The first week of the preseason is in the books for the Washington Commanders. Washington held on for a 17-15 win over the Cleveland Browns Friday in a game that was delayed for over an hour due to storms.
The game’s result didn’t matter as much as what we would see from some of Washington’s young players. How would young quarterback Sam Howell perform? What about the offensive line?
We liked several things about the Commanders’ win over the Browns. Here are nine performances that stood out the most from Friday’s preseason opener.
QB Sam Howell
Howell completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Those are not bad numbers for three possessions. Howell’s performance will not be judged by statistics. It’s the little things. And he passed.
Howell’s three incompletions were not missed. Two throwaways and a drop from tight end John Bates. He had one third-down scramble for eight yards, giving Washington a first down. He didn’t look overmatched and made smart checkdowns. Howell threw some good balls and seems to have a nice rapport with Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin and Cole Turner, in addition to his former college teammate, Dyami Brown.
This was an excellent start to the preseason for Howell.
QB Jacoby Brissett
To see Jacoby Brissett have success was not a surprise. In his first drive, he led an 89-yard drive in which he finished with a 12-yard touchdown run. Brissett made some good throws, including one to wide receiver Byron Pringle. The Commanders are in good hands if Brissett plays this season.
TE Cole Turner
Cole Turner had an excellent opportunity in front of him Friday night. And he delivered. Turner had four receptions for 31 yards. He caught all four targets and proved to be a reliable option for both Howell and Brissett. If Turner can give the Commanders what he gave them Friday, he can have a good season. Washington needs a tight end to step up opposite Logan Thomas in Eric Bieniemy’s offense. You can see why Washington likes Turner.
Backup wide receivers
Byron Pringle! 👀 #HTTC pic.twitter.com/4FV3ilqEpC
— FTB VIDS (@anotherFTBacct) August 12, 2023
There is a competitive battle for probably two spots on Washington’s roster at wide receiver. One of those spots will likely be determined by who impresses as a returner. Recently signed Byron Pringle had the above catch in the second quarter. He can play. Later in the game, another former Chief, Marcus Kemp, almost came away with a huge catch. And at 6-foot-4, Kemp gives the Commanders something they lack. Plus, his work on special teams can capably replace Cam Sims.
Undrafted rookie Mitchell Tinsley also made a big play. Check this out.
Mitchell Tinsley deserves to make a roster.
Washington or elsewhere, the kid can flat out play. UDFA out of Penn State, former WKU transfer. pic.twitter.com/YtjN5lQVWC
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) August 12, 2023
The Commanders are going to cut some good players at wide receiver, and that’s a good problem to have. These next two preseason games are huge for some of these wide receivers.
DE Montez Sweat
Tez keeps 'em off the board!
📺 NBC4 #WASvsCLE pic.twitter.com/jxfXoDxo7W
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 12, 2023
Washington defensive end Montez Sweat made a huge play in the first quarter to keep the Browns off the scoreboard. On fourth and goal, Sweat chases down the running back for a four-yard loss, forcing a turnover. That play describes everything that the Commanders love about Sweat. Sweat has been outstanding in training camp and is poised for a huge season.
CB Emmanuel Forbes
— ProFootball_Clips (@PFB_Clips) August 12, 2023
The rookie first-round pick didn’t play a lot but showed why people shouldn’t be too concerned about his size. On the above play, which was the play before Sweat’s fourth-down stop, Forbes came off the edge looking for contact with the Browns running back. Forbes’ physicality is not an issue. Does that mean he won’t get hurt? Of course not. But too many people assumed because of his weight that he wasn’t a physical player. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This is an excellent rep from Forbes.
S Percy Butler
.@pbutler16x with the pick!
📺 NBC4 #WASvsCLE pic.twitter.com/RNSkyjWUjY
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 12, 2023
The second-year safety could be on the verge of a breakout season. The Commanders love Butler because of his speed, physicality and versatility. He’s already excellent on special teams, and the team believes he will impact the defense in 2023. Butler had a big interception and return vs. the Browns on Friday. I am interested in seeing more of Butler throughout the remainder of the preseason.
DE Andre Jones Jr.
Seventh-round pick Andre Jones Jr. hasn’t received a lot of hype, but he’s quietly having an outstanding training camp. On Friday, that translated to the game for Jones, who flashed multiple times, including a tackle for loss and a hit on the quarterback. Jones is likely battling K.J. Henry — a fifth-round pick — for the final defensive line spot. Jones just keeps showing up.
WR Kazmeir Allen
Undrafted rookie Kazmeir Allen didn’t impact the game as a receiver — one catch for no yardage — he did have two punt returns for 24 yards and also returned three kicks. His best kick return was called back, but you could see the vision and shiftiness of Allen. This is a good start for Allen. If he can average close to 12 yards per punt return, he’s making the roster.
