The Washington Commanders are undergoing an undeniable transformation this training camp and preseason. With new faces both on the field and within the coaching staff, the team is setting the stage for a fresh chapter. Leading the charge is new head coach Dan Quinn, accompanied by new offensive and defensive coordinators, all aiming to implement a new culture and approach to the game.
A New Era with Fresh Approaches
Under Quinn's leadership, the Commanders have embraced a revamped practice structure and overhauled various logistics, including player accommodations. One of the standout changes introduced by Quinn is an initiative known as "Tell the Truth Monday." This initiative, unveiled two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, aims to provide a thorough review 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 explained.
Rookie Performances Under the Microscope
Amid these changes, the rookies have had moments to shine. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels had a notable performance, orchestrating an audible that led to a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capping the series with a 3-yard touchdown run during his drive against the Jets. Rookie Ben Sinnott also turned heads with three receptions totaling 57 yards.
Despite some standout moments, the game against the Jets revealed areas for improvement. The Commanders' line-up faced challenges with tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) unable to play, leading to six different players lining up at tackle during the game. Among these were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels, with Brooks playing 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle.
Reflecting on the experience, Brooks noted, "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."
Adjusting to Injuries and Setbacks
The Commanders are also contending with several injuries among their rookies. Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are currently sidelined, although Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later. The team is diligently reviewing game film to pinpoint both their performances and mistakes.
As the team navigates these challenges, Ben Sinnott emphasized the importance of continual 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. 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."
A Journey Forward
Quinn's approach and the Commanders' commitment to growth are evident as they tackle preseason hurdles. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn advised, stressing the importance of embracing feedback. Mason Brooks echoed this sentiment, saying, "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 Washington Commanders' preseason is marked by a blend of promising performances and learning moments. With new leadership steering the ship and initiatives like "Tell the Truth Monday" fostering an atmosphere of transparency and growth, the Commanders are poised to navigate the upcoming season with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The road ahead may be challenging, but the foundation laid during this transformative period is setting the stage for potential success.