There's a palpable sense of transformation surrounding the Washington Commanders this training camp and preseason. With a wave of new faces, from players to a nearly completely revamped coaching staff, the energy is unmistakably different. Central to this transformation is the appointment of Dan Quinn as the new head coach, accompanied by fresh offensive and defensive coordinators.
The change is not merely superficial. The Commanders have embraced an entirely new practice structure, rethought logistics concerning player accommodations, and rolled out innovative initiatives aimed at improving team performance. One such initiative, "Tell the Truth Monday," exemplifies this new ethos. Introduced just two days after a narrow 20-17 preseason loss to the Jets, "Tell the Truth Monday" involves a thorough 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 said, encapsulating the initiative’s purpose. The approach is candid and constructive, pushing players to embrace feedback. "Don't harden your heart to the corrections," Quinn emphasized.
Indeed, the game against the Jets highlighted various highs and lows. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels epitomized the high points with a standout performance during his single drive. He orchestrated an audible that led to a 42-yard pass to Dyami Brown and capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown run. On the receiving end, rookie Ben Sinnott made an impressive contribution, notching three receptions for 57 yards.
However, the Commanders faced their share of challenges too. Tackles Brandon Coleman, Andrew Wylie, and Cornelius Lucas were sidelined (due to shoulder/pectoral issues, tightness, and personal reasons, respectively). This opened opportunities for six different players to line up at tackle during the game, including Mason Brooks, Chris Paul, and Braeden Daniels. Notably, Brooks played 34 of his team-high 53 snaps at left tackle, and he eloquently encapsulated the balancing act of the honest feedback initiative.
"Tell the Truth is good and bad," Brooks explained. "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."
Rookies Johnny Newton, Jordan Magee, and Sam Hartman are currently dealing with injuries affecting the foot, knee, and shoulder respectively. Despite these setbacks, Newton and Magee are expected to contribute sooner rather than later, attesting to the resilience and depth of the team.
Sinnott's reflections underscored the constructive nature of "Tell the Truth Monday." He stated, "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."
The meticulous review of game film provides invaluable insights into the team’s performance and areas for improvement. Dan Quinn’s commitment to transparency forms the cornerstone of what he envisions as a transformative season for the Commanders. The blend of new strategies and the willingness to confront both triumphs and shortcomings head-on suggests a season rich with potential.
Mason Brooks aptly summarizes the ethos under Quinn's leadership: "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."
As the Washington Commanders continue their preseason journey, the recurring theme is clear: Adaptation, honesty, and growth are the pillars of their approach. With the next game on the horizon, the lessons learned from "Tell the Truth Monday" are expected to catalyze a more cohesive and competitive unit moving forward.