Second-half observations from Commanders’ preseason loss to Dolphins

Mitchell Tinsley did not make the catch that would have been a fourth-down touchdown from the 7-yard line as the Commanders fell 13-6 to the Dolphins.

Jamin Davis with the Sack/FF from his edge position. pic.twitter.com/nSJQjWFHiB

— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 18, 2024

Here are my Top 10 observations from the second half of Saturday’s game:

1. The Commanders’ first defensive possession saw bad tackling to 75 yards gained by Miami. However, on third down, rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste came up with a -6-yard sack, forcing a field goal.
2. On the Commanders’ first offensive possession of the half, Luke McCaffrey and Ben Sinnott (two rookie draft choices) had catches, and Sinnott again displayed toughness in refusing to go down.
3. When Miami had driven to the Commanders’ 14-yard line, Jamin Davis broke through and executed a sack-fumble, which Andre Jones recovered.
4. Trace McSorley was in a tough spot, this being only his third day with the team. He fumbled his first snap, was sacked, and threw an incompletion on third down; it was a tough first series.
5. Rookie Michael Wiley again impressed tonight. He appeared to help in pass blocking and had a 23-yard reception during his three receptions. Wiley is making enough plays that other teams in the NFL now know about him.
6. Colson Yankoff only had one catch for 6 yards but I spotted him twice on special teams really hustling. Don’t count him out yet. He has next week to also make an impression at tight end.
7. Kazmeir Allen has the coaches liking his explosiveness. Last week, it was an end-around. This week, he was returning kicks and getting carries in the backfield. But then he fumbled.
8. Noticed some good corner play in the second half. Noah Igbinoghene and Chigozie Anusiem both charged forward, each converting a tackle for the loss. Tariq Castro-Fields, in the second half, displayed some very capable pass coverage on more than a couple of occasions.
9. Receiver Davion Davis had Trace McSorley put a pass right in his hands, which would have been a first down, but Davis dropped it.
10. Dominique Hampton and Tyler Owens, two rookie safeties, exhibited size and aggressiveness. Hampton made four tackles (two solo), and Davis contributed three (two solo) with one for a loss.