Trey Amos has taken the Washington Commanders by storm this summer. The rookie cornerback already has a starting spot locked up, and his exceptional transition leaves fans hoping for a strong first campaign in a professional environment.
However, the biggest litmus test for Amos and what he might be capable of in 2025 is rapidly approaching.
The Commanders will feature in the bright lights of Monday Night Football for their second preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This places Amos squarely in the sights of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, widely regarded among the best wide receiver tandems anywhere in the league.
Chase is an absolute sensation, winning the Triple Crown last season en route to a megabucks contract extension. Higgins is arguably the best No. 2 option league-wide. He also got a bumper deal from the Bengals to prevent him from leaving in free agency.
This will be a different challenge entirely for Amos, especially considering quarterback sensation Joe Burrow is also expected to start the contest. The signal-caller looks for this duo early and often. They are in sync with the chemistry that very few can match. If the former Ole Miss standout doesn't match fire with fire, it's going to be a long evening at the office.
It represents a fantastic measuring stick for Amos. He wants to feature prominently and make those who passed on him during the draft regret their decisions. To do this, the defensive back must stand up to challenges like this every week.
There are no easy weeks in the NFL. This isn't college. Everyone made the sport's pinnacle for a reason. Amos has the size, athleticism, and length to make a significant difference to counteract most threats. He's also got a strong support system with veterans like Marshon Lattimore and Jonathan Jones steering him on the right path.
Amos isn't going to win every rep against Chase and Higgins; that's an almost impossible task. However, if he can come away with some good plays and continue to build confidence for as long as he's on the field, that's all the Commanders are looking for.
The Commanders would be wise to give Amos all he can handle versus elite-level performers at the peak of their powers. He's passed every test with flying colors so far, so hopes are high that he can do the same again.
If this scenario comes to fruition, Amos' stock will go through the roof heading into the Commanders' regular-season opener.
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