As the Commanders' training camp continues to unfold, the focus remains squarely on refining skills and executing key plays under intense scrutiny. The sixth day of practice brought the second session in full pads, testing the grit and resilience of the players as they pushed themselves to the limit.
The day’s practice had fans in attendance, their energy fueling the players’ efforts on the field. One of the standout performers has been Jayden Daniels, who shared first-team reps with veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota. Daniels displayed a range of pinpoint throws, finding Olamide Zaccheaus with a deep ball up the right sideline and connecting with Jahan Dotson along the sideline. Notably, Daniels also managed a solid throw to Terry McLaurin up the opposite sideline before completing a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz during the final team session.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Daniels. He had a mishandled handoff with Jeremy McNichols and faced a rough patch with a series of missed throws in a row. These moments highlighted the highs and lows that come with high-pressure training, as players strive for consistency and precision.
Brandon Coleman has been another versatile player, splitting his time between the first and second teams at both left and right tackle. His encounters with seasoned defenders such as Dorance Armstrong Jr., Dante Fowler Jr., and Clelin Ferrell tested his adaptability and technique. Reflecting on his performance, Coleman shared, "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’s comments underline the constant self-assessment and drive for improvement that define the training camp experience.
The relentless effort required at this level is something Coleman is acutely aware of: "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."
Mike Sainristil has also been making a notable impact, both as a fixture in the starting defense and in the return game. His commitment to relentless play stands out. "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," Sainristil said, a testament to his dedication to the game.
On the receiving end, Dotson has consistently been delivering impressive performances. He noted, "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 growing confidence is evident in his play, making him a standout during the camp.
Tremayne’s camp journey also mirrored the tales of perseverance. After an early drop, he made two remarkable downfield catches from Mariota, showcasing his ability to recover and make significant contributions.
Jer'Zhan Newton seized his opportunity with the first-team reps, forcing McNichols to cut back during a play and marking his presence on the field. K.J. Henry and Javontae Jean-Baptiste also emerged as formidable forces during practice, making their presence felt through their assertive plays.
Special teams were not left out of the spotlight. Kicker Ramiz Ahmed had an exceptional practice, converting all his field goal attempts, including a long shot from 51 yards, displaying both accuracy and power.
As training camp progresses, the Commanders are clearly focused on honing their skills and building a cohesive unit capable of taking on the challenges of the upcoming season. The blend of veteran experience and emerging talent bodes well for a team aiming to make its mark.