A palpable sense of transformation surrounds the Washington Commanders during this training camp and preseason. With new faces on the roster and an almost entirely revamped coaching staff, the team is embracing change at every level.
Leading the charge is new head coach Dan Quinn, accompanied by new offensive and defensive coordinators. This fresh leadership is introducing innovative practice structures and overhauling the logistics of where players reside. Among the changes is the introduction of an initiative called "Tell the Truth Monday," which was rolled out following the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets.
A New Era Under Dan Quinn
"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 remarked, emphasizing the importance of honest evaluation. The initiative aims to provide a thorough review of both successes and areas needing improvement. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn added, stressing the significance of accepting criticisms constructively.
One of the most striking aspects of the recent preseason game was the performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Playing just one drive against the Jets, Daniels displayed maturity and skill by leading an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown. He capped the series with a decisive 3-yard touchdown run, offering a glimpse of his potential. Rookie Ben Sinnott also stood out, notching three receptions for 57 yards.
Adapting and Overcoming
The game was not without its challenges. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not play, necessitating a shuffle in the lineup. Six different players lined up at tackle, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, a demanding position that requires both skill and endurance.
"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," Brooks commented. "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."
Injuries are another hurdle the team faces. Rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are dealing with physical setbacks. However, Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, which could provide a much-needed boost to the squad.
Looking Forward
As the Commanders sift through game films, the performances and mistakes of the team become clear. "We still got a lot of stuff to improve on," Sinnott acknowledged. "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."
The transformation of the Washington Commanders is evident both on and off the field. The revamped coaching staff, fresh player lineup, and new initiatives point to a team intent on evolving and improving. With preseason games offering a crucial platform for assessment and development, the Commanders are working diligently to ensure that their evolving strategies translate into success when the regular season commences.
In the midst of these changes, the Commanders remain focused on one core objective: progress. "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can," Brooks emphasized. "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."