There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. The team is embracing a series of significant changes, most notably in their staff and strategies, demonstrating a commitment to returning to competitive form.
The Commanders have introduced a new head coach, Dan Quinn, along with new offensive and defensive coordinators, giving the team a fresh start. The new coaching staff is not the only change; the practice structure has been updated, and the logistics of player accommodations have been overhauled.
A notable initiative, “Tell the Truth Monday,” was introduced by Coach Quinn two days after a narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive review of both the team’s successes and areas in need of improvement.
Quinn emphasizes honesty and transparency in evaluations. "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. He added, “Don't harden your heart to the corrections,” highlighting the importance of embracing feedback, whether it's positive or negative.
One of the bright spots in the game against the Jets was rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played one drive but made a significant impact. Daniels led an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown, and he capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. This play was a testament to the potential of the new players and the effectiveness of the revised strategies.
Rookie Ben Sinnott also turned heads with three receptions for 57 yards. Reflecting on the game, Sinnott acknowledged the areas needing 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.”
However, the team faced challenges as well. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not play against the Jets. Consequently, six different players lined up at tackle during the game, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, showcasing his versatility and endurance. Mason Brooks spoke about the learning curve of adapting to new approaches and emphasized a pragmatic approach: “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.”
Injuries also affected the roster, with rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) dealing with various ailments. Despite these setbacks, there is optimism about the prompt contributions of Newton and Magee once they recuperate.
The revamped coaching staff, new initiatives, and the integration of fresh talents indicate a transformative period for the Commanders. “Tell the Truth Monday” reflects a culture of accountability and relentless improvement. As the preseason progresses, the team aims to build on these foundational changes, addressing their weaknesses and capitalizing on their emerging strengths.