Washington Commanders Host Carolina Panthers in First Preseason Game

Saturday afternoon is our first look at the team as the Commanders, along with the first look at Carson Wentz and many other new Commanders players. Here are five things to keep an eye on as the Commanders take the field Saturday.

Wentz’s command of the offense.

Carson Wentz was traded to Washington back in March and the former Colt has been under a lot of scrutinies due to being on three teams in three years. I don’t expect to see a lot from Wentz, but I want to see how he runs the offense for about two drives.

Jahan Dotson leads the rookies

Dotson was Washington’s first-round pick this last spring and that brings a lot of expectations on the young wideout from Penn State. Dotson has impressed at OTAs and training camp with absences from McLaurin, contract negotiations, and Curtis Samuel. That should have led to chemistry with Wentz, and I hope we can see that on display this afternoon.

Jamin Davis needs a bounce-back year

Jamin Davis was Washington’s first-round pick in 2021 and his rookie campaign was very disappointing. The linebacking corps is the weakest spot on the defense so we need to see Davis take a step in the right direction this season.

Phidarian Mathis the new Alabama DL

Phidarian Mathis comes in as the third Alabama defensive tackle on the roster and the third drafted by Washington in the last five years. I am excited to see how he plays because he will likely take a bigger role going forward if Daron Payne can’t get re-signed.

Curtis Samuel staying healthy

Samuel only played in five games last season due to a soft-tissue injury. He is expected to play this afternoon. If he can get some plays in and show us he is healthy that will be a win.

Kickoff is at 1pm at FedEx Field.