5 takeaways from Commanders' joint practice with Ravens

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The Washington Commanders had a day to forget in Owings Mills, Maryland. Washington made the short trip north for a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens, which has been viewed as a sort of litmus test, with its starters not expected to play in Friday's preseason finale.

It was tough to gauge the Commanders’ entire offense because they were missing three projected starters. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil is out for a while with a torn triceps, while center Nick Allegretti is still nursing a strained calf. Right guard Sam Cosmi made the trip, but was sick and remained at the team hotel. While Chris Paul played left guard, Matt Gulbin, Julian Good-Jones, and Tanoa Togiai handled center and right guard. No offense to these players, but Gulbin is a sixth-round rookie, Togiai an undrafted rookie, and Good-Jones a journeyman with two total NFL snaps on his resume.

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Facing a talented Baltimore front, Washington’s makeshift offensive line struggled.

Here are five takeaways from Wednesday’s practice.

GM Adam Peters better be working the phone lines

Regardless of how you view it, Peters mishandled the center situation, cutting Tyler Biadasz and hoping for Tyler Linderbaum. Let's be clear: missing Linderbaum wasn’t the primary issue. It was missing him and not adding another veteran NFL center to compete with Allegretti, then having the rookie Gulbin develop as the third center. Allegretti’s injury has highlighted Peters’ decision-making, and not in a good way. Whether it’s via trade or free agency, Peters probably needs to add two experienced players to the offensive line and hope it helps Washington get through the season.

Chris Paul remains a concern

It was noticeable when Chris Paul entered free agency in March, coming off his best NFL season and having tepid interest around the league. He re-signed for one year, and he was competing with Brandon Coleman to start at left guard. It sure seemed like Coleman was on the verge of winning that job. Then the Tunsil injury happened, and Coleman had to shift back to left tackle. Tunsil’s presence helped Paul last season, especially in pass protection. Without Tunsil there now, Paul’s deficiencies, specifically in run blocking, are more glaring. Veteran options like Graham Glasgow, who can play center or guard, could be a stopgap. Allegretti’s return could stabilize the center position. Or, Washington could sign a center and move Allegretti back to guard. Everything should be on the table.

Hard to evaluate Jayden Daniels

By all accounts, Daniels has had an outstanding training camp. He was terrific in the joint practice with the Dolphins two weeks ago. However, he had no chance in Washington’s preseason loss to the Lions last week and played only three snaps. The Commanders hoped he’d have some solid work against the Ravens. He did, but he didn’t have enough time to execute the offense properly. Daniels’ next action will come in Week 1, when Washington travels to Philadelphia to face an Eagles front led by Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.

The running game was nonexistent, too. Offensive coordinator David Blough’s new offense is predicated on getting some production from the running game. If you can’t run, play-action becomes much less effective. Daniels could be even more dangerous with the threat of play-action. The good news is that Daniels had plenty of work throughout training camp and is 100% healthy. Washington hopes those reps carry into Week 1.

Pass rush solid even without starters

The Commanders were without starting edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson. Defensive tackles Daron Payne and Tim Settle were out, too. Yet Washington’s front seven generated pressure throughout practice. While Lamar Jackson was solid overall, he faced pressure. That’s an encouraging sign ahead of the season. Washington’s starters struggled to generate a consistent pass rush last season. The Commanders’ defense needs to get some guys healthy, but overall, they’ve had a solid summer. Questions will persist about their ability to stop the run until they prove it in a regular-season game. The pass rush, though, will be fine.

Mike Sainristil continues to build confidence

One of Washington’s many problems last season was the regression of key young players, like safety Quan Martin and cornerback Mike Sainristil. It’s early, but those two former second-round picks are trending in the right direction. Head coach Dan Quinn has repeatedly praised Martin over the last week, as he has an interception in each of the first two preseason games. The improved pass rush seems to be doing wonders for Sainristil. He’s back to playing with more confidence. During the final period of Wednesday’s practice, Sainristil picked off Jackson. Washington badly needs rebound seasons from Martin and Sainristil.

Sainristil had a good day on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 5 takeaways from Commanders' joint practice with Ravens

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