As the Commanders' training camp enters its sixth day, the intensity is palpable, with players meticulously honing their skills, particularly in red-zone circumstances. The third day with fans present and the second with full pads saw a variety of notable moments and performances.
Quarterback Battle Intensifies
The competition at the quarterback position is heating up as Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota split first-team reps. Daniels, in particular, made significant strides, displaying his deep-ball accuracy and field vision. He connected with Olamide Zaccheaus on a deep pass up the right sideline during the 11-on-11 drills, a highlight that energized the crowd. Daniels also demonstrated his sideline efficiency by hitting Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin with precise throws.
The final team session was a showcase for Daniels, who found Dotson once more and then completed a touchdown pass to veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Despite these highlights, the session was not without its challenges for Daniels, who experienced a bungled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and endured a series of missed throws.
Offensive Line Adjustments
Brandon Coleman, tasked with anchoring both the first and second teams at left and right tackle, faced a gauntlet of veteran defensive linemen, including Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. Reflecting on his performance, Coleman emphasized his ongoing focus on technique. "There’s always like three points in my brain that I’m telling myself in the next period if I didn’t do it well. Like today, it was my hands were pretty bad in the first period. I was like, 'Work on my hands, work on my balance, keep my chest up.'" Coleman’s dedication to improving his craft speaks volumes about his commitment to the team's success.
The rookie offensive lineman also highlighted the complexities of transitioning from college to the pros. "D-linemen in the league have a bunch of secondary and third moves. Their knowledge of what o-linemen do is so vast compared to college... That’s stuff that I just have to engrain in my brain, like shit’s not over until the whistle blows."
Sainristil Shines on Defense
Mike Sainristil has been a consistent presence on the starting defense, making significant contributions in both standard defensive sets and the return game. His relentless effort and commitment to playing through the whistle have become his trademarks. "Part of it is just my play style. I’m a guy that’s gonna go hard until the whistle's blown. And then the second part of it is just getting myself to make that second nature for me, so that when it comes game time, I don’t even have to think about stuff like that," Sainristil shared, underscoring his work ethic.
Additionally, Jer'Zhan Newton saw his first taste of first-team reps and quickly made his presence felt by forcing McNichols to cut back during a play. K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste also stood out with impactful performances, fortifying the defense's formidable front.
Consistency in the Kicking Game
Special teams saw a standout performance from kicker Ramiz Ahmed, who showcased unerring accuracy during the team portion of Tuesday’s practice. Ahmed hit field goals from various distances, including a notable 51-yarder that had ample distance to spare. His reliability is proving to be a significant asset for the squad.
Emerging Stars
Jahan Dotson has arguably been one of the most consistent performers throughout the camp, continually making plays and gaining confidence. "I feel like I'm just getting more comfortable, and that's enabling me to play faster and faster. That’s been a big emphasis for me," Dotson explained, illustrating his burgeoning role in the offense.
Veteran receiver Tremayne had a mixed day, initially dropping an early pass but rebounding strongly with two downfield catches from Mariota. The resilience demonstrated by these players characterizes the competitive atmosphere of the camp.
As the camp progresses, the Commanders' coaching staff will undoubtedly scrutinize these performances to shape the final roster. With multiple players stepping up and staking their claim, the upcoming sessions promise to bring further excitement and development.