The Washington Commanders enter their six-week break with no declarations over who’s the starting quarterback.
Wink, wink.
Perhaps only injury would prevent Jayden Daniels from being the starting quarterback come training camp and regular-season opener. But, coach Dan Quinn wouldn’t anoint Daniels as QB1 as the team broke minicamp on Thursday. After all, Quinn spent this first few months with the team saying it was open competition everywhere. With a probable 60 percent roster turnover, new faces will be prevalent come September.
Quinn said Daniels is further along than expected. While veteran newcomer Marcus Mariota also spent time with first teamers throughout offseason camps, Daniels ended speculation over his readiness for the pros with a strong camp. The second overall pick was first to arrive every morning, rarely threw a bad ball and became a team leader.
Translation – there’s no reason why Daniels won’t start.
But, there are plenty of other openings Quinn won’t decide until after the team’s scrimmages versus the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins in August. Competing against teammates is nothing versus scrimmaging other teams where heated doesn’t mean the weather. Roster spots are made or saved in scrimmages and Quinn will watch offensive and defensive lines for clues. Left tackle is especially open, though veteran Cornelius Lucas seems favored over rookie Brandon Coleman.
Tight end and No. 2 and 3 receivers are open. Kicker tryouts figure to go down to preseason’s end. So do a sprinkling of opportunities throughout the defense.
“It won’t be just 11 [on defense,]” Quinn said. “There will be 15, 16, 17 guys that will have a role. Three safeties, four big d-linemen, three backers, two backers. Not just at the secondary, but at a number of the spots too that we are still pushing.”
For now, it’s time for break. Quinn mentioned 40 days so often you’d think he was Noah.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton gave the traditional “be safe” speech to players. Protecting the team was the theme in not getting into trouble. Continue to stay in shape. A number of units are expected to get together away from the team, especially passers and receivers.
“Do your part [so] when you do come back you can be counted on,” Quinn said.
Quinn described the team as “hungry wolves” after newcomers realized their role over offseason camps. Quinn knows it’s especially hard for rookies to stand down after ramping up over the past five weeks. Perhaps that’s why the NFL may move the camps to the month before training camp to provide continuity.
“I see it as just our beginning,” said Quinn of the offseason program. “Over the last two weeks, I felt the momentum shift.”
For once, the Commanders aren’t shifting in reverse, but overdrive.
Most Popular
Comments / 0