The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots held a joint practice session, providing a competitive look at both teams ahead of their preseason matchup. According to reports from various journalists on the scene, the Commanders’ offense, particularly the offensive line and quarterback Jayden Daniels, had a strong day, while a couple of Patriots players also made an impact.
The Commanders’ offensive line received high praise for their performance against the Patriots. According to JP Finlay, the unit “has looked terrific,” with a special shoutout to new addition Laremy Tunsil who was “dominant,” and rookie Josh Conerly, who was also “playing well.” Lake Lewis Jr. echoed this, calling Tunsil a “stone wall” and also noting that Conerly Jr. was “having a day as well.” Conerly, in particular, showed “quickness and good recognition” against Patriots defenders like Christian Barmore and Harold Landry, according to Mitchell Tischler.
Second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels was reportedly sharp throughout the practice. Boston Globe writer Ben Volin tweeted that Daniels was “absolutely surgical in 11 on 11. Never misses a read.” Other Commanders players who had notable moments included wide receiver Mike Strachan. According to Mitchell Tischler, Strachan “continues to high point the ball well,” though he did have an early drop.
ESPN’s John Keim noted that second round rookie Trey Amos continued his strong camp. “CB Trey Amos continued his strong summer with a solid showing. No one wins every play; but he did a nice job on a couple routes vs Stefon Diggs. On one, patient, jam, disrupt, overthrow on a fade to the end zone. Messed up the timing.”
The Patriots had some standout performances as well. Deatrich Wise, who is now with the Commanders but was previously with the Patriots since 2017, was the first player on the field for the joint practice, a nod to his tenure with his old team (Mitchell Tischler) Wise went back and forth with the Patriots Will Campbell. On the other side of the ball, Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas had “two nice catch and runs in 11’s” against Commanders cornerback Mikey Sainristil (Mitchell Tischler).
Former Commanders offensive lineman Morgan Moses, now with the Patriots, also commented on the culture change in Washington, stating that they “got a coach who can lead by example… people want to follow him,” according to NBC Sports. Commanders coach Dan Quinn provided an update on backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has been missing practice time. According to JP Finlay, Quinn’s “concern level is low” and that Mariota could return in 7-10 days.
The practice session concluded without any major issues. JP Finlay reported that there were “a couple pushing/shoving but no fights,” and that coaches from both teams were “quite pleased with that.”