The Commanders' training camp is in full swing, with players dedicating themselves to sharpening their skills and perfecting their plays. Tuesday’s practice was a noteworthy event, marking the sixth session of the camp, the third for fans to witness, and the second conducted in full pads. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as players on both sides of the ball showcased their abilities.
Quarterbacks in Focus
Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota continued to split first-team reps, a strategy that's keeping the offensive unit dynamic and versatile. Daniels displayed his strong arm and accuracy, hitting Olamide Zaccheaus with a deep pass up the right sideline during an 11-on-11 session. He also connected with Jahan Dotson along the sideline and made a notable throw to Terry McLaurin on the opposite sideline. In the final team session, Daniels found Dotson and threw a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz, further highlighting his potential as a playmaker. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Daniels, as he experienced a fumbled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and endured a streak of missed throws. These inconsistencies will need addressing as the camp progresses.
The Linemen's Battle
Offensive tackle Brandon Coleman had a rigorous day, switching between first and second teams at both left and right tackle positions. He faced stiff competition from seasoned defenders Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. Reflecting on his performance, Coleman shared, "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.'" He emphasized just how advanced the defensive strategies are in the professional league compared to college, noting, "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."
Defensive Highlights
Mike Sainristil has been a consistent presence on the starting defense and has also been active in the return game. His relentless play style is evident as he elaborated, "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." Rookie Jer'Zhan Newton got his first taste of action with the first team, making an impact by forcing McNichols to cut back during a play. The defense continues to thrive with contributions from K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who both made their presence felt during practice.
Special Teams and Consistency
On special teams, kicker Ramiz Ahmed had a flawless day, converting all his field goal attempts during the team’s portion of practice, including a remarkable 51-yarder with ample distance. This reliable performance could strengthen his standing as the team’s starting kicker.
Standout Performers
Jahan Dotson has been one of the most consistent performers throughout the camp. Reflecting on his progression, he mentioned, "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." His rapport with the quarterbacks and his reliability as a target will be vital for the Commanders as they move closer to the season.
Another highlight was Tremayne, who redeemed himself with two downfield catches from Mariota following an early drop. This resilience and ability to adapt under pressure are promising signs for his potential contribution to the team.
As the Commanders’ training camp continues, the blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents is creating a competitive and developmental environment. The fans in attendance have been treated to thrilling glimpses of what the upcoming season might hold. With several weeks still to go, there’s ample time for these athletes to further fine-tune their skills and solidify their place on the roster.