Just a few days ago, we reached the one-year anniversary of the Josh Harris Ownership Group’s purchase of the Washington Commanders from Daniel Snyder. Much has happened over the past year, including the firing of former coach Ron Rivera, the trades of Montez Sweat, Chase Young, and Sam Howell, the drafting of Jayden Daniels, and the signing of over twenty free agents.
There has been much more, too, including hiring general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. While Washington has experienced a lot of change, the Commanders do not expect to finish 4-13 or worse in 2024.
Could Washington be a playoff team in 2024? For that to happen, several things must go in the Commanders’ favor.
Here are five storylines we’re following throughout training camp, which kicks off on Tuesday.
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn speaks with the media prior to an OTA workout at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Quinn is known as a culture builder. Washington fans are tired of hearing about culture after four years of Ron Rivera, who talked about culture daily as the team got worse every year. Quinn is here to fix the culture but, more importantly, win. Winning fixes almost everything, including the culture. Every player who has spoken to the media since Quinn’s hiring has praised him and his new coaching staff. Players came to Washington to play specifically for Quinn. Following Quinn this summer as he begins his second stint as a head coach will be interesting. One thing to watch is how involved Quinn will be with the defense. He’s insisted that defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will handle all play-calling duties.
Jun 5, 2024; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) hands the ball off to Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (30) a ball during an OTA workout at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
People across the NFL will descend upon Ashburn to check out rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels had an impressive spring on the field and off the field. He quickly earned the respect of veteran teammates with his work ethic in the classroom and his punctuality. The coaches have not named a starting quarterback, but it will be Daniels. Will Quinn make him wait until closer to the end of training camp? Or will he make the announcement early in camp? Daniels’ progress will be fun to monitor throughout the summer.
Nov 2, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (77) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Tony Bradford Jr. (97) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Almost everyone believes Peters should have done more to add a left tackle to protect Daniels. Veterans Trent Scott and Cornelius Lucas and rookie third-round pick Brandon Coleman are battling for the job. They took turns in the spring working with the first team. Washington’s claim that Coleman is a legit starting left tackle isn’t just talk. The Commanders are extremely high on Coleman’s athleticism and upside.
In a perfect world, Coleman would have a fantastic camp and open the season as the starter. However, it’s difficult to believe Quinn would have a rookie left tackle protecting the No. 2 overall pick—also a rookie—in Week 1. The expectation has been that Lucas will start early in the season. Washington’s hope is that Coleman can play early.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – JANUARY 07: Dante Fowler Jr. #56 and Dorance Armstrong #92 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate a sack during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on January 07, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Commanders didn’t land a premier pass-rushing talent to replace the traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young. For one, Washington believes Quinn can create pressure much better than the previous regime. The Commanders signed three veterans: Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler. Only Armstrong is on a multi-year deal. Quinn has coached Armstrong and Fowler for years and understands better than anyone what they can provide. Quinn believes that Armstrong can be a double-digit sack guy with increased playing time, which he will have in Washington.
Will one of the Commanders’ young pass rushers emerge? K.J. Henry and Andre Jones are entering their second season, while Javontae Jean-Baptiste is a rookie. Ideally, all three of those players show promise throughout camp and in the preseason. Quinn will also use linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jamin Davis as pass rushers at times.
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (13) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Emmanuel Forbes had a miserable rookie season. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft was benched twice last season and embarrassed in back-to-back weeks early last season. Part of the issue was coaching. Why was the 170-pound rookie matched up one-on-one with A.J. Brown and D.J. Moore early in his rookie season? Not only was that a bad decision, but Washington losing former secondary coach Chris Harris before last season proved to be a massive blow. The inexperienced Brent Vieselmeyer was hired to replace him, and it was disastrous.
Quinn and Whitt have a strong reputation working with young defensive backs. Both have said they liked Forbes coming out of college. Who wouldn’t love Forbes’ ability to take the ball away? That only happened once last season. Forbes lost his confidence and it was evident on the field. The Commanders want and need Forbes to bounce back this season. Getting off to a strong start in training camp would go a long way for Forbes.
