There is a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. A wave of new faces and fresh strategies has swept over the team, ushering in what many hope will be a new era of success.
A Revamped Leadership
Much of this optimism stems from significant changes to the coaching staff. The Commanders have welcomed a new head coach, Dan Quinn, along with new offensive and defensive coordinators. "It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week," said Quinn, highlighting the team's commitment to transparency and growth.
This culture shift is palpable not just in leadership but also in practice and logistics. The team has embraced a redesigned practice structure and overhauled player accommodations in an effort to optimize performance both on and off the field.
Embracing "Tell the Truth Monday"
Among the standout initiatives is "Tell the Truth Monday," introduced shortly after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets. The initiative, rolled out just two days post-game, involves a thorough review of successes and areas needing improvement. "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," said tackle Mason Brooks.
Rookie Performances Under the Spotlight
The preseason loss to the Jets brought several rookie performances into the spotlight. Quarterback Jayden Daniels played one drive against the Jets, leading an audible that resulted in a remarkable 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown. Daniels capped off the series with a 3-yard touchdown run, offering a glimpse into his potential future as a team leader. Meanwhile, rookie Ben Sinnott notched three receptions for 57 yards, demonstrating his strong presence on the field.
Sinnott reflected on the game and "Tell the Truth Monday," saying, "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."
Challenges and Adjustments
The Commanders faced several challenges during the game, particularly in the tackles department. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) were all unable to play. Despite these absences, six different players lined up at tackle against the Jets, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks notably played a team-high 53 snaps, 34 of which were at left tackle.
Injuries and Future Contributions
Injury concerns have also colored the Commanders' preseason. Rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are all dealing with various injuries. However, both Newton and Magee are expected to contribute in the near future, offering some reassurance to fans and coaches alike.
Coach Dan Quinn remains optimistic despite the setbacks, emphasizing the importance of resilience and steady improvement. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," he advised, underscoring the necessity of remaining open to feedback and change.
The game film from the Jets match has been a crucial tool for identifying both the team's accomplishments and areas needing scrutiny. As Quinn put it, "It's all about learning and moving forward. 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."
As the Commanders continue through training camp and the preseason, the combination of new leadership, rookie talent, and a culture of honesty and improvement are positioning the team for potential growth and success in the upcoming season.