3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders' preseason disaster at the Patriots

Even though the Washington Commanders rested 30 players expected to make the roster in 2025, there was still enormous excitement among the fan base as they took the field in a game-day setting for the first time since their NFC Championship game defeat.

It didn't take long for that to evaporate.

The Commanders were second best throughout their preseason clash with the New England Patriots. Head coach Dan Quinn's squad started slowly, and things didn't get much better after that. It was a complete disaster from start to finish, so a huge effort is needed over the next fortnight to alter perceptions as players look to make the 53-man roster.

This was a wake-up call in no uncertain terms. Some harsh lessons were learned, and players who've performed well at training camp were exposed. Quinn wasn't happy, so he'll be demanding a big response from his team this week before they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals for a Monday Night Football showdown.

Before then, here are three winners and four losers from the Commanders' loss at the Patriots.

Winners and losers from the Commanders' preseason disaster at the Patriots

Loser No. 1

Eddie Goldman - Commanders DL

The Commanders worked hard to improve the defensive trenches this offseason. Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw didn't suit up against the Patriots, so all eyes were on Eddie Goldman to see how he'd cope with increased responsibilities on his shoulders.

Goldman has missed a lot of football over the last few years. He opted out of the COVID season and retired one season after returning. The interior lineman came back with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, and those in power believe he could offer a run-stopping presence on the defensive front with a smooth transition to a different environment.

Based on this showing, that might not be so clear-cut. Goldman struggled to gain leverage off the snap. There wasn't much to encourage regarding his ability to push the pile or provide a solid base. The veteran wasn't alone in underperforming, but the need to impress was great.

In an ideal world, Goldman won't be on the field all that much in 2025. The Commanders have Payne and Kinlaw to pick up the slack. Johnny Newton also offers a pass-rushing presence, although his credentials against the run leave a lot to be desired. That makes the free-agent signing a depth piece at best, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy if he cannot pick things up.

Winner No. 1

Jeremy Reaves - Commanders S

Very few Washington Commanders players emerged from the game with credit. Head coach Dan Quinn lambasted his squad for sloppy, ill-disciplined football that played a leading role in their demise. It was a gut-check for a team for which much is expected in 2025.

There were a few shining lights amid the doom and gloom. Veteran safety Jeremy Reaves was among them, displaying solid coverage and relentless energy in the secondary to bolster his chances of impacting the defensive rotation this year.

Reaves has been seen as a special-teams ace throughout his career. Joe Whitt Jr. highlighted his desire to get the defensive back more involved in his plans, and a strong effort at Gillette Stadium did nothing to diminish this belief. He was arguably the only one who showed real fight throughout, which is encouraging for the player but concerning for the team.

The All-Pro should be proud of his efforts. That wasn't the case for everybody.

Loser No. 2

Chris Moore - Commanders WR

The Commanders' wide receiver depth was scrutinized after joint practice with the New England Patriots. These concerns only grew larger after a one-sided preseason clash between the two clubs.

Chris Moore had been touted as a sneaky pick to make the 53-man roster in a crowded wide receiver room. He's shone throughout camp, so hopes were high that the same trend would continue throughout Washington's warmup slate. Unfortunately for the veteran, things didn't get off to the best start.

Moore dropped two makeable targets relatively early in the contest. That was enough for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to look elsewhere for the rest of the game. Once a player loses that trust, it's difficult to get back.

What the future holds for Moore is unclear. The competition for receiver places is fierce, and he was always pretty far down the list. There was no margin for error, so it seems like he's now fighting a losing battle.

Winner No. 2

Josh Conerly Jr. - Commanders OT

Almost every starter got the night off at Gillette Stadium. But the Commanders were eager to get Josh Conerly Jr. into the fire to see how he'd fare in a more competitive setting.

The No. 29 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft has been criticized by some for his slow transition this offseason. Not every rookie picks things up at the same pace. Still, there are signs over the last few days that the light is coming on for Conerly.

It wasn't perfect; not by any stretch of the imagination. However, the technique and pass protection looked right where they needed to be at this stage of Conerly's development.

On a night where there were very few positives to take from the contest, Conerly's performance should alleviate any concerns fans have. There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but he might just be the Week 1 starter at right tackle after all.

Loser No. 3

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

This was a huge opportunity for Tyler Owens. The Washington Commanders didn't suit up their starting safety tandem of Quan Martin and Will Harris, leaving the former undrafted free agent to take center stage in pursuit of additional involvement in 2025.

It did not go well. Owens whiffed on an open field tackle early in the game, which set the tone for a disappointing evening at the office. The Texas Tech product wasn't alone in that regard, but it's clear that there is a lot of growing needed before confidence increases in his chances.

Things like the missed tackle will stand out on the tape when the Commanders dissect this poor showing. Joe Whitt Jr. won't pull any punches with Owens, so how the defensive back responds in the face of adversity is crucial.

Owens' roster spot still looks secure. Even so, the Commanders will be expecting a bounce back in practice this week before their second preseason engagement.

Winner No. 3

Car'lin Vigers - Commanders CB

Car'lin Vigers is coming along quicker than most expected. The undrafted free agent is not the finished article by any stretch, but there is enough to suggest that the Commanders might have something in the physically imposing cornerback.

That was further evidenced by a decent display in Washington's preseason opener. It was far from perfect, but the former Louisiana-Monroe standout left everything out on the field and was around the football consistently.

Considering how others on the defensive depth chart weren't exactly thriving, it was good to see Vigers flashing the athletic traits that attracted the Commanders when undrafted free agency commenced. The eight tackles he gained should serve him well, and if the same trend continues over the next two warmup contests, the rookie should find himself on the 53-man roster.

Vigers will have gained a tremendous amount from this experience. And he vastly outperformed others in the secondary who were looking to stake a claim.

Loser No. 4

Michael Gallup - Commanders WR

The Commanders are giving Michael Gallup another shot in the NFL this summer. Dan Quinn knows the wide receiver well from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys, and he's got some outstanding previous production to raise optimism. However, nothing is guaranteed regarding his roster status.

Washington's wide receiver depth is coming under scrutiny. Terry McLaurin's absence is being sorely felt, which is only strengthening his position at the bargaining table. As for Gallup? There wasn't much to encourage on his return to a typical NFL game-day setting.

Gallup struggled to create separation. Concentration issues when the football came his way were rife throughout, bringing in just two receptions from six targets for 27 receiving yards. Not exactly the best first impression, but the Commanders won't be giving up on him yet.

It's also worth remembering that Gallup had Josh Johnson and Sam Hartman throwing him the football. But this showing proved there is a lot of hard work ahead.

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