Commanders Select 3 Dynamic Team Captains For Season Opener

The Washington Commanders have selected three team captains for their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On their X account, the Commanders announced that Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin, Defensive End Clelin Ferrell, and Safety Jeremy Reaves would take the field as team captains in Sunday's season opener.

Photo byAnders Krøgh JørgensenonUnsplash

Breaking Down The Captains

McLaurin begins his sixth season with the Commanders. Outside of his rookie season, he's had nothing but 1,000-yard seasons. He's been targeted 609 times for 5,283 yards. Ferrell joined the team earlier this year and has been in the league for five years. His overall career stats include 71 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, 45 quarterback hits, and 21 tackles for loss. Last season, Ferrell started all 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers, getting to the quarterback 13 times, resulting in 3.5 sacks and six tackles for loss.

Reaves, like McLaurin, will also begin his sixth season with the Commanders. Considered one of the best Special Teams players in the league today, Reaves earned NFL All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection in 2022. That was also the last full season he played. Last year he only played in five games due to sustaining a partially torn ACL. Even he realizes he's lucky to still be a Commander.

Reaves reposted the post expressing his gratitude. The good news is he's back at full health. Considering the Commanders will be led to the field by a rookie quarterback, they will need all the talent at 100 percent to support both sides of the ball.

Commanders HC Dan Quinn: They Represent The Team's Dynamics

According to Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn, Reaves, McLaurin, and Ferrell represent the team's character. Speaking to the media after practice Friday Quinn said:

"I thought they really represented the standard that the team created on their own, " he said. "I spoke about each of them. Jeremy, he brings a lot to everybody in our building[with] his energy...I thought for Clelin, the word came to mind I thought this guy is a warrior, and everybody knows what the tape's gonna look like when he is out there. It's tough, it's all out, you guys have seen that."

When it came to McLaurin Quinn noted, "This is a hungry guy as a real pro's pro and we can't wait to see him do his thing. Three of them really represented who we are how we get down, and so that's why I selected those for the first game."

All Three Players To Play Major Role

All three team captains have something in common that will help Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels: Experience. That experience will be leaned on heavily in Sunday's game. One example of that will be avoiding illegal formation calls. The Baltimore Ravens in their 20-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs were penalized three times for the infraction. "On Friday it's a big game management and clock management day and we showed some of that today," Quinn said.

Quinn explained the referee crew that called the game Thursday night they had some experience with during practice. They were also the crew that officiated the Commanders preseason finale against the New England Patriots. He said it has been reviewed and, "After the warning for one, it's for everybody. If they come over and tell the Line Coach that's not just for him it's for everyone involved. There were a lot of really good teaching moments."

That experience, along with the team captain designations serve various jobs, Quinn noted. "It does give some opportunity to shine on some people that may not have the traditional role, but are ready to hit it... it gives some recognition and some leadership into that spot. That's why I thought the guys this week were in such a good space...Not everybody leads in the same way," he said. He explained there are players who may lead in the weight rooms, or in the meetings when watching film, or on the field. "It's about pulling out the leaders in others," Quinn said.

For More Great Content

Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.

Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!

Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X@TotalApexSports to stay informed.

Article originally written by Ricky Allen