With only three preseason games, there is a debate about when and how much to play your starting players. For years, the third preseason game was considered every NFL team’s “dress rehearsal.” The fourth and final game would be nothing but young players attempting to make one last impression.
Now, the preseason is condensed — which is a good thing — and teams are giving their starters more work in the second game.
So, what will the Washington Commanders do in their final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday?
Washington head coach Ron Rivera said his starters would play on a limited basis.
“Very limited, very limited, very limited, very limited,” Rivera said when asked if the starters would play.
This is a different approach from a year ago. Why? Probably because Rivera wants to see more from his defense. While the starting offense hasn’t lit the scoreboard up in its six possessions, they have moved the ball, and quarterback Carson Wentz has looked comfortable in the offense.
Meanwhile, the starting defense has had issues on third down. And while that shouldn’t elicit panic in the preseason, it’s the same issue Washington faced one year ago. Maybe Rivera wants to see his defense play one or two clean possessions before sitting them for the remainder of the game.
It sounds like it will be up to rookie quarterback Sam Howell to help the Commanders break Baltimore’s 22-game preseason winning streak.