There is an air of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders as they navigate their training camp and preseason with renewed energy. Key to this transformation has been the arrival of new faces, both on the roster and within the coaching staff. This year, the Commanders are being guided by new head coach Dan Quinn, along with fresh offensive and defensive coordinators, setting the stage for a potential resurgence.
One significant change implemented under Quinn's leadership is a fresh practice structure. The team has also taken steps to revamp the logistics concerning player accommodations, arguably to instill a new routine and culture within the squad.
"Tell the Truth Monday" Initiative
Among the notable new initiatives is the introduction of "Tell the Truth Monday," introduced two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets. This initiative aims to deliver a candid evaluation 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 mentioned, highlighting the importance of accountability.
The initiative provides an unvarnished assessment, balancing the high points with the low. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn added, underlining the importance of accepting criticism constructively.
Promising Performances
Amidst the adjustments and evaluations, some performances stood out. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, despite limited playtime, made a strong impression. On a single drive against the Jets, he led an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown, eventually capping the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. Such moments provide glimpses of the potential within the squad.
Likewise, rookie Ben Sinnott had a notable game, notching three receptions for 57 yards. His performance, alongside the critique in "Tell the Truth Monday," serves as a learning curve for the rookies adjusting to the professional stage.
"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 Mason Brooks, reflecting on the initiative’s impact on player evaluations.
Injury Concerns
However, not all news from camp is positive. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal reasons) did not take part in the game against the Jets. In their absence, six different players, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels, were tasked with filling the void. Brooks himself played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, a significant workload that reflects the depth challenges faced by the Commanders in these positions.
Further complicating the scenario, rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are grappling with injuries. Newton and Magee, however, are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, offering a silver lining amidst the injury woes.
Path Forward
The preseason games and the "Tell the Truth Monday" initiative serve as critical touchpoints for the Commanders as they refine their strategies and iron out weaknesses. According to Ben Sinnott, the team is focused on making tangible improvements, especially in areas evident from their game film.
"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," said Sinnott.
For the Washington Commanders, the transformation evident this preseason, marked by a candid recognition of strengths and failures, sets a foundation for what could be a defining season. The fresh leadership, combined with initiatives like "Tell the Truth Monday," aims to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. As the team navigates through these growing pains, fans will be eager to see how these changes unfold on the field.