There was no shortage of energy in Ashburn when the Washington Commanders lined up against the Miami Dolphins for a joint practice ahead of Friday’s preseason game. By the end of the session, the clear takeaway was that Dan Quinn’s team brought the better edge, the better pace and, especially, the better defense.
Washington has been carrying itself differently this offseason, and that showed again here. The Commanders looked sharp, aggressive and fast on both sides of the ball, while Miami never really found its footing. The Dolphins may not be viewed as a team built to contend for a Super Bowl this year, and Washington treated them like it.
The best test is still to come later this month, when the Commanders face the Baltimore Ravens in another joint practice. But for now, this was another encouraging step for a team that appears determined to leave last season behind.
Amik Robertson was one of the names that stood out most. Washington’s first move in the legal tampering window drew some raised eyebrows, since he wasn’t the headline-grabbing addition some fans wanted. Still, the veteran corner has already brought a competitive fire that’s hard to miss.
With Trey Amos out, Robertson had a bigger chance to show what he can do on the outside. Reports from practice said he handled the day well against a Miami offense that looked overmatched, and he seems to be settling into an outside role.
What stood out most was how comfortable he looked. Robertson’s awareness and positioning kept him around the football, and that was especially noticeable during 11-on-11 work, where the Commanders needed someone steady and disruptive on the boundary.
That kind of fit matters. Robertson is an experienced player who came with a strong reputation after becoming a real leader with the Detroit Lions, and he’s been pushing the people around him since he arrived. The 2020 fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech is quickly becoming a key piece in Daronte Jones’ defensive plan.
In Other News...
Commanders Have 5 Players Under Pressure In Dolphins Practice
Wednesdays joint practice with the Dolphins offers the Commanders a useful mid-August measuring stick, and for a handful of players it is a chance to make the next few days matter. Ahead of Fridays preseason game, Antonio Williams, Julian Good-Jones, Brandon Coleman, Sonny Styles and Mike Sainristil are all set to be watched closely as Washington sorts through roles, reps and roster value.
For players trying to carve out a place on the team, this is the kind of setting that can move the needle. The pace is sharper than a normal camp session and the evaluation is more direct, which is why this workout could be especially important for those five as they try to turn a practice opportunity into real playing time. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Left Joint Practice With One Early Problem They Cant Ignore
The Commanders got an early look at where they still need work in their joint practice with the Dolphins, and special teams stood out quickly as a problem area. Miami found room on kick returns, exposing Washingtons coverage unit and reminding everyone that the third phase of the game can swing momentum long before the offense or defense settle in.
Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo and the staff have time to clean it up, and they will need to, because the Commanders have several young, athletic players who could help stabilize that unit if they take to the job. Joint practices are built to surface issues like this before the games matter, and Washington came away with one of the less flattering reminders a coach can get. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Have A New Edge Rusher Worth Watching Closely
The Commanders defense turned in a strong showing during its joint practice against the Dolphins, and one of the more intriguing developments came from a player still trying to establish himself in the rotation. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, a 2024 seventh-round pick, flashed the kind of pass-rushing ability that can quickly get a coachs attention, especially for a young edge defender trying to carve out a role on a crowded roster.
Jean-Baptistes path has already included a long recovery from a season-ending injury, which makes any encouraging practice rep feel a little more meaningful for Washington. With competition at edge rusher still very much alive, his performance against Miami gave him a chance to separate himself, and it added another name to watch as the Commanders continue sorting out the back end of the roster. [Read more 🡒]