s young players. Led by Howell, Rodriguez, Turner, safety Percy Butler, Forbes, DE Andre Jones, wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley, multiple young players shined on Friday. That’s what the preseason is about, and it’s encouraging for the Commanders. Next, is to see if Washington’s young players can build off that performance.
