As the Commanders' training camp gains momentum, players are refining their skills with a meticulous focus on red-zone efficiency. Tuesday’s practice marked the camp's sixth session, the third allowing fans to attend, and notably, the second in full pads.
Key Performers and Highlights
Jayden Daniels has been noticeably active, sharing first-team reps with Marcus Mariota. Daniels demonstrated his capabilities during 11-on-11 drills by connecting with Olamide Zaccheaus on a deep pass up the right sideline. He followed up with a sideline pass to Jahan Dotson and an impressive throw to Terry McLaurin up the opposite sideline. In the final team session, Daniels completed a touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, despite earlier struggles that included a bungled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and a series of missed throws.
Brandon Coleman, also making waves, played at left and right tackle with both the first and second teams. Coleman faced tough competition from seasoned veterans like Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell. Reflecting on his practice, Coleman noted, "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.'"
Standout Moments from the Defense
On the defensive side, Mike Sainristil has been a reliable and consistent presence. In addition to his defensive duties, Sainristil has been involved in the return game. He attributes his relentless play style to a deeply ingrained habit, saying, "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."
Jer'Zhan Newton had his first opportunity taking reps with the first team. One notable moment for Newton was forcing McNichols to cut back during a play, showcasing his defensive acumen. Additionally, K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste made significant impacts, flagging their presence throughout the practice.
Offensive Chemistry and Precision
Jahan Dotson has been one of the standout performers in camp, consistently showcasing his skills. Reflecting on his progress, Dotson mentioned, "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 reliable presence has been encouraging for the Commanders' offensive plans. Tremayne also contributed with two downfield catches from Mariota after an initial drop.
The team's kicking game showed promise as well, with Ramiz Ahmed having a perfect day during Tuesday’s practice. Ahmed successfully made all his field goal attempts, including a shot from 51 yards out, exhibiting plenty of distance.
Final Thoughts
As training camp continues, players like Daniels, Coleman, Dotson, and Sainristil are setting the pace, pushing their boundaries, and gelling as a team. Each practice is an opportunity to refine techniques, build chemistry, and prepare for the season ahead. With continued dedication and focus, the Commanders are poised to make significant strides, fueled by the collective efforts of their committed roster.