As the Commanders' training camp gains momentum, the players continue to hone their skills with a particular focus on red-zone execution. The sixth practice session of the camp, which unfolded on Tuesday, saw a more intense atmosphere, being the second practice where players donned full pads and the third occasion with fans present.
Among the key developments, quarterback Jayden Daniels is sharing first-team reps with veteran Marcus Mariota. Daniels showcased his potential by completing a deep ball to Olamide Zaccheaus up the right sideline during an 11-on-11 drill. Earning praise for his performance, Daniels also made key connections with Jahan Dotson and delivered a solid throw to Terry McLaurin on opposite sidelines. The climax of his day came during the final team session where he found Dotson and completed a touchdown pass to Zach Ertz.
However, the practice wasn't flawless for Daniels. He experienced a fumbled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and encountered a series of missed throws, highlighting areas that still need refinement.
Offensive Line and Defensive Challenges
Brandon Coleman, showcasing his versatility, played with both the first and second teams at left and right tackle. Coleman faced off against seasoned defenders like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. Reflecting on his performance, Coleman commented, "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 further elaborated on the challenges of transitioning from college to the professional league, noting, "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."
On the defensive side, Mike Sainristil has consistently been a prominent figure. Apart from his defensive duties, Sainristil has also contributed to the return game. Speaking of his work ethic, Sainristil said, "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."
Emerging Talents and Consistent Performers
Jer'Zhan Newton earned his first-team reps during this camp and quickly made an impact by forcing McNichols to cut back during a play. Meanwhile, the combination of K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste has been instrumental in making significant plays during practice sessions.
On the offensive side, Tremayne rebounded from an early drop to make two downfield catches from Mariota, showcasing his resilience and skill. In contrast, Dotson's consistent performance has been one of the highlights of the camp. Reflecting on his progress, Dotson shared, "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." His words resonate with his performances, making him a reliable target for the quarterbacks.
Kicker Ramiz Ahmed has been impeccable during the team portions of the practice, nailing field goals from distances as far as 51 yards with room to spare. His consistency in making every attempt provides confidence in the special teams unit.
As the Commanders navigate through their training camp, the blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents paints a promising picture for the upcoming season. Each practice session reveals strengths and areas for improvement, setting the stage for a dynamic and competitive roster. With players sharpening their skills and demonstrating their dedication, fans have plenty to look forward to as the new season approaches.