5 Commanders players silencing their doubters at 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders are giving everyone a fair chance to prove themselves at the team's 2024 training camp. Competition is fierce and the stakes are high for many given Adam Peters' ruthless roster-building approach this offseason. Anyone not pulling their weight or showing the correct attitude isn't going to last long under this exciting new regime.
Most - if not all - of the Commanders players come into the campaign with big points to prove. Those who were around last season want to shake off the embarrassing stench of a four-win campaign. Draft picks and undrafted free agents need to show they belong. New veteran signings must impose themselves in pursuit of important roles.
It's been fascinating to see things unfolding so far. There is a long way to go and much hard work ahead, but there's a growing belief that something special could be brewing if the Commanders get some good luck on the health front next season.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five Commanders players already silencing their doubters over the early stages of camp.
Commanders players silencing their doubters at 2024 training camp
Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders DE
Many wondered whether Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival this offseason was due to familiarity rather than anything special performance-wise. Dan Quinn trusts the edge rusher fully, but there were legitimate concerns about his projected role considering he mustered just four sacks from 25 percent of defensive snaps with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
Fowler is confident he can improve what quickly became a lackluster pass-rushing unit last season once the Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young before the 2023 deadline. Based on the opening exchanges of training camp, he's well on course to feature on the rotation based on the musings of those in attendance.
Having previous knowledge of Quinn's demands is serving Fowler well. Others are also vying for involvement, but it seems like the key depth spot behind Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Clelin Ferrell is his to lose right now.
If the same trend continues, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of Fowler unseating Ferrell for a starting spot.