Red-Zone Emphasis Shines in Commanders’ Camp
As the Commanders' training camp progresses, invaluable insights are emerging, reflecting on the team's intensive preparation. Tuesday marked the sixth day of the camp, notably the third day with eager fans in attendance, and the second day with players donning full pads. Key takeaways from the day included a special focus on red-zone drills as the team honed their offensive and defensive strategies.
Quarterback Competition Heats Up
Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota are currently sharing first-team reps, a competition that is driving both quarterbacks to perform at their peak. Daniels showcased his arm strength and accuracy during 11-on-11 sessions, delivering a deep ball to Olamide Zaccheaus up the right sideline. He also connected with Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin along the sidelines, making precise throws that highlighted his ability to read the defense effectively.
Despite a solid performance, Daniels experienced some hiccups, including a bungled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and a few missed throws in succession. However, he redeemed himself in the final team session by finding Dotson and completing a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz. This blend of highs and lows is typical in such a competitive environment but also indicative of Daniels' resolve to refine his game.
Offensive Line and Defensive Line Dynamics
Brandon Coleman demonstrated versatility by playing with both the first and second teams at left and right tackle. His matchups against experienced veterans like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell provided a rigorous test of his abilities. Reflecting on his performance, Coleman shared insights into his mindset: “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 further emphasized the learning curve faced by linemen at this level, 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.”
Rising Stars and Consistent Performers
Mike Sainristil has been a constant presence on the starting defense, also taking on responsibilities in the return game. His work ethic is evident as he spoke about his relentless playing style: “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.”
Jer'Zhan Newton, another promising talent, received his first taste of first-team reps. He made an immediate impact, forcing McNichols to cut back during a play, showcasing his ability to disrupt running plays effectively. K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste also made their presence felt with notable performances during the practice.
On the offensive side, Dotson has consistently stood out throughout the camp. His speed and sharp route-running have made him a reliable target. Dotson reflected on his progression, saying, “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.”
Kicking Game Precision
Special teams also had standout moments, particularly from kicker Ramiz Ahmed. During Tuesday’s practice, Ahmed was flawless in the team portion, hitting all his field goals. His range was on full display as he successfully connected from as far as 51 yards with room to spare. Such reliability in the kicking game can often be a deciding factor in close contests.
The continued focus on detailed drills and situational practice scenarios is evident as the Commanders' training camp progresses. Players are embracing the challenges and opportunities to showcase their talents and secure their spots on the roster. With each passing day, the team inches closer to finding the perfect blend of veterans and new talent, fueling optimism for the season ahead.