The Washington Commanders walked out of joint practice with the Miami Dolphins having plenty to feel good about, but one issue stood out as too big to ignore.
By most accounts, Dan Quinn’s team got the better of the session and added another layer of confidence to what the club hopes will be a bounce-back 2026 campaign. But while the new-look offensive line drew its share of scrutiny without Laremy Tunsil and Nick Allegretti, another concern slipped a little further under the radar: special teams coverage.
That phase never looked settled against Miami.
Coordinator Larry Izzo takes pride in that unit, and this wasn’t the standard the Commanders are used to seeing. It may not carry much weight in August by itself, but if it carries into the regular season, it becomes a real problem fast.
Miami receiver Malik Washington took full advantage. He was dangerous every time he got a chance to return kicks and, in a live game setting, he might have turned a couple of those chances into touchdowns. From Washington’s perspective, that was flat-out unacceptable.
Izzo and the staff almost certainly made that point clear during and after practice, and the good news for Washington is that there is enough speed and talent on the roster to clean it up.
Nick Bellore is gone after retiring before training camp, but the Commanders do have options lower on the depth chart. Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, and Tyler Owens all bring next-level athleticism.
Quan Martin, Percy Butler, and Ale Kaho could also factor in. And then there’s Jeremy Reaves, who can anchor the group as an All-Pro performer if he isn’t needed too heavily on defense.
The ingredients are there. The issue is sharpening them.
Izzo still has a few weeks to get the coverage unit where it needs to be, and Friday night’s preseason opener against the Dolphins will offer the next test. Joint practice could end up looking like a one-off hiccup. Or it could be the first sign of a problem Washington has to solve quickly.
For now, the message is simple: special teams matter, and the Commanders have work to do.
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 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 🡒]