New Era Unfolds for Washington Commanders
As the Washington Commanders find themselves amid a significant transformation this training camp and preseason, it's evident that change is in the air. The team has welcomed numerous new faces, from players to an almost entirely revamped coaching staff, and it seems they're on a fresh course.
Leading the charge is newly-appointed head coach Dan Quinn, along with a new set of offensive and defensive coordinators. Under Quinn's leadership, the Commanders have embraced a rejuvenated practice structure and overhauled player logistics, reflecting their commitment to a new direction. One of the notable innovations introduced is an initiative called "Tell the Truth Monday," rolled out just two days following the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.
"Tell the Truth Monday" Initiative
The essence of "Tell the Truth Monday" is to provide a comprehensive 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," said Quinn. He emphasized the importance of facing truths, urging his team, "Don't harden your heart to the corrections."
During preseason, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his potential. In a notable drive against the Jets, Daniels executed a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and then capped off the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. Daniels' performance highlighted high points in the review process, as recognized by Mason Brooks: "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."
Rookies and Rotations
Prominent performances were seen from other rookies as well. Ben Sinnott notched an impressive three receptions for 57 yards. Reflecting on the review initiative, Sinnott expressed, "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."
Quinn and his staff are navigating challenges, notably seen during the Jets game where tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not play. The Commanders adapted by rotating six different players at the tackle position, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks, for instance, played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle.
Unfortunately, injuries have also made their presence felt. Rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are all dealing with setbacks. Encouragingly, Newton and Magee are anticipated to make contributions sooner rather than later.
The preseason games serve as a vital testing ground for the Commanders. The truthful assessment of their performances and mistakes, as seen in the game film, provides a clear roadmap for improvement. "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can," said Brooks. "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."
Moving Forward
The Washington Commanders are undeniably in a period of transition. With a new coaching staff, strategic initiatives like "Tell the Truth Monday," and a fresh roster adapting to new roles, the journey ahead promises to be full of challenges and learning opportunities. As the team continues to fine-tune their performance, the emphasis remains on growth and gradual progress. The Commanders are building a foundation for what they hope will be a return to prominence in the NFL.