All articles tagged with #commanders
Detroit’s defense flashed a strengthening pass rush in a 17-13 preseason win over the Washington Commanders at Ford Field, tallying two sacks (one negated by a penalty), a forced fumble, and not allowing an offensive touchdown, suggesting the unit may be turning a previous weakness into a strength.
This is a live-updating recap of the Lions vs. Commanders 2026 preseason game at Ford Field. With Lions resting Jared Goff, Josh Dobbs starts and endures a rough opening drive—sacked for a strip TD by Amik Robertson and later intercepted by Quan Martin—before answering with a 50-yard rushing score. Washington fielded Sam Hartman, and Detroit’s Luke Altmyer takes over in the second quarter, moving the ball on a series of short completions as rosters are evaluated for the upcoming 53-man cuts. The post promises in-game highlights, injury updates, and a full recap after the game, along with depth-chart updates and players to watch heading into the next preseason matchup.
The Washington Commanders opened the 2026 preseason with a 20-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. After yielding an opening-drive score, the second-team defense clamped down, and the team didn’t allow another point. The game highlighted a standout rookie running back duo (Robert Henry Jr. and Fatman Allen) who found the end zone, plus solid showings from Quan Martin, Shy Tuttle, and Rickey Barber. QB notes were mixed, with Sam Hartman struggling and Athan Kaliakmanis showing more poise and zip, while Julian Jones and other starters faced rough patches. Jaylin Lane led the receiving corps with three catches, and several youngsters flashed potential for depth roles as Washington heads into more preseason action.
In Ashburn, the Washington Commanders controlled the day in a joint practice with the Dolphins, exploiting a depleted Miami secondary as Jayden Daniels dissected Miami’s defense in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Miami’s offense struggled with pass protection and consistency, Willis showing mobility but also taking a late pick-six, while several Dolphins regulars (Sieler, Trader Jr., Brents, Johnson) were sidelined. Caleb Douglas emerged for Miami with a stock-up performance, but the offensive line and secondary were the day’s stock-downs as the teams mixed in a heavy physical pace.
Washington must replace left tackle Laremy Tunsil after a torn triceps; the team is considering in-house options like Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, Josh Conerly Jr., and Nicholas Petit-Frere, while adding depth with new signings and exploring outside help as they reshuffle the offensive line.
Vladimir Putin shuffled Russia’s Ukraine leadership, appointing Andrei Ivanayev to command the Center group of forces and Pyotr Bolgayev to lead the East group, while Valery Solodchuk moves to a logistics post and Denis Lyamin takes charge of the newly created Unmanned Systems Forces. The reshuffle comes as Moscow’s Donbas offensive slows, with analysts skeptical that Russia can seize the remainder of Donetsk by 2027 at the current pace.
The Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele days before training camp following a June arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, with The Athletic citing a policy violation. Steele was placed on leave as Wes Welker coached the TEs during minicamp, and Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement. The move comes as the team overhauls its coaching staff, with training camp opening soon and a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins scheduled for Aug. 12.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is adapting to first-year play-caller David Blough’s offense during OTAs, describing a collaborative, open-door approach across the QB room and coaching staff. The plan features more under-center snaps, play-action, and a balanced run-pass attack, with Daniels optimistic about learning the new system and staying healthy; coaches praise his mental quickness as Blough implements concepts similar to those seen in Chicago, aiming to improve efficiency and explosive plays.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft brought additional depth for the NFC East: Giants select Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee) at 37 and Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame) at 74; Commanders pick Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson) at 71; Cowboys grab Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan) at 92. Eagles had already added Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt) and Markel Bell (OT, Miami). Hood is a sticky cover man with limited ball production, Fields is a big-bodied contested-catch threat, Williams is a slot-oriented playmaker, and Barham is a lean, bendy edge with upside despite modest college sacks. Neither the Commanders nor Cowboys had a second-round pick due to prior trades.
The DraftBot from Bris Vegas Systems releases its final 2026 Washington Commanders mock, prioritizing defense with Mansoor Delane at 7th overall, then trading up to 78 to grab Keylan Rutledge, followed by picks that include WR De’Zhaun Stribling, WR Malik Benson, DT Tyler Onyedim, kicker Trey Smack, and RB J’Mari Taylor in later rounds, all while noting the team’s ongoing need for a reliable kicker and depth, and a mock that blends need with BPA amid trade considerations.
A comprehensive 2026 NFL mock draft unfolds with Fernando Mendoza projected as a first-round QB1 to the Raiders, Jeremiyah Love slotted for an early pick with Tennessee, and Washington trading down to No. 20 in an intra-division swap that sends Dallas up to No. 7 for David Bailey, followed by a wide array of first-round picks across positions—edge rushers, receivers, and linemen—across the league.
Washington’s nine external free-agent signings—seven on defense and two on offense—along with Marcus Mariota’s return and Laremy Tunsil’s extension have dramatically reshaped the roster and boosted fan optimism, but questions remain about landing a top receiver and a veteran cornerback as 24 spots still await fill ahead of training camp.
With the NFL’s legal tampering period starting, the rumor mill is buzzing: the Ravens’ blockbuster Crosby trade shapes plans across the league, including the Cowboys’ shift from chasing Crosby to exploring edge options like Hendrickson, Phillips, Oweh and Mafe. Washington’s Commanders, flush with over $80M in cap space, are expected to be active at wide receiver and running back, with Mike Evans and Rico Dowdle tied to opportunities. A.J. Brown trade chatter persists, with Patriots allegedly offering a first- and third-round pick while Eagles GM Howie Roseman holds firm on his price, and Alec Pierce has been linked to New England as a potential target. Romeo Doubs and Quay Walker rumors trail the Packers’ door toward possible moves, and Pierce’s market is heating up, with the Titans seen as a favorite fit given Indianapolis’ massive cap space. Philadelphia may pivot to Jaelan Phillips as a backup plan; if Phillips departs, Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard has been discussed as a cheaper option, though his contract could complicate a deal. In short, a flurry of moves feels imminent as free agency looms.
The piece argues Washington should not sign aging defensive end Calais Campbell, citing his 40th birthday in 2026 and a one-year near-$11M deal as a repeat of Adam Peters’ prior veteran-signing misstep. It contends the team’s goal is to get younger and develop a core around players like Javon Kinlaw and others, rather than delaying growth with veteran additions. It suggests targeting rising defenders such as Boye Mafe or Odafe Oweh who fit a 3-4 scheme and offer longer-term upside, rather than investing in an aging, high-cost veteran.
FOX Sports' early 2026 NFL Mock Draft envisions a landscape-wide first round ahead of Indy, with the Raiders taking QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1, and the Chiefs adding backfield firepower by selecting Jeremiyah Love at No. 9 while the Commanders land the top WR, Carnell Tate, at No. 7.