Let the Hail Storm Hit Now, This Is The Only Time For Sloppiness

New England Patriots defeat Washington Commanders - 2025 Preseason Week 1

The Washington Commanders left their preseason, week 1 game against the New England Patriots with a whole lot of lessons to learn in an 18-48 loss. Although it is the preseason and their starting lineup didn’t play the game, the work was haphazardly executed. However, if there’s a time in the season to be haphazard, it is now.

“It was quite sloppy tonight,” Head coach Dan Quinn said while speaking to the press after the game.

During the game, every good decision an athlete made was matched with a bad one. 

Quarterback Sam Hartman played the first half with nothing to write home about. On third down, in the red zone, Hartman struggled with accuracy, missing throws over the middle. 

Hartman’s interceptions put the Patriots closer and closer to the end zone. 

Third-string quarterback Josh Johnson came in for the second half and gave hope to fans. In nine plays, the Commanders traveled to the Patriots’ second yard line from the opposite end of the field. 

In a 10-play possession, Johnson threw a 3-yard pass, which was caught in the end zone on a third down.

It is encouraging to see our third-string QB ending strong against opposing starters at this time in the season.

“As a quarterback, you really want to see a win, see good results. You take it as a responsibility that the mistake and everything is on you,” Hartman said.

There has been so much buzz over rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merrit absolutely tearing it up on the field, despite him having 32 yards on eight touches. On a 16-yard catch, he created amazing paths and gained five more yards with a quick change in direction on a defender. Although this play didn’t count because of a penalty, the Commanders would have gotten a first down.

“I’m blessed to be here, but it was not the kind of game that I wanted,” Croskey-Merrit said.

Defensively, Special teamer and safety Jeremy Reeves made an impact outside of his usual special teams. He was consistently taking down Patriots’ running backs, and frankly, we couldn’t ask for more in a preseason game from Reeves. 

Gotta keep it in mind, it’s only the preseason. The Commander’s second team was playing and had a few highlights against the Patriots starters.  If there’s a good time to give up points and learn from it, it is now.

Let’s Raise Hail on Monday, Aug 18, against the Cincinnati Bengals.