The clock is ticking for players to make their case for a spot on the Washington Commanders’ coveted 53-man roster for 2024. Their recent joint practice against the Miami Dolphins was a golden opportunity to show their mettle against a formidable foe.
Conditions were as warm as a Peruvian summer and the action was absolutely frenetic. The Commanders held their own admirably, matching up against a Dolphins team with high hopes of conquering the AFC East and making waves deep into the playoffs.
For head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, this was yet another vital yardstick in their ongoing evaluations. With final cuts looming like an ominous cloud, every piece of intel they can gather is a treasure. There’s also the small matter of two remaining preseason games, adding another layer to this high-stakes calculus.
Five Winners and Two Losers from Washington’s Fiery Joint Practice
Winner No. 1
Riley Patterson – Commanders K
The Washington Commanders were keen to see what Riley Patterson could deliver with extended reps this week. By releasing the struggling Ramiz Ahmed, they cleared the stage for Patterson, recently acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars, to showcase his skills.
And boy, did he seize the moment! During practice in Miami, Patterson put on a kicking clinic that left spectators in awe. His long-range accuracy was especially sublime, as he drilled all three of his efforts from more than 50 yards with the precision of a sniper.
However, Patterson’s standout session doesn’t yet secure his spot as the Week 1 kicker against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s a promising sign, though. What’s crucial now is for Patterson to build on this newfound confidence and solidify his position on the roster.
Whether he can hit that goal post or not remains to be seen. But make no mistake, Adam Peters won’t blink twice to shuffle the deck if he believes a better kicker is kicking around somewhere.
With that fiery practice session under the Miami sun, Patterson’s dazzling performance is a headline grabber, setting the stage for the next chapter in this nail-biting preseason saga. Stay tuned, Commanders fans—this story is far from over!
