There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. With new faces both on the field and on the sidelines, the team is undergoing a significant overhaul that has brought a fresh energy and a reinvigorated approach to their preparations. Under the new leadership of head coach Dan Quinn, along with newly appointed offensive and defensive coordinators, the Commanders are embracing change at every level.
A New Era
Dan Quinn, known for his defensive prowess, has already made his mark by introducing a fresh practice structure and revamping the logistics of player housing. These moves are designed to enhance team cohesion and performance. One of the most notable initiatives is "Tell the Truth Monday," introduced shortly after the team's narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive review of both successes and areas needing improvement, fostering an environment of honesty and continuous growth.
"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 remarked. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections."
Rookie Performances
Among the new faces, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels seized his moment during a drive against the Jets, leading an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capping the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. Meanwhile, rookie Ben Sinnott also made an impression with three receptions for 57 yards, showcasing the potential of the team's fresh talent.
Reflecting on the performance, Sinnott noted, "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."
Injuries and Adjustments
Injuries have inevitably played a part in the Commanders' preseason story. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not take part in the game, resulting in six different players lining up at tackle during the match against the Jets. Among those were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels, with Brooks playing a team-high 53 snaps, including 34 at left tackle.
Rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are currently dealing with injuries. However, optimism remains as Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later.
Building Resilience
Mason Brooks emphasized the importance of resilience amidst the changes. "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," Brooks stated.
Brooks continued, "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."
The Commanders are committed to adapting and growing. As the preseason progresses, the team’s ability to embrace new strategies and correct mistakes will be crucial. The upcoming games will serve as a testament to their preparation and determination, setting the stage for what could be a defining season under new leadership.