It felt like the Washington Commanders were playing catch-up for most of the night against the New England Patriots, and it wasn't just because TreVeyon Henderson's first touch of the preseason was a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

For every positive play the Commanders made, there was a mistake that undermined it. The offense didn't get a first down until their third possession, which ended in an interception. Jer'Zhan Newton forced a sack-fumble that set up the Commanders deep in Patriots territory, but Matt Gay's kick was wide left.

With 30 Commanders players, most of whom were starters, ruled out for the game, it was an opportunity for their draft picks and depth players to earn a roster spot. By the end of the 48-18 loss, the biggest takeaway from the night was that they st

See Full Page