5 encouraging surprises from Washington Commanders 2024 training camp
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders had a few key objectives in mind during their first training camp with head coach Dan Quinn and his accomplished staff leading the charge.
They needed to raise standards across the board. They needed to implement their schematic concepts effectively and ensure everyone was aware of their responsibilities. They needed to properly evaluate the options available and determine what more is needed.
It was a whirlwind few weeks for everyone involved. Players got a crash course in increased expectancy and anyone not pulling their weight isn't going to last long. Things haven't been perfect by any stretch, but there's a growing inner belief that everything is proceeding as planned.
Projections are pretty wild one way or another for the Commanders in 2024. There are areas of concern that must be addressed before confidence increases. At the same time, some intriguing progress has been made by some who had their respective futures hanging in the balance under the new regime.
With this in mind, here are five encouraging surprises from Washington's 2024 training camp.
Encouraging surprises from Commanders 2024 training camp
K.J. Henry's continued growth
There was a lot to like about the way K.J. Henry performed after Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded before the 2023 deadline. He was the only Washington Commanders edge rusher to emerge from the second half of the campaign with any credit. With a new coaching staff and front office coming into the fold, the former fifth-round selection had to prove his worth all over again.
Henry is brimming with confidence after gaining some valuable experience last season. He's firmly established himself as a key rotational defensive end. There's even a chance he could surge into the starting role opposite Dorance Armstrong Jr. depending on how Clelin Ferrell performs early on.
The Clemson product took on his latest challenge with customary enthusiasm and excelled. He's given the coaching staff a nice problem heading into the season, especially considering the Commanders have severe questions to answer in their edge-rushing room after parting ways with two established figures for valuable draft capital.