As the Washington Commanders gear up for the new NFL season, an air of transformation is unmistakable around their training camp and preseason activities. Under the guidance of new head coach Dan Quinn, along with fresh offensive and defensive coordinators, the team has not only revamped its coaching staff but also embraced a revamped practice structure and logistical overhaul where players reside, aiming for a significant shift in performance dynamics.
A New Era Begins
This year’s training camp features uncharted territory for many within the organization. The incorporation of “Tell the Truth Monday” showcases Quinn’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Rolled out just two days after a narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, this initiative is designed to conduct thorough reviews of both successes and areas needing improvement.
"It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week," Quinn expressed, emphasizing the need for honesty in evaluating performances. The initiative underscores a performance-driven culture where players are encouraged to accept feedback constructively. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn advised.
Spotlight on Rookies
The preseason games have offered a closer look at the promising rookies on the Commanders' roster. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels made an impression by orchestrating a drive against the Jets that included a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown, leading to a 3-yard touchdown run. Complementing Daniels' performance, rookie Ben Sinnott stood out with three receptions for 57 yards, demonstrating his potential as a reliable target.
Sinnott shared his insights on the team’s performance, stating, "We still got a lot of stuff to improve on. I think the big thing that we kind of heard—the 'truth'—just being able to finish that game, make the plays that we need. We had a three-and-out, penalty on our last drive to go and take the lead, so just things we need to clean up, pre-snap errors, that kind of stuff that we can clean up and hopefully take our game to the next level."
Adapting to Challenges
Injuries have also shaped the preseason narrative for the Commanders. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) were notably absent from the game, necessitating adjustments. This led to six different players lining up at tackle, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks, notably, played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, a reflection of the team’s efforts to adapt to these challenges.
Brooks captured the essence of dealing with these uncharted waters: "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can. When you're working in uncharted or new territory, there's a lot of new experiences for you to have. I think the important thing is just to keep moving forward the best that you can."
Injury Watch
The Commanders are closely monitoring the progress of rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder), who are currently dealing with injuries. Despite these setbacks, Newton and Magee are anticipated to contribute sooner rather than later, adding depth to the roster as the season progresses.
Building Team Identity
The practices and the “Tell the Truth Monday” initiative demonstrate the Commanders' commitment to fortifying their team identity. The game film from their recent matches highlights both the performances and the mistakes, providing a blueprint for improvement. As Mason Brooks aptly observed, "Tell the Truth is good and bad. There's high points—like your rookie quarterback making a check like that—and there's low points, like guys missing assignments and coming up short. Obviously when you don't win the game, it's a little bit more serious of a 'Tell the Truth Monday' than if you come out with a win."
The Washington Commanders are clearly in a period of significant change and development. Under Quinn’s leadership and with an infusion of new talent and strategies, the team is poised to navigate the challenges ahead. As they continue to refine their game and build a cohesive unit, the Commanders hope that their commitment to transparency, accountability, and adaptation will pay dividends in the upcoming season.