2 Commanders Rookies Catching Dan Quinn's Eye

The Washington Commanders have multiple rookies making an impact in their first year. Clearly, Jayden Daniels is one of those guys, as is left tackle Brandon Coleman.

Coach Dan Quinn, however, has a couple of other rookies he feels are making an impact early in the season. Receiver Luke McCaffrey and cornerback Mike Sainristil have had impressive starts to their rookie seasons.

“What I’ve seen early, I’ve also seen lately,” said Quinn. “By that I mean, these guys are like a rare level of competitor. They just don’t back down.”

McCaffrey has six catches and 62 yards through three games, but his impact goes far beyond the box score. On Monday night, the Commanders were facing fourth down, and McCaffrey got open in between the safety and linebacker for a huge play down to the Bengals' 2-yard line.

The situations that he has come up big in so far, have helped the Commanders keep the chains moving. That’s huge for this team.

Sainristil has taken over the outside cornerback slot during the absence of Emmanuel Forbes, and he might not give it back. He has been confident and made an impact on the field and inside the locker room.

“I knew Mike also had leadership skills early on, where guys would look to him, not just the other rookies in the class,” continued Quinn. “But some of the defensive backs as well.

Related: Commanders' Dan Quinn Hints at Cardinals Game Plan

“So, that is what I saw. As they are growing into their season, they are just three games in, each of these opportunities are so important.”

They will get a lot of opportunities to grow this week as they have to contain another rookie phenom in Marvin Harrison Jr.

The Commanders are in the desert to take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona at 4:05 p.m. ET.