Alarm Bells in Washington? Analyzing the Commanders’ Preseason Special Teams Meltdown and the Fix
The Washington Commanders’ preseason opener against the New England Patriots was a rude awakening, especially for the special teams unit. What was expected to be a “flagship” component of the team turned into a nightmare, raising immediate concerns about the unit’s readiness for the regular season. The 48-18 loss exposed glaring weaknesses, prompting serious questions and a swift response from Head Coach Dan Quinn and General Manager Adam Peters.
A Preseason to Forget: Special Teams Under Scrutiny
The Commanders’ special teams performance against the Patriots was nothing short of disastrous. The unit allowed 187 yards on just three kickoff returns, including a 100-yard touchdown by Patriots’ running back TreVeyon Henderson on the opening kickoff. This immediate setback set the tone for a night filled with miscues and penalties.
Adding to the woes, kicker Matt Gay, signed in the offseason to stabilize the kicking game, missed a 49-yard field goal attempt. While he later connected on a 37-yarder, the initial miss amplified the existing anxieties surrounding the kicking situation. The return game didn’t fare much better, with Kazmeir Allen, Demetric Felton, and Noah Igbinoghene averaging a meager 22.7 yards on nine returns. Felton also contributed to the chaos by muffing a kick, further highlighting the unit’s struggles.
“It stung for us tonight,” Quinn said after the game. “We have really, really high standards in that. That’s one of the phases we really emphasize. [Special teams coach] Larry [Izzo] is right out in front of that. It’s impressive. To have a performance where it didn’t go our way, it can be confusing, surprising, all of those things.”
Penalties and Sloppiness: A Coaching Concern
Beyond the specific special teams failures, the Commanders’ overall sloppiness was a major concern. The team committed 15 penalties, more than double their average from the previous season, gifting the Patriots 98 free yards. These included a facemask penalty on defense during a Henderson run, a holding call that nullified a 16-yard reception by rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and an illegal block that erased 10 yards from a 26-yard return by Kazmeir Allen.
Quinn expressed his frustration with the penalties, attributing some to “overtrying” and others to “a lack of focus.” He emphasized the need to correct these issues promptly, especially with only a few weeks remaining before the regular season.
The Fix is In: Addressing the Issues Head-On
In response to the dismal performance, the Commanders have taken immediate steps to rectify the special teams’ deficiencies. Quinn acknowledged the problems and emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing the errors directly.
“We take great pride in that,” Quinn said, referring to the special teams unit. “And so, to see that not go down, first thing man, acknowledge it, put it up, show it, show both of them, where the errors were.”
The team dedicated significant practice time to special teams, with nearly all skill players participating in drills, even those who don’t typically have a role on the unit, like tight end Zach Ertz. Coaches emphasized energy and intensity during these sessions, signaling the urgency to correct the issues.
Coaching Stability and New Additions
Despite the preseason struggles, the Commanders maintain confidence in Special Teams Coordinator Larry Izzo, a former New England Patriots special teams standout. Izzo’s experience and expertise are expected to be crucial in turning the unit around.
Adding to the coaching staff, the Commanders hired Brian Schneider as an assistant special teams coach. Schneider, who previously served as the San Francisco 49ers’ special teams coach, brings additional experience and a fresh perspective to the unit. While the 49ers’ special teams struggled under Schneider, head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that Schneider was “set up to fail,” suggesting that he possesses valuable knowledge and skills.
Roster Adjustments and Competition
General Manager Adam Peters has also taken a proactive approach, making roster adjustments to address the special teams’ shortcomings. After the loss to the Patriots, the Commanders hosted 14 players for tryouts and signed veteran linebacker Duke Riley and cornerback Essang Bassey. Riley, known for his special teams capabilities, and Bassey, a former All-ACC selection, provide additional competition and potential upgrades to the unit.
Peters’ swift action sends a clear message to the entire roster: subpar performance will not be tolerated. This ruthless approach, while demanding, underscores the organization’s commitment to building a competitive team.
Key Players and Potential Solutions
Several players will be key to the Commanders’ special teams turnaround. Punter Tress Way, the team’s longest-tenured player, remains a consistent performer and a valuable asset. Long snapper Tyler Ott, who stabilized the position last season, is also expected to play a crucial role.
Rookie linebacker Kain Medrano, drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to contribute primarily on special teams while developing his defensive skills. Safety Jeremy Reaves, an All-Pro special teams ace, is also poised to take on a larger role, potentially contributing on both special teams and defense.
Preseason Perspective and Future Expectations
While the Commanders’ special teams struggles in the preseason opener are concerning, it’s important to maintain perspective. As Coach Quinn said, most of the starters did not dress out for the game. Preseason games are primarily for evaluating depth and identifying areas for improvement.
The Commanders have two remaining preseason games, including a nationally televised game on Monday Night Football, to fine-tune their special teams unit. These games, along with joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals, will provide valuable opportunities to assess player performance and implement necessary adjustments.
Conclusion: A Call for Improvement
The Washington Commanders’ preseason special teams meltdown has raised alarm bells, prompting immediate action from the coaching staff and front office. While the performance against the Patriots was far from ideal, the team has the leadership, coaching, and personnel to address the issues and improve. The remaining preseason games will be crucial in determining whether the Commanders can transform their special teams from a liability into an asset. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on to deliver a much-improved performance in the weeks to come.