There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. With new faces in the form of both players and an almost entirely revamped coaching staff, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and hope for the season ahead.
A New Era Begins
Leading the charge is new head coach Dan Quinn, accompanied by fresh offensive and defensive coordinators. Quinn's presence marks a significant shift in the team’s strategy and operations, epitomized by the introduction of a fresh practice structure and an overhaul of player logistics.
Among the notable changes, the Commanders introduced an initiative branded as "Tell the Truth Monday." This initiative, rolled out two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, emphasizes honesty and transparency in performance reviews. "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. The initiative aims to provide a thorough review of both successes and areas needing improvement, integrating a culture of continuous, honest feedback.
Mason Brooks, a player who lined up at tackle during the game against the Jets, elaborated on this. "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," Brooks commented. "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."
Highlights and Challenges
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showed promise by playing one drive against the Jets, during which he led an audible resulting in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown, and capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. Meanwhile, rookie Ben Sinnott made his presence felt with three receptions for 57 yards. Despite these individual successes, the team faced challenges, including injuries to key players like tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal), none of whom played against the Jets.
Six different players lined up at tackle during that game, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks himself played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, showcasing his adaptability and endurance. Rookie players Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are also currently dealing with injuries, with Newton and Magee expected to contribute sooner rather than later.
The game film, always a valuable tool for improvement, revealed the performances and mistakes of the team. Ben Sinnott pointed out some of the areas identified for improvement: "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." Sinnott mentioned specific details such as a three-and-out and a penalty on their last drive to go and take the lead. "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."
Looking Forward
The sense of transformation is evident in the team’s commitment to absorbing these insights and applying them in future games. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn advises, fostering a mindset open to growth and learning.
Brooks added, "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." This sentiment reflects the broader team philosophy as they navigate through this period of significant change and lay the groundwork for an improved season.
As the preseason continues, the Washington Commanders are a team in motion. The infusion of new talent, the adoption of innovative practices, and a commitment to candid performance reviews are collectively guiding them toward a future that holds promise. While challenges remain, the spirit of transformation and resilience is unmistakable.