Washington Commanders: 6 takeaways from 'Burgundy & Gold' scrimmage

USA Today

20 hours ago

Brandon Coleman & Sam Cosmi outside for the Burgundy & Gold scrimmage. pic.twitter.com/zZ9NAXt5r0
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn wanted to have an intrasquad scrimmage this week for multiple reasons. One, Quinn loves competition, and he understands better than anyone that these scrimmages fire everyone up.
Secondly, Quinn was looking at the preseason schedule. Washington's last game was on Friday, while the next one wasn't until the following Monday. A scrimmage would be a good way to fill in the time until preseason game No. 2.
Finally, while he didn't say it, Quinn was hoping to get the bad taste out of his mouth from Friday's 48-18 loss to the Patriots. Sure, while the Commanders sat over 30 players, the performance didn't meet Quinn's or Washington's standards.
We're not so sure Tuesday's scrimmage helped. There were some good and some bad aspects. Here are six takeaways from Tuesday's "Burgundy & Gold" scrimmage.
It's rare to hear any negative reports about quarterback Jayden Daniels during games or practice. He's usually always sharp. He wasn't during Tuesday's scrimmage. That's not all on Daniels, though. He was under constant pressure, often having to check down to his running backs and tight ends. Nothing was open. It's a blip on the radar for Daniels and, perhaps, more encouraging about the defense.
Washington's offensive line is rounding into shape, but if the scrimmage was any indication of what we can expect from the Commanders' pass rush in 2025, that's encouraging. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong had another solid day. While Von Miller didn't record a sack, he did record a key pressure, per Zach Selby of commanders.com. There are no concerns with the offensive line. From all indications, most of the pressure came on the inside, and remember, neither of Washington's projected starting guards (Brandon Coleman and Sam Cosmi) practiced. Offensive line play is about cohesion. This group needs time together on the field to become a cohesive unit.
The rookie second-rounder has been one of the stars of training camp. He made his impact from the first practice, and that has continued. Amos was active again during Tuesday's scrimmage. Head coach Dan Quinn makes players earn positions, regardless of draft or free-agent status. Amos has already earned it. He made a strong play against the pass and a run stop for a loss in Friday's preseason opener. He's starting Week 1.
Trey Amos with another pass breakup off a Bobby Wagner blitz.Then, he got beat with speed by Lane and recovered to contest on deep shot INC from Jayden.
Frankie Luvu was a free-agent steal in 2024. Even more is expected from the second-team All-Pro in 2025. Luvu has quietly been excellent all camp. He was a key contributor to the defense's dominance on Tuesday. Don't be surprised if Luvu leads the Commanders in sacks this season. He was close last season. The coaches will give him every opportunity to chase down opposing quarterbacks this fall.
Duke Riley was signed on Sunday night. The ninth-year veteran was with the team on Monday and making his presence felt during Tuesday's scrimmage. The Commanders need depth behind Luvu and Bobby Wagner. Washington released former fifth-round pick Dominique Hampton because he wasn't showing progress. The team loves Jordan Magee, but he can't seem to stay on the field. Rookie Kain Medrano has impressed, but he's still raw. There's a path for Riley to make this roster. He can play.
Duke Riley has already flashed making a couple of nice playsBlew up screenPhysical loud thud on run fit
Adam Peters talking to Terry McLaurin at practice. pic.twitter.com/fYbGjvjefY
This photo had everyone talking on Tuesday. It was the first time that Terry McLaurin and GM Adam Peters were seen in public speaking to one another. It was a relatively short but cordial conversation. By the time you read this, the lip-readers may have already discovered some of what was said. What does it mean? Who knows, but it can't be bad, right? It was also the first time McLaurin came out and watched the entire practice. No one knows what's going on behind closed doors, but one simple conversation can get contract talks going again.