Organized team activities are a small part of the preparations for a new NFL season. But for the Washington Commanders, it'll be more important than ever this time around.
And it could finally answer a question that fans have been asking all offseason.
Head coach Dan Quinn knew drastic measures were needed after a 5-12 campaign, when most expected another deep playoff run. He waited too long to make changes with the Atlanta Falcons and paid the price. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again.
Kliff Kingsbury was removed from the equation, replaced by David Blough. The first-time offensive coordinator is young and inexperienced, but the Commanders moved swiftly to prevent him from joining the Detroit Lions. This should also provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with more pro-style concepts that maximize his skill set.
Commanders fans will get their first defensive scheme clues under Daronte Jones at OTAs
That's not all.
Quinn also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. After a long search that also included a big swing for Brian Flores, Washington hired Daronte Jones. He's got creative ideas, and the acquisitions made by general manager Adam Peters this offseason give him a fighting chance of being more competitive.
Nobody knows for sure what sort of scheme Jones plans to run. It will rely on aggression, explosiveness, and physicality, but nobody can say anything else with confidence. OTAs won't reveal too much, but they should provide the first clues about what Washington's defense will look like during the 2026 campaign.
Quinn will have some input, but he's letting Jones run the defense as he sees fit. Looking at the exceptional minds, including Flores, he's worked with previously, most envisage the Commanders lining up in a 3-4 base front with Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Tim Settle Jr. in the trenches. The influx of edge rushers should help cause more havoc, and the linebacking corps could be an area of real strength after the additions of Leo Chenal and first-round rookie Sonny Styles.
There are concerns around the secondary, but Jones is accomplished in developing this area of the field. And while the Commanders won't be giving too much away, especially given they are still in the install phase, media and fans will get their opening glimpses of Washington's new defensive structure and draw their own conclusions.
Jones will be a situational coordinator, adjusting the scheme and personnel based on down and distance. He's well thought of around the league and looks more than ready for this step up in responsibilities. Quinn was blown away during the interview process, and hopefully, this will bring the desired improvements when the real action arrives.
That's been a long time coming for the defensive unit after years of abject failure.
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