The Washington Commanders had some positives and some negative elements in Saturday’s 24-14 loss at Kansas City.
Washington center Chase Roullier was making his return from a fractured fibula. “It was really good. We went out there under fire a little bit with crowd noise. We had to start with silent count, right off the bat. That’s some of the toughest stuff we have to go through with the center and the quarterback. Starting that off, right away, and handling it well, I think we did well.”
It was test for Roullier to see if he was ready for the increased intensity a game brings, as he continues his preparation working his way back toward the regular season opener September 11 at home against the Jaguars. “The rust needs to be knocked off a little bit, but it was good to be back out there with the guys and start making the calls again. “I think this game just built my confidence more and my ability to do that week one and barring any setbacks I think we are going to be good to go.”
One day after coming off PUP, Commanders center Chase Roullier is back pic.twitter.com/rkjK4mXggZ
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) July 29, 2022
The Commanders were down several offensive lineman and tight ends Saturday. Yet Roullier felt the players getting the reps Saturday played fairly well. “It is not ideal when guys are out, but we have some solid guys behind them that are able to step in and play pretty well today. We hope everyone can get healthy, but it was good to get out there and get reps with guys that we are going to have moving forward.”
On the other side of the coin, Washington linebacker Cole Holcomb was not shy to point out where the defense came up short. The Commanders defense permitted the Chiefs to drive 87 yards in 12 plays on their first possession, and then 82 yards in 12 plays the next time the Chiefs touched the ball, both for touchdowns.
“There are some plays that I feel like I could have done better. I feel like we could have done better of taking opportunities of getting off of the field. We didn’t capitalize on them.”
The defense looked lost at times during the drives, unable to enforce pressure on Patrick Mahomes nor cover receivers that were often open. Asked what the defense can do to translate it better into the games, Holcomb replied, “I don’t know. Go back, study the film and learn from the mistakes. That’s all we can do. “
Cole Holcomb's wife let him keep his ~majestic mullet~ for his wedding.
"She was like dude it's your thing I think everybody would be ashamed if you cut it for the wedding." pic.twitter.com/XOwM68cOkz
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) August 20, 2022
Holcomb appeared to imply the defensive unit did not execute together at times during those two Kansas City touchdown drives. “We have to put it all together. You can’t have a rush without coverage, and you can’t cover without a rush. We have to learn how to play off each other.”
Holcomb praised Mahomes; yet spoke of the defense taking responsibility to bounce back during a drive and get a stop. “You have to take a next play mentality. He is a top tier quarterback. He is going to make his plays. You have to try to limit it as much as possible, but you can’t let it get you frustrated. You gotta keep going with a next play mentality.”
