As the Commanders' training camp progresses, the intense focus on red-zone work is becoming apparent. Tuesday marked a significant day in the camp's schedule, marking the sixth overall practice, the third with fans in attendance, and the second session in full pads. A thick crowd atmosphere buzzed, providing the perfect backdrop for players to sharpen their skills under watchful eyes.
Quarterback Splits and Standout Plays
Jayden Daniels shared first-team reps with seasoned quarterback Marcus Mariota. Daniels showcased his precision during the practice, connecting with Olamide Zaccheaus on a deep ball up the right sideline during the 11-on-11 sessions. This wasn't an isolated moment of brilliance. He also made notable passes to Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin along the sidelines, displaying a commendable range and consistency.
In the final team session, Daniels found Dotson again and also managed a crucial touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, capping a productive session. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Daniels; he experienced a bungled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and subsequently recorded a series of missed throws, indicating there are still areas for improvement.
Veteran vs. Newcomer Battles
Brandon Coleman turned heads with his versatility, playing both first and second teams at left and right tackle. The young tackle faced off against veterans Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell, gaining invaluable experience. Reflecting on his progress, Coleman noted, "There's always like three points in my brain that I'm telling myself in the next period if I didn't do it well. Like today, it was my hands were pretty bad in the first period. I was like, 'Work on my hands, work on my balance, keep my chest up.'"
Coleman’s learning curve is steep, and he is well aware of the challenges. "D-linemen in the league have a bunch of secondary and third moves. Their knowledge of what o-linemen do is so vast compared to college... That's stuff that I just have to engrain in my brain, like shit’s not over until the whistle blows."
Emerging Defensive Talent
Mike Sainristil has been a consistent presence on the starting defense, even contributing in the return game. His relentless drive and natural playing style have been evident throughout the camp. "Part of it is just my play style. I'm a guy that's gonna go hard until the whistle's blown. And then the second part of it is just getting myself to make that second nature for me, so that when it comes game time, I don’t even have to think about stuff like that," remarked Sainristil.
Jer'Zhan Newton also made strides, receiving his first exposure to first-team reps. Newton's quick adjustments on the field were notable, including a play that forced McNichols to cut back, showcasing his awareness and strategic thinking in high-pressure scenarios. K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste also made their presence felt, adding depth and intensity to the defensive line.
Special Teams and Consistency
Kicker Ramiz Ahmed demonstrated flawless execution during the team portion of practice, not missing a single field goal. His range was on full display, hitting field goals from as far as 51 yards with ample distance—a testament to his reliability and strong kicking game.
Meanwhile, Dotson continued to be one of the camp's most consistent performers. His confidence and comfort level on the field are palpable. "I feel like I'm just getting more comfortable, and that's enabling me to play faster and faster. That's been a big emphasis for me," he shared, highlighting the importance of comfort in achieving peak performance.
Despite some minor stumbles, the overall direction of the Commanders' training camp seems robust. As players refine their skills and increase their tempo, both veterans and rookies are making significant strides, painting an optimistic picture for the upcoming season.