Joint practices are always a solid measuring stick for coaches and general managers around the league. The Washington Commanders are no different.
It's a chance to go up against NFL opposition rather than your teammates, which can become mundane after a while. It's also a good chance for those on the fringes to stake a stronger claim in a pressurized environment. In some cases, it can make a huge difference, although how they perform in the preseason is arguably more important.
And the biggest positive to emerge from Washington's joint practice with the New England Patriots was painfully obvious.