5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 4

There was an extra sense of excitement in the air for Day 4 of Washington Commanders training camp. This was the first time fans were given access, which brought an outstanding response from the team's long-suffering support.

Around 3,000 fans descended on Ashburn to see this new-look roster in action. They were greeted by a message from head coach Dan Quinn, who declared his intent to bring competitive football back to the Commanders after years of abject failure. Players stayed behind after practice to sign autographs and take pictures, which only added to the occasion.

Intensity is ramping up with padded practices on the immediate horizon. Quinn and his staff have a good idea of what this roster has and what more might be needed. Seeing how his players perform when things get more physical in pads will be the most important stage of his ongoing assessments so far.

That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, here are five critical observations from Day 4 of Commanders training camp practice at Back Together Sunday.

Critical observations from Day 4 of Commanders 2024 training camp

Mitchell Tinsley's impact

The Washington Commanders are looking for their wide receivers to step up and provide rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with dependability in the passing game. While the top three options seem locked in, everything is up for grabs after that.

Getting noticed at camp is the best way to stake a claim. However, much will also depend on how each candidate for a roster spot performs during the Commanders' upcoming preseason slate before final cuts are due.

Mitchell Tinsley is doing his chances of making the 53-man roster no harm at all. Last summer's big story saw the undrafted free agent rise from obscurity to attain his spot. It didn't come with much game-day involvement, but the experience served him well based on early impressions from camp.

Tinsley looked sharp during individual drills on Day 4. He also managed to secure an outstanding touchdown grab in 7-on-7 that drew widespread applause from the fans in attendance.

The former Penn State star is generating some positive momentum once again. Building on it in the coming weeks is crucial.

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota's struggles

It was a pretty disjointed day from the Washington Commanders offense on Day 4. Things are not going to be perfect all the time. After so many changes throughout a dramatic offseason, patience is needed while cohesion builds. That's what training camp is for.

Jayden Daniels wasn't on the same page with his wide receivers on occasion. These timing issues should work out with more reps, but the indifferent production from Marcus Mariota cannot be overlooked.

Mariota was preferred to Sam Howell as the team's backup option in 2024 after he joined in free agency. The Commanders haven't officially named Daniels as the Week 1 starter as yet, but it's only a matter of time. Especially considering the former Oregon star is going through some genuine complications as the tempo increases.

The Commanders' defense picked off Mariota twice and made things incredibly difficult according to those in attendance. A couple of throws were off target and pre-snap reads weren't up to the required standard. This is mildly concerning, but the coaching staff don't want the signal-caller to see the field all that much during the regular season in any case.

Daniels is the future and the present. Mariota's primary task when the real action begins will be to mentor the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He needs to ensure preparations go smoothly from week to week and offer any extra advice that could potentially help. They are the biggest objectives above all else during his first - and perhaps only - season with the Commanders.

There is a need for Mariota to stay ready if the worst happens with Daniels. The veteran occupied backup roles over the last two years, so this should be an easy transition to make. But based on his overall camp performance levels up to now, pushing for a starting berth is out of the question.

When Dan Quinn confirms Daniels at QB1 is up for debate. However, it's a guarantee at some stage.

Daron Payne's renewed purpose

Daron Payne cut a forlorn figure last season. Big things were expected of the formidable defensive tackle after the Washington Commanders gave him a lucrative contract extension. More money comes with higher expectations - something he wasn't able to match during a campaign to forget for all involved.

Payne seemed to lack motivation and enthusiasm as another season petered out under previous head coach Ron Rivera. Things look a lot different now with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. leading the charge defensively. This is bringing a positive response from the former Alabama star along the way.

The Commanders are relying heavily on their stud defensive tackle tandem of Payne and Jonathan Allen in 2024. Their decision to spend a second-round pick on Johnny Newton only strengthens this unit further. Seeing all three on the field at the same time is a mouth-watering proposition depending on the schematic alignment.

The 2018 first-round pick seemed more rejuvenated when speaking to the media after practice. Payne highlighted the impressive additions made to the edge and Whitt's new philosophy as something he thinks can spark this defense into life based on comments via the team's website.

"It's just to see different D-ends come in, how they move and what things they do to get wins. That boy Cle [Clelin Ferrell], he's high energy, high effort. He's gonna get after the quarterback. We're really working on just flying around, getting to the ball, hunting. That's the main emphasis right now, just he [Joe Whitt Jr.] wants everybody hunting. Be around the ball, no matter how far the ball is down the field."

Daron Payne via Commanders.com

Having a motivated Payne is going to help enormously. The same applies to Allen, who also made no secret of his frustrations during the previous campaign. Both players regressed from their typically high standards last season, but they remain a potentially devastating duo when firing on all cylinders.

Payne is responding well to the fresh injection of energy provided by the coaching staff. Hopefully, this enables the interior force to get back to the form that got him such a lofty new deal.

Commanders tight ends stake their claim

Getting more from the tight-end position is a major objective for the Washington Commanders in 2024. Adam Peters did his part by fortifying the unit through free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. The onus now falls on offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to pick the right guys and find ways to involve them frequently.

This bears more significance when one considers the presence of Jayden Daniels under center. The rookie quarterback is going to go through difficulty at times. Having several tight ends capable of becoming security blankets across the middle in key situations will be a critical part of his plans to take the NFL by storm.

Confidence is growing around the tight ends based on early impressions over camp. Two hopefuls, in particular, caught the eye with highlight-worthy plays on Day 4 that were met with widespread approval by fans in attendance.

Second-round selection Ben Sinnott showcased his outstanding athleticism by adjusting his body to secure a pass from Daniels. The ball was slightly behind him, but the former Kansas State star showed tremendous awareness to collect it with one hand for a successful completion.

The Commanders believe Sinnott can become the complete package with some extra development. Expecting that right out of the gate is stretching things. However, the first-year pro is off to an impressive start nonetheless.

Sinnott's play was almost immediately followed by another eye-catching play from the tight-end spot. This time it was Armani Rogers, who put his exceptional physical attributes on full display with a diving catch across the middle.

Rogers looked set for a potential breakout campaign before tearing his Achilles on the first day of Washington's organized team activities. He's back after missing the entire 2023 campaign. More importantly, he's showing no lingering effects from the complication in pursuit of securing a spot on the 53-man roster.

This is a fascinating dynamic to watch in the coming weeks. Looking at the options available, a situation could emerge where the Commanders take four tight ends through when push comes to shove.

Commanders DBs in the spotlight

The Washington Commanders tweaked their secondary rather than adopt a drastic makeover during the first offseason with Adam Peters as general manager. This group became exposed to big plays almost constantly over the second half of 2023 once the edge-rushing duo of Chase Young and Montez Sweat departed. The depleted pass-rush exposed their weaknesses in the worst possible way.

Things can improve under the expert guidance of Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. They have proven credentials where defensive back development is concerned. We're already starting to see the fruits of their labor over training camp, especially where some unheralded players looking to make the 53-man roster are concerned.

One player who caught the eye over Sunday's practice was Tyler Owens according to those in attendance. After missing Friday's session, the undrafted free agent was looking to make up for some lost time. He picked off Marcus Mariota and tipped a pass from the veteran signal-caller to round off a quality showing.

Owens is pushing hard to enhance his chances in a deep safety group. He was a coveted undrafted free-agent pickup by the Commanders. Based on early impressions, it's easy to see why.

Two overlooked cornerbacks also impressed. Kyu Blu Kelly, who was claimed off waivers last season, also came down with an interception from Mariota to catch the eye.

Tariq Castro-Fields - a player with the size and length Quinn looks for in his cornerbacks who was also drafted by the San Francisco 49ers when Peters held a front-office position of power - spent time working with the first-team unit and didn't look out of place whatsoever. This only adds to the fascination surrounding this group ahead of Washington's first padded practice.

Much will depend on how each player pushing for a spot fares during the preseason. However, the increased competition for places and enhanced coaching is having a positive impact on performance levels over the opening exchanges of camp.

Long may it continue.

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