Daronte Jones wants to establish a new defensive culture with the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn believes this is the man to spearhead a renaissance that fans have been clamoring for. He has no play-calling experience, but his credentials are well established.
How Jones wants to go about his business will have Commanders fans and players ready to run through a brick wall for their coach.
Jones has learned from some elite defensive minds. He's spent the last two years as Brian Flores' right-hand man, and the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator is notoriously demanding. This should serve him well before captaining his own ship for the first time, and he's already set out his stall emphatically.
Daronte Jones sends a stern message his Commanders players need to hear
He's already called on his players to approach things the right way. They need to be tough, both inside and out, to cope with what's coming their way. If they pass these challenges, everything will become easier on game days.
"It starts with attitude in your approach and at the end of the day this is a violent sport. You have to approach it that way. You have to be mentally tough, physically tough and emotionally tough. Everything that comes with this sport is about toughness. We want to put that into our guys so that they know they have to win a one-on-one battle."Daronte Jones via Commanders.com
Joe Whitt Jr. talked a good game, too. There was very little substance attached, and he ran out of ideas and motivational techniques. Coupled with his lack of defensive adjustments, it was no surprise to see him canned.
Already, this feels different. Players should see this as a stern warning of what to expect from the moment Jones puts them on the practice field. It will be tough. It will be grueling. But it will benefit them greatly if they fully buy into his way of thinking.
Jones has surged his way up from a high school coach through the college ranks and into the pros to get this massive opportunity. He isn't planning to waste, and he won't deviate from the principles that got him this far.
Anyone who doesn't display the right level of commitment will quickly fall out of favor. His arrival demands a positive response from the players. Everyone is starting with a clean slate, and previous reputations don't matter.
What's important is maintaining the same level of aggressive purpose in practice as Jones expects to see in a competitive environment. If he gets the right reaction, the growth will be undeniable.