The Washington Commanders are going to compete. On the practice field, at least. Throughout my visit to the team’s first day of mandatory minicamp this week, I heard some form of the word “competition” dozens of times.
With Pete Carroll disciple Dan Quinn taking over as head coach in 2024, it’s not a surprise that it’s become the most popular word in Ashburn, Virginia. “Coach Quinn and the entire staff have really enforced, not just effort, but the competition aspect of football,” wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the team’s best and highest-paid player, said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’re in practice now, and guys are really pissed off when the offense loses a day or the defense loses a day.
I’m far removed from college, but it reminds me a lot of the college days, where you’re just getting after each other.” The best example of this new competitive spirit came after a tipped interception caught by new arrival Jeremy Chinn. The defense stormed the field in celebration, which concluded when Chinn and a defensive assistant did an aerial chest bump.
It’s still June, but Quinn’s messaging seems to be working. Related The head coach and competitive spirit aren’t the only new arrivals in Ashburn, of course. The team’s most important acquisition of the offseason was the no.
2 pick, quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose performance in 2024 will determine whether Washington’s competitiveness will carry over from the practice field to the NFC East stand.
