There's an undeniable air of transformation at the Washington Commanders training camp and preseason, as the team welcomes new faces both on the field and on the sidelines. The overhaul is led by new head coach Dan Quinn, alongside newly appointed offensive and defensive coordinators. This fresh coaching staff is driving significant shifts in practice structure and team logistics.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an initiative known as "Tell the Truth Monday." This initiative was implemented just two days after the Commanders narrowly lost to the Jets, 20-17, in a preseason game. The initiative aims to offer a thorough review of the team's performance, highlighting both successes and areas in need of improvement. Quinn emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, "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's approach appears to be resonating well with his players. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who made a notable impact during the preseason game against the Jets, managed an impressive 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown through an audible and capped off the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. This kind of on-field performance showcases the potential that the new coaching regime is unleashing.
A Different Kind of Monday
The significance of "Tell the Truth Monday" is not lost on the team. Mason Brooks, who played a considerable 53 snaps against the Jets, reflected on the initiative's dual nature. "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," Brooks noted.
Brooks, along with several teammates, is adapting to new experiences brought by the revamped logistics and practice structure. "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," he added.
Player Performances Under Scrutiny
This newfound authenticity has also placed a microscope on player performances. Rookie Ben Sinnott, who racked up three receptions for 57 yards against the Jets, emphasized the importance of addressing mistakes. "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," Sinnott said.
The game against the Jets also highlighted the Commanders' tackling situation, which saw six different players lining up. Among those were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Brooks, in particular, played the majority of his team-high snaps at left tackle. This variability and depth in player utilization could be a testament to the team's strategic flexibility going forward.
Injury Updates
The preseason is not without its physical toll. Rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) are currently dealing with injuries. Despite these setbacks, both Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, adding another layer of hope and anticipation for the Commanders' fan base.
Additionally, tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal reasons) were sidelined during the game against the Jets. Their absence required other players to step up, demonstrating the depth of talent on the roster and the adaptability fostered by the new coaching staff.
The Washington Commanders are clearly in the midst of a significant transformation. With a new coaching staff, fresh strategic initiatives, and a group of players ready to embrace these changes, the season ahead looks promising. Coach Dan Quinn’s call to "not harden your heart to the corrections" encapsulates the spirit of this new era. As the Commanders continue to refine their game, the lessons from "Tell the Truth Monday" could very well pave the way for future success.