As the Commanders' training camp advances, the team's efforts to fine-tune their skills are becoming increasingly evident. Emphasizing red-zone efficiency, the players have displayed noteworthy progress and areas for improvement in their sixth practice session, which marked the third session with fans present and the second conducted in full pads.
Quarterback Battle Heats Up
Jayden Daniels is sharing first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota, and the competition has yielded some thrilling moments. Daniels delivered a deep ball to Olamide Zaccheaus up the right sideline during 11-on-11 drills, connecting seamlessly with Jahan Dotson along the boundary. A solid throw to Terry McLaurin on the opposite side of the field further showcased his arm strength and accuracy.
During the final team session, Daniels found Dotson once more before completing a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz, signaling his potential to lead the offensive unit. However, Daniels also faced challenges, including a mishandled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and a series of missed throws, reflecting the ongoing adjustments and learning curve.
Battle in the Trenches
Brandon Coleman has been a versatile force on the offensive line, seeing time with both the first and second teams at left and right tackle positions. Matching up against seasoned veterans like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell, Coleman epitomizes resilience and determination.
"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 shared, highlighting his relentless dedication to improving his techniques. He continued, "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."
Standouts on Defense
Defensively, Mike Sainristil has been a constant presence on the starting lineup and has made tangible contributions in the return game. Sainristil spoke about his enduring effort: "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."
Adding depth to the defense, Jer'Zhan Newton received his first taste of first-team reps during this camp. Newton’s presence was immediately felt as he forced McNichols to cut back during a play, showcasing his ability to disrupt the offense. Additionally, K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste made notable contributions, further exemplifying the depth and talent on the defensive side.
Consistency in Special Teams
Ramiz Ahmed has been nothing short of reliable as the team’s kicker, converting all his field goals during team portions of Tuesday’s practice. Ahmed successfully hit from as far as 51 yards, demonstrating his significant range and consistency, crucial attributes for any successful special teams unit.
Emerging Stars
Among the emerging stars of the camp, Jahan Dotson has consistently delivered exceptional performances. Reflecting on his camp progression, Dotson shared his insights: "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."
Tremayne showcased his potential as well, bouncing back from an early drop to secure two downfield catches from Mariota, highlighting his ability to recover and make plays.
As the training camp progresses, the Commanders continue to build momentum, balancing veteran experience with emerging talent. Each practice serves as a vital foundation, with players and coaches working tirelessly to refine their game in preparation for the upcoming season. The spirited competition and dedication observed at this stage promise an exciting future for the team and its supporters.