As the Commanders' training camp hits its stride, the players are honing their skills with an emphasis on red-zone efficiency. This focus was evident during the team's sixth practice session, which took place on Tuesday under the scrutiny of fans gathered for the third time and the team donning full pads for the second occasion.
Jayden Daniels has been sharing first-team repetitions with Marcus Mariota, signaling a competitive and dynamic quarterback situation. Daniels showcased his strong arm and poise, connecting with Olamide Zaccheaus on a deep sideline pass during the 11-on-11 drills. He didn't stop there; Jahan Dotson caught a precise throw along the sideline, and Terry McLaurin was the recipient of another accurate pass up the opposite side of the field. Daniels capped off a productive day by hitting Dotson once more and finding Zach Ertz in the end zone for a touchdown during the final team session.
However, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Daniels. He experienced a botched handoff with Jeremy McNichols and went through a rough patch with several missed throws in succession. These moments are part of the learning and development process as Daniels refines his game.
Offensive Line Versatility
Brandon Coleman has been a linchpin for both the first and second teams, playing at left and right tackle. His versatility and effectiveness were on display as he faced off against seasoned veterans like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. Coleman himself acknowledged the steep learning curve, saying, "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."
He also emphasized personal development during practice, noting, "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.'
Consistency and Competition
Consistency is beginning to define Jahan Dotson's performance in camp. "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," Dotson shared. His rapport with Daniels is becoming increasingly evident, and their connections on the field could be a significant factor as the season unfolds.
Defensively, Mike Sainristil has carved out a constant presence on the starting unit. His impact is multifaceted, with involvement in the return game adding to his versatility. Sainristil's work ethic is a cornerstone of his approach. "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," he explained.
Jer'Zhan Newton, earning his first taste of first-team reps, forced a critical cutback from McNichols, showcasing his ability to disrupt the offense. Alongside him, K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste left their mark, indicating the depth and talent on the defensive squad.
Special Teams and Final Observations
Ramiz Ahmed was flawless during the team portion of Tuesday's practice, converting each of his field-goal attempts. His range was particularly impressive, with successful kicks from as far as 51 yards. This consistency could provide a solid foundation for the special teams unit moving forward.
As the Commanders push through training camp, the emerging themes of competition, consistency, and comprehensive skill development are setting the stage for what could be a promising season. The blend of veteran presence and fresh talent is beginning to coalesce, offering a balanced and dynamic outlook for the team.