After a memorable offseason for everyone associated with the Washington Commanders, they close out their preseason against the New England Patriots. This is head coach Dan Quinn’s first appearance on home soil since taking the job, so he’ll want to make a good impression before attention quickly turns to Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since the end of the 2023 season, there has been a refreshing change in Washington. Josh Harris’ ownership group wasted no time in implementing sweeping changes. Adam Peters thinned the roster and significantly improved the front office infrastructure. Quinn and his team have re-energized the player personnel by implementing their schematic concepts and improving teaching methods at a rapid pace.
How many starters play in Washington’s final preseason game remains to be seen. Quinn has received the most playing time over the past two weeks and is expected to play a key role. The coaching staff could decide to take her out of the game to reduce the risk of further complications, but nothing has been confirmed one way or the other so far.
The Commanders will be facing a player they studied extensively in their pre-draft evaluations. Drake Maye was a promising prospect before officials fell in love with Daniels. The former North Carolina star didn’t have to wait long to hear his name, going to the Patriots with the No. 3 pick.
The excitement in Washington is reaching a level not seen in decades. The outcome of this warm-up game won’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but this is the last opportunity for some players lower in the rankings to stake one final claim for a spot on the roster as final cuts are coming in the next few days.
Washington will face the Patriots at Commanders Field on Sunday, August 25. The contest will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Commanders’ final preseason game will be televised nationally on NBC, with Mike Tirco and Cris Collinsworth on the call. It’s their warm-up before they begin their Sunday Night Football schedule for the upcoming regular season.
Because the game is nationally televised, it cannot be watched on the Commanders or Patriots apps. Those who want to stream the game can do so on NBC or NFL+.
