There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. With new faces dotting both the player roster and coaching staff, the team is poised for a fresh start under the leadership of new head coach Dan Quinn and revamped offensive and defensive coordinators. This sweeping change has brought a new energy and structure to the Commanders' practices and overall logistics.
One of the most notable changes implemented by Quinn is an initiative called "Tell the Truth Monday." Introduced shortly after the Commanders' narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, the initiative aims to provide a comprehensive review of both successes and areas needing improvement. "It was good to tell the truth Monday—this is what we learned, this is what we need to do heading into this week," Quinn explained.
A New Practice Structure
Recognizing the importance of honesty and accountability, Quinn's "Tell the Truth Monday" initiative has quickly become a cornerstone of the team's weekly routine. Mason Brooks, who saw significant playing time at left tackle during the game, reflected on this new approach: "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. Obviously, when you don't win the game, it's a little bit more serious of a 'Tell the Truth Monday' than if you come out with a win."
This new culture extends beyond the practice field. The Commanders have overhauled the logistics of player residency, aiming to create an environment conducive to both mental and physical growth. This shift in internal operations is designed to foster a cohesive and focused team atmosphere.
Youthful Potential Shines
Among the standout moments from the preseason game against the Jets was the performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Despite only playing one drive, Daniels made a significant impact, leading an audible that resulted in a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown before capping the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. This flash of potential offers a glimpse of what Daniels could bring to the team moving forward.
Rookie Ben Sinnott also made his mark, notching three receptions for 57 yards. Reflecting on the game and the team's areas for improvement, Sinnott acknowledged, "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. We had a three-and-out, penalty on our last drive to go and take the lead, so just things we need to clean up, pre-snap errors, that kind of stuff that we can clean up and hopefully take our game to the next level."
Adapting on the Fly
The Commanders have been forced to adapt quickly, especially along the offensive line. Tackles Brandon Coleman (shoulder/pectoral), Andrew Wylie (tightness), and Cornelius Lucas (personal) did not play against the Jets, leading to six different players lining up at tackle. Among them were Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels, with Brooks playing a team-high 53 snaps, 34 of which were at left tackle.
Injuries to rookies Johnny Newton (foot), Jordan Magee (knee), and Sam Hartman (shoulder) have also tested the team's depth and resilience. However, there is optimism surrounding Newton and Magee, who are expected to contribute sooner rather than later.
Embracing the Journey
The Commanders' preseason journey is a microcosm of the broader changes underway within the organization. As Mason Brooks puts it, "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."
Game film from the preseason matchup against the Jets reveals both the promising performances and the mistakes that need correcting. Quinn's commitment to open and honest evaluations on "Tell the Truth Monday" sets a tone of continuous improvement and accountability. As the Commanders move forward, this blend of youthful potential, strategic adaptability, and honest self-assessment will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season.