The Washington Commanders are undergoing a significant transformation this training camp and preseason. With new leadership and a rejuvenated roster, there's a palpable sense of change as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. The arrival of head coach Dan Quinn, along with new offensive and defensive coordinators, has injected fresh energy into the organization, with sweeping changes across the board.
The Commanders have not only overhauled their coaching staff but also embraced a new practice structure and revamped player accommodations. This transition period is marked by the implementation of "Tell the Truth Monday," an initiative introduced two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the New York Jets. The initiative aims to provide a thorough review of both successes and areas needing improvement.
As Coach Dan Quinn articulated, "It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week." These honest assessments are designed to help the team refine its approach and better prepare for future challenges. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn advised, underscoring the importance of maintaining an open mind during this critical evaluation process.
This approach to identifying and rectifying mistakes was evident in the preseason game against the Jets. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who played only one drive, managed to make a strong impression. Daniels led an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capped the series with a three-yard touchdown run, showcasing his potential to make significant plays under pressure. As Mason Brooks noted, "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."
Despite the promising moments, the Commanders' performance revealed several areas needing improvement. Rookie Ben Sinnott distinguished himself with three receptions for 57 yards, but he acknowledged the need for the team to enhance their execution. "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," Sinnott remarked. Issues such as pre-snap errors and penalties during critical moments marred the team's potential to clinch a victory.
The offensive line faced its own set of challenges. Key players like Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) were unavailable for the game, leading to a rotation of six different players at the tackle position. Among them were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks played a team-high 53 snaps, with 34 of those at left tackle. This rotation highlighted the depth issues and the need for consistent performance across the offensive front.
Adding to the complexity are the injuries plaguing some of the team's rookies. Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are currently sidelined. However, Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, offering hope for bolstering the squad's capabilities as the season progresses.
The initiative of "Tell the Truth Monday" serves as a crucial tool for the Commanders. "You just have to take things in stride the best that you can," Brooks commented. "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." This sentiment resonates with the team's broader efforts to adapt and improve through transparent self-assessment and continuous growth.
While the Washington Commanders are navigating a period of significant change, the combined efforts of a renewed coaching staff, promising rookie performances, and a candid approach to team development underscore a commitment to progress. As the season approaches, the foundational work being laid during this transformative period will be crucial in shaping their path forward.