There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. The team is undergoing significant changes, starting with new faces among both the players and the coaching staff. Leading the charge is new head coach Dan Quinn, who is joined by freshly appointed offensive and defensive coordinators. This reshuffling has brought an air of optimism and a clear intention to rebuild and re-energize the franchise.
The introduction of innovative practices and logistical modifications has also been a focal point. The Commanders have embraced a fresh practice structure, demonstrating their commitment to overhauling every aspect of the team’s operations. Moreover, they've changed where players reside, aiming to foster a more cohesive and focused environment.
'Tell the Truth Monday' Initiative
One of the most notable new initiatives is "Tell the Truth Monday," rolled out two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets. This initiative allows for a comprehensive review of both team successes and areas that require improvement. It appears to be a cornerstone of Quinn's approach to fostering transparency and accountability within the team.
"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 significance of this practice. "Don’t harden your heart to the corrections," he advised, underscoring the necessity of this exercise for growth and performance enhancement.
Mason Brooks, who played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle during the game against the Jets, echoed this sentiment. "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," Brooks reflected.
On-Field Performances and Challenges
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his potential in the preseason match against the Jets. Though he played only one drive, it was an impactful one. He led an audible resulting in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown run, displaying poise and skill under pressure.
Rookie Ben Sinnott also made his mark, notching three receptions for 57 yards. Despite these individual highlights, the game exposed several areas needing refinement. "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 Commanders faced roster challenges as well, with tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) not participating in the game. Consequently, six different players lined up at tackle, among whom were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. The constant shuffle underscores the depth issues that the Commanders need to address going forward.
Injury Report
The team is also dealing with injuries among its rookie contingent. Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are currently sidelined. However, there is cautious optimism that Newton and Magee will contribute sooner rather than later.
These evolving dynamics on the field and within the team structure reflect an organization in the midst of a calculated transformation. "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can," Brooks mused. "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 game film from the Jets match serves as a crucial tool, revealing both performances and mistakes that need to be addressed. As the Commanders strive to build on these experiences, the spotlight will be on how well they can merge their revamped strategies with on-field execution. The preseason is often a time of experimentation and adjustment, and for the Commanders, it is clear that the path ahead is one of deliberate and insightful improvement.