Commanders veteran reveals immense difference under exciting new regime

It's not hard to see how things have changed for the Washington Commanders in a short space of time. Significant alterations to the infrastructure, coaching staff, and playing personnel mean the franchise looks almost unrecognizable from the moribund set-up that finished the 2023 season with an eight-game losing streak. Nobody is complaining about that.

Adam Peters got down to business immediately. He didn't think much of Ron Rivera's roster construction and acted swiftly to make improvements. This group has the right blend of youth and experience. Whether it comes with any legitimate growth under new head coach Dan Quinn next time around is another matter.

Andrew Wylie hails new energy within the Commanders facility

Things feel different where the Commanders are concerned. This was a sentiment echoed by veteran right tackle Andrew Wylie, who highlighted the increased energy in the building and players wanting to be around the facility as immense differences from his first season in the nation's capital based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"Honestly, the locker room energy is great. Practice has been over for an hour and 15 minutes, and the locker room is still halfway filled. There’s a lot of guys still kicking it in there, including myself. No one is in a real rush to leave work."

- Andrew Wylie via USA Today Sports

This enhanced atmosphere is positive. From established stars such as Jonathan Allen to those trying to make their way like rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, everyone credits Quinn for re-establishing a sense of belonging where once there was nothing but misery.

Much more is needed for the Commanders to emerge from the proverbial abyss into contention. But having this camaraderie and togetherness will serve them well when the going gets tough.

Wylie has a point to prove next season. The Commanders are giving him another chance to start despite some underwhelming production following his arrival from the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. It was surprising extra competition didn't arrive, but those in power feel confident he can bounce back operating within schematic concepts more suited to his playing style.

There's no guarantee, but being more relaxed day-to-day is something nobody on the Commanders experienced last season. Everyone was on edge, waiting for Josh Harris' ownership group to kickstart their new era. Rivera lost the locker room and ran out of answers. Now, things are looking up at long last.

Washington is a vibrant football operation once again. No more dark clouds are hanging over the organization. Everyone is working collaboratively and in unison to turn this storied franchise around.

There's no accounting for a strong culture. It's what separates the contending teams from the also-rans. It's also something the Commanders haven't benefitted from recently despite Rivera's comments to the contrary.

According to Wylie and others, these alterations are already bearing fruit. It's early days, but there's just no telling what this team might be capable of if relationships on and off the field progress further throughout the summer.

Quinn and his staff deserve credit for the way they've gone about their business so far. It's not going unnoticed by his players and has quickly become a breath of fresh air along the way.

Long may it continue.