Unrelenting frustrations surface from Coach Dan Quinn following the disheartening defeat against the Patriots.
Washington Commanders Suffer Preseason Loss to New England Patriots
The Washington Commanders began their 2025 season on a disappointing note, losing their preseason opener to the New England Patriots with a score of 48-18. The Commanders' performance was far from satisfactory, with 13 penalties committed during the game, a fact that did not sit well with head coach Dan Quinn [1].
Quinn was not happy with the team's sloppy performance, and he is making sure that the little miscues that occurred in the first preseason game get cleaned up by the time the regular season starts [2]. The Commanders, who reached the NFC Championship Game in the previous season, are looking to regain their form before their regular season opener on Sept. 7 against the New York Giants [3].
One of the biggest concerns for the Commanders is the availability of star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin is currently holding out due to his contract demands and trade request, and his absence from practice has created uncertainty about his status for the start of the season [4][5]. The team has explored adding veteran receivers to bolster depth due to McLaurin's holdout, but his return would undoubtedly benefit the Commanders' offense [3].
The Patriots, on the other hand, played a strong game, taking advantage of the Commanders' mistakes. The Commanders' struggles were not helped by the fact that they did not play many of their top players in the game [6][7].
Despite the disappointing start, Quinn remains optimistic that the team's practice before the game, which was opposite of the sloppy performance, will help them get back on track [2]. The Commanders have two more preseason games to work on their mistakes and prepare for the regular season.
References:
- Jhabvala, N. (2025, August 16). Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin holdout could impact offense early in the 2025 season. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2752353/2025/08/16/washington-commanders-terry-mclaurin-holdout-could-impact-offense-early-in-the-2025-season/
- Jhabvala, N. (2025, August 17). Washington Commanders' Dan Quinn: Sloppiness needs to be cleaned up before regular season starts. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2752721/2025/08/17/washington-commanders-dan-quinn-sloppiness-needs-to-be-cleaned-up-before-regular-season-starts/
- Keim, J. (2025, August 18). Washington Commanders exploring adding veteran receivers to bolster depth due to Terry McLaurin's holdout. [online] Available at: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2025/08/18/washington-commanders-exploring-adding-veteran-receivers-to-bolster-depth-due-to-terry-mclaurins-holdout/
- Jhabvala, N. (2025, August 16). Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin holdout could impact offense early in the 2025 season. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2752353/2025/08/16/washington-commanders-terry-mclaurin-holdout-could-impact-offense-early-in-the-2025-season/
- Jhabvala, N. (2025, August 17). Washington Commanders' Dan Quinn: Sloppiness needs to be cleaned up before regular season starts. [online] Available at: https://theathletic.com/2752721/2025/08/17/washington-commanders-dan-quinn-sloppiness-needs-to-be-cleaned-up-before-regular-season-starts/
- Schwartz, S. (2025, August 16). Washington Commanders did not play many of their top players in the preseason opener. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/08/16/washington-commanders-did-not-play-many-of-their-top-players-in-the-preseason-opener/
- Borges, M. (2025, August 16). New England Patriots dominate Washington Commanders in preseason opener. [online] Available at: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/16/sports/new-england-patriots-dominate-washington-commanders-preseason-opener/
Football rumors circulate about the Washington Commanders, with concerns surrounding the team's future performance after a disappointing preseason loss to the New England Patriots in the NFL. Despite the setback, head coach Dan Quinn remains hopeful, citing the team's sloppy performance as an opportunity to improve before the regular season begins. The Commanders, having reached the NFC Championship in the previous season, are looking to regain their form with Terry McLaurin's return, after the star wide receiver held out due to contract demands. Meanwhile, the Patriots played a strong game, taking advantage of the Commanders' mistakes, leaving American-football fans curious about the upcoming championship season.
