There's an unmistakable sense of transformation within the Washington Commanders organization this training camp and preseason. With fresh faces not only on the field but also among the coaching staff, there's an air of renewed energy surrounding the team. Leading this overhaul is new head coach Dan Quinn, alongside new offensive and defensive coordinators, aiming to instill a winning culture and bring the best out of their group.
A New Era Under Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn, known for his transformative impact wherever he coaches, has introduced significant changes to the Commanders' practice structure. He's also revolutionized the logistics of where players reside during training, creating an environment aimed at maximizing performance and comfort. Under his stewardship, the team has introduced an initiative dubbed "Tell the Truth Monday." This concept is designed to deliver a comprehensive review of performances, focusing on both triumphs 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 stated. The approach is holistic, emphasizing the importance of learning from both successes and mistakes. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn advised, reinforcing the belief that it’s essential to embrace feedback for ongoing development.
Performance Review: Game Against the Jets
Two days after a narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, the Commanders rolled out their first "Tell the Truth Monday." For rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, it was a day of mixed emotions and valuable lessons. Playing only one drive against the Jets, Daniels showcased his potential by leading an audible that resulted in a spectacular 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown, concluding the series with an assertive 3-yard touchdown run.
Reflecting on the review session, Mason Brooks highlighted the dual nature of such evaluations. "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," he remarked. The loss to the Jets underscored the seriousness of the session. "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 Stepping Up
While Daniels had a memorable moment on the field, other rookies also made their mark. Ben Sinnott, with three receptions for 57 yards, proved to be a reliable target. However, the game exposed areas for growth for the newcomers and veterans alike. "We still got a lot of stuff to improve on," Sinnott admitted. "The big thing that we kind of heard—the 'truth'—is 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."
Adapting to Challenges
Injuries also played a part in shaping the Commanders' recent performances. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not play, and six different players stepped in at tackle positions during the game against the Jets, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, showcasing his resilience and versatility under pressure.
Meanwhile, rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are dealing with injuries, but both Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, providing a glimmer of hope as the team moves forward.
Amidst these changes, there's a shared sentiment of navigating uncharted territory with a sense of optimism and determination. "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can," noted 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."
The Commanders' commitment to transparency and self-reflection through initiatives like "Tell the Truth Monday" highlights a pivotal shift in the team’s culture. As Dan Quinn and his revamped coaching staff continue to mold this team, the blend of fresh perspectives and seasoned insights creates a promising foundation for the season ahead.