There's an unmistakable wave of transformation sweeping through the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. The team, known for its storied history, looks to the future with a roster full of new faces and an almost completely overhauled coaching staff. Spearheading this revolution is newly appointed head coach Dan Quinn, along with his handpicked offensive and defensive coordinators.
One of the most talked-about changes introduced by Quinn is the "Tell the Truth Monday" initiative, which aims to deliver a no-nonsense review of both the highs and lows from the previous game. As Quinn succinctly put it, “It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week.” This initiative ensures that every player, rookie or veteran, confronts their performances head-on—recognizing successes while equally acknowledging mistakes.
New Faces and New Beginnings
Among the new arrivals making a mark is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Showcasing nerves of steel, Daniels took charge during a tight preseason game against the Jets. In a single, standout drive, he called an audible that resulted in a stunning 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown. Not stopping there, Daniels capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown run, announcing his arrival on the professional stage with flair.
Daniels wasn’t the only rookie to leave a significant impression. Ben Sinnott, another fresh face, notched three receptions for a total of 57 yards. Sinnott, reflecting on the importance of candid evaluations, said, “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.”
Adjusting to New Systems and Setups
The sweeping changes aren’t limited to the players and coaching staff alone. The Commanders have embraced a fresh practice structure and even overhauled the logistics of where players reside. Such changes are aimed at creating a more focused and efficient team environment, one where emerging talents and seasoned pros can coexist and thrive.
This period of change has inevitably brought challenges. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) missed the game against the Jets, leading to a mix of players stepping in at tackle. Among those stepping up were Mason Brooks, who played a remarkable 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks, reflecting on the rigorous demands of the new system, remarked, “Don't harden your heart to the corrections.”
Facing Injuries and Adversity
Not without its setbacks, the Commanders camp has seen injuries to key rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder). While Newton and Magee are expected to bounce back and contribute soon, the team remains cautious yet optimistic about their recovery.
The game film from the Jets matchup offers a clear window into the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement. For Brooks, this honesty is essential in the pursuit of excellence. “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.”
All eyes are on how the Washington Commanders will harness the insights from these early trials to power through the regular season. As the team navigates uncharted territory, Quinn's leadership and the collective resilience of the player roster will be pivotal. As Brooks insightfully summed up, “You just have to take things in stride the best that you can. 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.”
In these preseason games and training camps, the Commanders are scripting the early chapters of what they hope will be a transformative and triumphant season. With candid self-assessments and a clear focus on improvement, the team is laying down the foundational blocks for future success.