As the Commanders' training camp intensifies, players are honing their skills with a sharp focus on red-zone efficiency. Over the course of six practices, the coaching staff has seen a combination of highs and lows, highlighting the progress and the challenges faced by the team.
Quarterback Competition Heats Up
Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota have been sharing first-team reps, creating a competitive atmosphere in the quarterback room. Daniels showcased his arm strength and accuracy by delivering a deep ball up the right sideline to Olamide Zaccheaus during an 11-on-11 session. This wasn't an isolated incident as Daniels also connected with standout receiver Jahan Dotson along the sideline, and later hit Terry McLaurin with a solid throw up the opposite sideline. In the final team session, Daniels even found Dotson once more and capped off by completing a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Daniels. He experienced a bungled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and endured a series of missed throws, reflecting the inconsistency that often accompanies training camp.
Offensive Line Adjustments
Brandon Coleman's performance has been a critical point in the Commanders' training camp. Playing with both the first and second teams at left and right tackle, Coleman faced off against veteran defenders like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. His reflection on the transition to professional football captures the challenges he’s navigating. "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 explained.
He further emphasized the complexities of playing against experienced defensive linemen. "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," he added.
Defensive Standouts
On the defensive end, Mike Sainristil has been a constant presence, contributing significantly to the starting defense and the return game. His dedication to playing until the whistle is evident. "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 noted.
Jer'Zhan Newton also made his mark, receiving his first taste of first-team reps and forcing McNichols to cut back during a play. Additionally, K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste made significant impacts, ensuring their presence was felt throughout the practice.
Reliable Special Teams
Kicker Ramiz Ahmed delivered a flawless performance during the team portion of Tuesday’s practice. He did not miss any field goals and successfully hit kicks from as far as 51 yards with ample distance. This consistency is invaluable as the team seeks to solidify all aspects of their game before the season begins.
Consistency and Growth
Among the players who have shown remarkable consistency is Jahan Dotson. His performance in training camp has been impressive, and he attributes his improved play to growing comfort and speed. "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 shared.
On the offensive side, Tremayne displayed resilience, making two downfield catches from Mariota after an early drop, indicating his readiness to rebound and contribute.
As training camp progresses, the Commanders will look to build on these performances, fine-tuning their strategies, and addressing any weaknesses. The mix of emerging talent and veteran presence promises an intriguing season ahead.