Bold Predictions for Commanders First Preseason Game

After a joint practice on Wednesday and an off day on Thursday, the Commanders are gearing up to host the Miami Dolphins in their preseason opener at home. It's currently unclear which starters will suit up and for how long, but for those actively working toward a roster spot, this is a vital opportunity to show coaches what they're made of.

Rookie running back displays versatility

Kaytron Allen has the makings to have himself a day north of 70 all-purpose yards. The all-time leading rusher at Penn State, he was a valuable asset to the Nittany Lions. Allen's agility and vision in open space are what attracted Dan Quinn to selecting the running back in the sixth round of the draft. First-year offensive coordinator David Blough is getting his first crack at calling plays for the offense and will likely deploy pre-snap movement to get his players into open space early in the drive. Hopefully, Allen can use this moment to work on his lackluster pass-blocking skills while becoming a multipurpose back for the Commanders.

Colson Yankoff scores big making tight end room complicated

After starting training camp buried on the depth chart, Colson Yankoff has flourished over the last few weeks as the Commanders work to install an entirely new offensive philosophy. Look for Yankoff to use his size in the back of the end zone for a touchdown, regardless of who is throwing him the ball. The third-year tight end from UCLA has been nothing more than an afterthought to fans, but this could be the year that he finally breaks out and shows his worth to everyone involved. Currently sitting at the bottom of the depth chart, Yankoff is banking on these preseason games to prove why the Commanders should carry four tight ends instead of the usual two or three.

Defense does something they failed to do much of last year

Finishing the year with a minus-13 turnover differential and lining up against a Dolphins offense with little identity, Washington should be able to generate at least two takeaways. The latest addition to the defense, Fabian Moreau, had six interceptions during his first stint in Washington. Hoping to reignite the spark in his career, Moreau should be able to eye down whoever is taking snaps for the Dolphins.

Having upgraded the pass-rush unit at almost every position, expect Washington to collapse the pocket early and often throughout the game. Keeping the Dolphins playing behind the chains should be the boost of confidence this group needs when it faces a more dynamic group later in the month when it goes to Baltimore for the final game of the preseason.