5 Commanders players alleviating concerns at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
All eyes were on the Washington Commanders at training camp following an offseason of almost unbelievable upheaval. Everything has changed. Everything looks different. This is a testament to how much planning Josh Harris' ownership group did behind the scenes to ensure this franchise finally starts to win back respectability.
The entire atmosphere across the organization took a positive surge forward. From the front office to the coaching staff and playing personnel, there's a sense of unity that hasn't been evident for decades. It's also raised competition and urgency with everyone working in unison towards one common goal.
There were some doubts about how long this vast rebuilding project would take to bear fruit. Fans need to be patient, although that's difficult after so much hardship on Dan Snyder's watch. Seeing is believing, but it's hard to ignore the decisive momentum accumulated so far.
With that being said, here are five Commanders players who are alleviating concerns at the team's 2024 training camp.
Commanders players alleviating concerns at 2024 training camp
Zach Ertz - Commanders TE
Zach Ertz was one of the league's best pass-catching tight ends once upon a time. The Washington Commanders think he's got some good football left after reuniting the veteran with Kliff Kingsbury in free agency. While that could be the case, fans were skeptical considering his regression with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 before his release.
The fact Ertz took so long to find a new home before joining the Detroit Lions deep into the postseason only raised doubts about his arrival in Washington. He's gone a long way to silencing his critics after a sterling showing over training camp.
Ertz looks like someone who can make a significant difference in the passing game. His short-to-intermediate routes are crisp and his ball skills remain outstanding. More importantly, the former second-round selection is embracing the mentor role by helping those following in his footsteps such as Cole Turner and Ben Sinnott improve their respective games.
Asking Ertz to be an every-down flex option is a stretch at this late stage of his NFL journey. However, the three-time Pro Bowler is proving he can be an asset if Kingsbury picks and chooses his spots.