The atmosphere at the Washington Commanders' training camp and preseason is one of significant change and palpable transformation. The team welcomes new faces, not only among players but also within a nearly fully revamped coaching staff. Leading the charge is new head coach Dan Quinn, accompanied by his new offensive and defensive coordinators. This fresh leadership has brought about a series of changes aimed at revitalizing the team's performance.
One of the more notable changes implemented is a new practice structure that reflects a strategic overhaul in logistics, extending to where players reside. This shift in operations is part of a broader initiative introduced by Dan Quinn, aptly named "Tell the Truth Monday." Initiated just two days following the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, this initiative aims to provide a meticulous review of the team's successes and areas requiring improvement. Reflecting on the significance of this new practice, Quinn remarked, "It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week." He further emphasized the value of being open to constructive criticism, advising, "Don't harden your heart to the corrections."
The preseason game against the Jets brought several performances into the spotlight, among them rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Limited to a single drive, Daniels made a notable impression, leading an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown. He capped the series with a decisive 3-yard touchdown run, showcasing his potential to impact the team's offensive game. Fellow rookie Ben Sinnott also stood out, recording three receptions for 57 yards. Commenting on the initiative, Sinnott acknowledged its 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."
The game also highlighted the challenges faced by the team, particularly in managing injuries and player rotations. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) were notably absent. This absence necessitated a rotation of six different players lining up at tackle, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Mason Brooks, who played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, reflected on the experience, saying, "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."
In addition to these logistical challenges, the Commanders are dealing with injuries to rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder). Despite these setbacks, Newton and Magee are anticipated to contribute in the near future. The game film provided a critical lens into the team's performances and mistakes, driving home the necessity for improvement in various areas. Brooks noted the importance of this review, "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."
The Commanders are evidently in a period of significant evaluation and adjustment. As they embrace new coaching philosophies and operational changes, the focus remains on refining their approach to ensure they capitalize on their potential. This period of transformation is marked by a clear acknowledgment of both strengths and weaknesses, encapsulated in the practical and philosophical aims of "Tell the Truth Monday."