The Washington Commanders turned things up a notch to start training camp. Head coach Dan Quinn once again focused on high tempo and urgency across every practice, and the response from his players told fans everything they need to know about the overall mood.
Nobody wants a repeat of last season. The Commanders were embarrassed, outmatched, and looked old en route to just five wins. It left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, but the resolve being displayed in the face of adversity is encouraging.
The first week of training camp was the bedding-in period. Quinn said it would be split up into six blocks, with red-zone work and situational areas being the priority over the opening exchanges. Washington's new-look defense got the upper hand more often than not, but the last session before pads was a sign that the offense is starting to click.
There will be good days and bad. That's just the way it goes, but there have been more positives than negatives overall from a roster revamped by general manager Adam Peters throughout another busy offseason.
Optimism is growing. But it hasn't been promising news for everybody.
With this in mind, here are five winners and two losers from a fascinating first week of Washington's training camp.
Winners and losers from Week 1 of Washington Commanders' 2026 training camp
Winner No. 1
Nick Cross - Commanders S
The Commanders saw something in Nick Cross that they believed could help the team's new defense take off. He's a hard-hitting safety with the physical profile Daronte Jones looks for in his defensive backs. This has come across positively over the first week of training camp.
He might be new to the squad, but Cross already has complete control. The former Maryland star has been flying around the field, making things extremely difficult for the offense to gain any momentum. And when the pads go on this week, it should bring even more out of the 2022 third-round pick.
Although the Commanders did little else to enhance their options on the defensive back end, Cross' versatility and instinctive approach can make a big-time difference. He displayed frailties in coverage last season with the Indianapolis Colts, but his ability to be impactful against the run represents a solid foundation to build on.
Jones will know precisely how to maximize Cross' skill set. He won't be able to do it alone, but he already looks like the room's alpha after just a few practice sessions at training camp.
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