Commanders news: Adam Peters, Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels and Johnny Newton
By Dean Jones
Commanders HC Dan Quinn's ambition
This is an exciting time for Dan Quinn. He's worked hard for a second head coaching opportunity. Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters wanted him from the outset, so confidence is high that this blossoming relationship can bear fruit next season and beyond.
Setting the right tone over his first training camp is crucial. Quinn left a tremendous impression on his players over early workouts. The energy in practice was high and the camaraderie was night and day from Ron Rivera's final seasons. Washington's raised standards and competition for places are only going to help push everyone on throughout camp.
Quinn outlined his objectives for camp. He wants the Commanders to firmly establish their identity moving forward. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator also wants to find the unique qualities of each player and how they can potentially fit into Washington's new way of thinking based on comments via the team's website.
"Who we are and how we play, that has to come along strong. If you get that first and get that right, that's when a lot of the success will follow. How does the chemistry work? Then, also not just the competition at the position, but like what specific things make a player unique, and then how would we play that player? What specific things does this tight end do versus this back, what about this back versus this linebacker? So, finding the roles and owning those are as important as the competing, because once we establish what those roles are, now we can plug and play people into doing those things."
- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com
Quinn surrounded himself with trusted figures to ensure complications were kept to a minimum. He's worked with most coaches before - many of whom followed him from Dallas. Washington's roster is littered with pros who've thrived under the head coach's guidance previously. Some - including perennial All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner - chose the Commanders over others with more legitimate chances of contention in 2024.
Everything looks good so far. There will be potential stumbling blocks to navigate before and during the season. Quinn won't be found wanting for effort. He'll be demanding the same from his players during what promises to be a grueling camp.