Transformation at Washington Commanders' Training Camp Signals New Era
As the Washington Commanders gear up for the upcoming season, there’s an unmistakable sense of transformation taking root during training camp and the preseason. The team has seen an influx of fresh faces, including new players and an almost entirely revamped coaching staff.
The arrival of new head coach Dan Quinn, along with new offensive and defensive coordinators, has infused the team with a renewed sense of purpose. Quinn's leadership has spurred a significant overhaul in both practice structure and logistics, even down to where the players reside during camp.
One of Quinn’s notable innovations is the "Tell the Truth Monday" initiative. Launched just two days after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the New York Jets, this initiative provides a candid review of both successes and areas needing improvement. It sets a definitive tone of accountability at the heart of the Commanders’ ethos.
“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 explained. His mantra, "Don’t harden your heart to the corrections," offers a blueprint for how the team is embracing this transparent approach.
The preseason clash with the Jets was an apt stage for the debut of this honest evaluation. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took command on a drive that included a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown followed by a 3-yard touchdown run. Daniels’ performance hinted at the potential the coaching staff sees in him.
“Tell the Truth is good and bad. There are high points—like your rookie quarterback making a check like that—and there are low points, like guys missing assignments and coming up short,” said Mason Brooks, who played a team-high 53 snaps. “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 was one of six different players to line up at tackle during the game, alongside Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Injuries kept tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) sidelined, adding to the day’s challenges.
Ben Sinnott, another rookie who impressed, notched three receptions for 57 yards. Reflecting on the game, Sinnott 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.”
The Commanders also face injury challenges with rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) on the mend. Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, offering a glimmer of hope amid the injury woes.
Examining game film has been intrinsic to grasping both performances and mistakes, further informing the 'Tell the Truth Monday' sessions. These sessions underscore the importance of transparency, learning, and actionable adjustments. The initiative places a spotlight on real-time feedback, acknowledging both strengths and areas of concern within the team.
Mason Brooks encapsulated the team’s mentality best when he said, “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.”
This fresh, honest approach seems to be sculpting a resilient and introspective team dynamic. As the Commanders work through their preseason trials, the transformation around the team is becoming increasingly visible. Fans can look forward to seeing how these changes translate when the regular season kicks off, carrying the weight of these early lessons and adjustments with them.