Washington’s final preseason game against the Patriots was a tale of two halves. The Commanders were shutouts in the first and second quarters, but got on the scoreboard in the third quarter with a field goal from Cade York and scored two touchdowns and another field goal in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

The win was great, but the game was marred by penalties and was almost unbearable at times. New England suffered an incredible 10 penalties for 157 yards, while Washington suffered nine for 53 yards. I bet the refs all had sore arms this morning, as they were throwing flags as often as the quarterbacks were throwing passes.

Below are my studs and duds of the game, followed by some notes.

Bolts:

Trace McSorley – McSorley looked like a little kid on the playground Sunday night against the Patriots. He was throwing the ball everywhere and using his legs to run over, around and through defenders. He was really fun to watch in this season finale.

Michael Wiley – This freshman has turned heads with his patience, vision and perseverance. He had a beautiful touchdown where he bounced left, tiptoed down the sideline and headed for the pylon.

KJ Henry – Henry was a threat all night, recording a sack, a quarterback hit and multiple pressures.

John Ridgeway – The big man was virtually unblockable throughout the game. I don’t think he was on the verge of being compromised from the start, but if there was any doubt, he was quick to shut the door.

Phidarian Mathis – In a game where he had to play well, Mathis did just that. He created tremendous pressure and had a pass blocked.

Unexploded bombs:

Jeff Driskel – Driskel had a mediocre game. He was short on many of his attempts and threw a bad interception.

Noah Igbinoghene – Igbinoghene had a really tough game. He allowed some big plays in coverage and missed some tackles. That might have led to him sitting out and watching.

Cole Turner – Turner had a really nice catch in the middle of the field in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to make up for his dropped pass and the penalties earlier. I believe he was cut from the 53-man roster.

The officials – 19 accepted penalties in the season finale!!!!!

Notes:

• Rosemy-Jacksaint had a nice game, completing four passes for 35 yards, including this acrobatic catch.

• Martavis Bryant performed well against the Patriots’ backups, catching three balls for 20 yards and scoring a touchdown, as well as causing pass interference on a deep ball.

• Mitchell was a key player for Driskel from the start, being targeted five times and catching four passes for 37 yards.

• Brycen Tremayne disappeared from the scene in a game he really should have been in. I originally had a 53 pick, but have since changed my mind.

• Javontae Jean-Baptiste keeps popping up on video. He led the team in tackles against the Patriots (six, five solo, one for a loss). He has a good chance of reaching 53.

• Overall, the reserve offense performed well. There were a few difficult plays (as in every game),

• Cade York scored both field goal attempts – fans should be happy about that!