The New York Jets were in the Washington Commanders’ place three years ago. They had a new head coach, new coaching staff, No. 2 overall pick rookie quarterback, and many roster holes. In the Jets’ joint practice matchup against the Commanders, Aaron Rodgers might steal the show nationally, but Jayden Daniels’ performance is equally or perhaps even more important.
Jets fans might not know much about the Commanders given their roster turnover from a season ago. That’s why Commanders film expert Mark Bullock of the Bullock’s Film Room Substack joined The Score Boord Podcast to discuss what to look for in the Jets-Washington matchup.
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Mark is bullish on Jayden Daniels, although he’s worried that the RGIII effect could happen: trying to play hero ball when running, resulting in devastating injuries. He explained that Dan Quinn and the Commanders’ coaching staff have been very high on Daniels’ processing and setting protections in training camp thus far.
From a Jets perspective, the defensive matchup with Daniels is tricky. In general, their defense tends to have some issues with rushing quarterbacks. Staying in their lane, both in the joint practice and preseason, will be critical. It’s good practice for facing Josh Allen, Anthony Richardson, and Kyler Murray during the regular season.
Mark also discussed the Commanders’ offensive line issues, which largely persist. Third-round rookie Brandon Coleman has the first crack at the left tackle position, while former Chiefs backup Nick Allegretti will start at left guard. Jets fans are all too familiar with struggles up front.
The other particular area of concern for Washington is the secondary. Emmanuel Forbes, taken with the 16th overall pick in 2023, struggled mightily as a rookie. Benjamin St. Juste had some of the worst statistics of any cornerback in the NFL. The cornerback room is very unsettled right now.
Check out the full episode for Mark’s thoughts about the matchup.
