Everyone is back in the building for the start of training camp. The Washington Commanders have a lot of hard work ahead, but there is a growing belief they can bounce back after displaying some positive signs this offseason.
General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have some roster problems to solve. The squad looks stronger after some eye-catching new signings and draft picks, but a couple of problem areas could hold them back.
The Commanders have enough salary-cap space to make additional moves if needed. Before then, those in power are giving every player a chance to stake their claim.
Washington's early offseason program laid the foundations. Training camp will turn things up a notch, and even though some positions are firmly locked up, there is also room for a few surprises to potentially emerge over the summer.
Competition breeds success. It makes everyone better, keeps urgency high, and ensures complacency doesn't set in. Couple this with the resolve being portrayed after a dismal 5-12 campaign last season, and the Commanders should be in good shape.
Quinn and his staff will keep the same raised tempo that was on show over OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Everyone bought in, and anyone not pulling their weight from here is going to get found out quickly. It's also a constant evaluation, going right through the preseason before the 53-man roster and practice squad are confirmed.
Before the training camp pressure cooker gets underway, we took a look at how the Commanders' 53-man roster might look.
Washington Commanders 53-man roster prediction before the training camp intensity rises
Commanders special teams (3)
- Tress Way (P), Tyler Ott (LS), Jake Moody (PK)
Two of these three spots are firmly locked in. Two-time Pro Bowl punter Tress Way will miss the start of training camp with a pectoral issue, but Adam Peters revealed that he wouldn't be out for too long. Tyler Ott is a consistent long-snapper whose work goes unnoticed. But if fans aren't talking about him, that means he's doing nothing wrong.
Of course, things are much less certain at the kicking position.
The Commanders have placed veteran Jake Moody in a genuine competition with undrafted rookie Drew Stevens. Both players performed well throughout Washington's offseason program, and it is simply too close to call right now.
Dan Quinn wants this battle to go right up until final cuts, which is feasible. Moody got a new one-year deal but has the experience. Stevens was highly consistent in college, with his leg strength and accuracy leaving a positive impression.
It's a fine-margin situation where preseason performance will be a big determining factor. Moody might have the slightest edge due to his previous time in the league, but that could change quickly.
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