7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 1

After almost three weeks of training camp practices, the Washington Commanders are gearing up for their preseason opener at the New York Jets. There is a small matter of joint practice with Robert Saleh's club first, so business is ramping up as preparations for the 2024 campaign gather pace.

This represents another opportunity for the Commanders to build on their newly-acquired momentum this offseason. The positivity brings increased expectancy - something that is not lost on head coach Dan Quinn as he looks to maximize his second chance in the driver's seat. He'll be demanding the same standards throughout the preseason as players fight with everything they have to alter perceptions and enhance credentials.

Preseason results matter little in the grand scheme of things. However, this is the last chance some players will ever have of proving they belong in the NFL. That, above all else, is the most fascinating dynamic.

With this in mind, here are seven Commanders players on the hot seat entering their preseason curtain raiser at MetLife Stadium.

Commanders players on the hot seat entering Preseason Week 1

Phidarian Mathis - Commanders DT

It's now or never for Phidarian Mathis. The Washington Commanders strengthened their defensive tackle options by taking Johnny Newton at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They also signed Taylor Stallworth during camp, so the need to finally realize his potential couldn't be more obvious.

Mathis has the physical tools. Injuries haven't helped over his opening two seasons, but the pressure to perform is there for all to see.

The former Alabama star will get plenty of reps during preseason. They are much needed. A high-end second-round pick such as Mathis should stand out considerably when going up against second and third-stringers. Anything less won't look favorably on the interior presence.

Adam Peters has shown no remorse when it comes to removing draft picks from the Ron Rivera era so far. Unless Mathis establishes his credentials and dominates, he could be another deemed surplus to requirements.

Ricky Stromberg - Commanders OL

Ricky Stromberg is in a tough spot just one season into his professional career. Ron Rivera spent a third-round pick on the offensive lineman to get him involved sooner rather than later. Injuries prevented that from transpiring, with the former Arkansas star turning out in just 26 offensive snaps in 2023.

That was a bitter blow to his early transition. The Washington Commanders reinforced their interior options along the offensive line in free agency. Michael Deiter was also acquired to be the backup center and versatile interior force. That's a damning indictment of how the new regime sees Stromberg's talent level and his future with the organization.

Make no mistake, Stromberg's place on the 53-man roster is in jeopardy. The player's position versatility is the only thing working in his favor right now. With such a small sample size to go off as a rookie, providing assured protection when on the field during Washington's preseason engagements is vital.

All hope is not lost with Stromberg. At the same time, general manager Adam Peters will act with supreme conviction to remove another Rivera draft pick way ahead of time if he isn't up to the required standard. That leaves him in a high-stakes situation that starts at the New York Jets this weekend.

Tyler Owens - Commanders S

Perhaps no Commanders player has done more to boost their credentials at training camp than Tyler Owens. The undrafted free agent adjusted seamlessly to the rigors of NFL life. He's been nothing short of a revelation during drills and scrimmages according to the musings of those in attendance. In terms of first impressions, it couldn't have gone much better.

Owens was buried down the safety options on Washington's first unofficial depth chart. That doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but the need to impress throughout the Commanders' preseason slate is integral.

The former Texas Tech star isn't lacking in confidence. Owens has some interesting views on the world, but his production's been top-notch up to now. Continuing this when things mean a little more will be another important phase of his development. Something that will also provide defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with a broader indication of what he can bring to the table in 2024.

While his situation remains precarious, Owens quickly went from an afterthought into someone worth monitoring closely during Washington's warmup games. What comes next for the player is crucial before his fate is eventually sealed.

Brycen Tremayne - Commanders WR

Competition for places in the wide receiver room is heating up. The Washington Commanders have new schematic concepts in place under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and a genuine franchise quarterback under center in rookie Jayden Daniels. This is bringing a positive response from the team's pass-catchers this summer.

Some are more established than others. One wideout emerging from nowhere is Brycen Tremayne, who's made big plays almost constantly throughout Washington's training camp to surge into roster consideration.

Tremayne's on the coaching staff's radar, which was the first objective. If the former Stanford star can make a few splash plays in the preseason - starting this weekend at the New York Jets - is the next goal.

Making tough catches in practice is one thing. If Tremayne can attain similar feats in a game-day environment under more pressure, that might be enough for the Commanders to take him onto the 53-man roster when it's all said and done.

That'll be more difficult. However, Tremayne has the size and wide catch radius to continue his rise from proverbial obscurity with some polished performances over warmups. That would be an outstanding accomplishment given his predicament coming into the offseason.

Chigozie Anusiem - Commanders CB

The Commanders made Chigozie Anusiem one of their top priorities during the undrafted free-agent frenzy. More than half the league was reportedly looking to acquire the athletically gifted cornerback once the 2024 NFL Draft concluded. A decent financial package coupled with a legitimate opportunity to make the 53-man roster tipped the scales in Washington's favor.

Anusiem's flashed on occasion throughout Washington's training camp. He doesn't look overawed and seems comfortable with the schematic concepts according to those in attendance. This is also a tremendous landing spot for any young defensive back to develop thanks to the presence of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Much like the situation with most undrafted free agents looking to make their way, Anusiem needs a strong preseason under his belt to further raise optimism about his roster hopes. He'll get some time on the field - probably in the second half - maximizing every single snap on defense and special teams will only augment confidence.

First-year cornerbacks tend to go through more complications than most. Anusiem has the size and physical profile to become an asset in this creative system. Proving this beyond all doubt during the preseason will cement his claims for a surprising place on the squad.

Sam Hartman - Commanders QB

Jayden Daniels will start in the Washington Commanders' preseason opener at the New York Jets. The No. 2 pick earned the right after thriving throughout camp so far. This raised excitement among the fanbase, but it's unlikely the quarterback's participation will be for long.

Others lower down the pecking order will get a chance to showcase their skills during the game. Sam Hartman is under more pressure than most to stake his claim. Undrafted free agents have almost no margin for error, so hitting the ground running and displaying the correct poise under center is pivotal.

Hartman developed a close relationship with Daniels in a short space of time. He's flashed during limited involvement in scrimmages. Dan Quinn wants to get him more involved. What better time to do just that than in a live-fire environment versus NFL opposition?

The former Wake Forest and Notre Dame star has his work cut out, in all honesty. Much will depend on how many quarterbacks the Commanders take through and whether the rookie can beat out veteran Jeff Driskel for the No. 3 spot. If Hartman doesn't do quite enough to make it, he's a likely candidate for the practice squad if nobody else scoops him off the waiver wire.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste - Commanders DE/OLB

Not much has been said of Javontae Jean-Baptiste since he joined the Commanders as a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The edge rusher has some nice athletic intangibles to call upon, but this was always going to be a long-term project rather than someone who could potentially impact the defensive rotation right away.

Jean-Baptiste is developing under the guidance of Washington's outstanding staff. There haven't been many big splashes to speak of at training camp according to those in attendance, so his role in 2024 will likely be determined by how well he performs during the preseason.

The former Notre Dame star should get plenty of reps in a game-day setting for the first time. Capitalizing on them will be a key part of his ongoing evaluations. It would be a big surprise to see him off the squad. At the same time, he must earn the right to take his place on the 53-man roster.

Shining during reps on the defense and also making his presence felt on special teams is important. Jean-Baptiste should feel confident about his spot if these goals are met throughout Washington's preseason schedule.

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