The Preseason Paradox: Beyond Wins and Losses
There’s something oddly captivating about preseason football. It’s a time when raw potential clashes with raw nerves, and every snap feels like a gamble. The Commanders’ 2026 opener against the Dolphins was no exception. On paper, it was a 20-7 win—a clean, if unremarkable, start. But personally, I think the real story here isn’t the score. It’s the why behind it.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Commanders managed to avoid the preseason curse: sloppiness. Preseason games are usually a mess of missed assignments, rusty timing, and players still learning to breathe in pads. Yet, Washington’s execution was surprisingly tight. Sure, the playcalling was vanilla—new coordinators David Blough and Daronte Jones weren’t about to reveal their playbook in August. But the lack of glaring mistakes? That’s a win in itself.
The Rookies Who Refused to Look Like Rookies
One thing that immediately stands out is the performance of the rookie running back duo, Fatman Allen and Robert Henry Jr. Allen’s patience and agility paired with Henry’s vision and burst? That’s a combination that could keep defensive coordinators up at night. Both found the end zone, but what this really suggests is that Washington might have stumbled into a dynamic backfield without even trying.
Quan Martin, another rookie, also shone at safety. His tackle on De’Von Achane and sideline interception weren’t just highlight-reel plays—they were statements. If you take a step back and think about it, a second-team safety outperforming expectations in his first NFL action is a massive deal. It’s not just about the stats; it’s about the confidence he’s building.
The Veterans Who Need to Step Up
Now, let’s talk about the duds. Sam Hartman, for instance, looked like a fish out of water. His accuracy was off, his pocket presence was shaky, and his passes lacked zip. In my opinion, the Commanders can’t afford to carry a quarterback who doesn’t inspire confidence, even if he does have a future in modeling.
Johnny Newton, playing with the starters, was another disappointment. He was overpowered by Miami’s offensive line and looked out of place. What many people don’t realize is that preseason is often the only time these players get extended reps. If Newton can’t capitalize now, when will he?
The Unseen Heroes and the Quiet Struggles
A detail that I find especially interesting is the performance of Matt Gulbin, a sixth-round rookie center. He held his own against Miami’s second- and third-string defensive line, showing solid pass protection and the ability to work to the second level. From my perspective, this is the kind of under-the-radar player who could become a cornerstone if given the chance.
On the flip side, Julian ‘Not-so-Good’ Jones, the starting center by default, looked overwhelmed. His poor anchor in pass protection and inability to move defenders raises a deeper question: Is Washington’s offensive line as solid as we thought?
The Bigger Picture: What This Preseason Game Really Means
If you take a step back and think about it, this game wasn’t just about individual performances. It was a test of the Commanders’ culture under new leadership. The lack of sloppy play suggests that the team is buying into the system, even if the playbook is still in its infancy.
But here’s the thing: preseason is a mirage. It’s easy to get carried away by a rookie’s highlight or write off a veteran’s bad day. What this really suggests is that the Commanders are still very much a work in progress. The real test will come when the games count, and the vanilla playcalling gives way to high-stakes decisions.
Final Thoughts: The Preseason Paradox
Personally, I think the Commanders’ 2026 preseason opener was less about the win and more about the how. The rookies who stepped up, the veterans who stumbled, and the quiet heroes who kept things together—all of it paints a picture of a team still finding its identity.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how much we still don’t know. Will the rookies keep rising? Will the veterans rebound? And most importantly, can the Commanders turn preseason promise into regular-season success?
If you take a step back and think about it, that’s the beauty of preseason. It’s a snapshot, not a portrait. And for the Commanders, this snapshot is full of potential—and plenty of questions.
