Rasul Douglas needed just two days to make his mark on the Commanders

Training camp is underway for the Washington Commanders, a golden opportunity for the team's laundry list of new additions to show what kind of impact they can make. And when it comes to the newest of them all, he's wasting no time establishing his presence.

Rasul Douglas has only been a member of the Commanders for three weeks, but you'd never know it. The 10-year NFL veteran was added to provide depth to a shaky cornerback group that looks even bleaker in the short term with Trey Amos placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp.

And on only his second day in Ashburn, Douglas collected a pick-six off of backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Rasul Douglas is already acing his Commanders audition at training camp

Douglas has played for nine different franchises in the NFL and once entered a season on the couch in Week 1. He knows as well as anybody how important it is to make a good impression over the summer, and that's exactly what he's doing in Washington.

Mariota and third-round rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams didn't appear to be on the same page, and the West Virginia product stepped in front of the pass to make the play. It's what Douglas is best at, recording 21 interceptions throughout his career, including three that he has returned for points.

It's uncertain what type of role Douglas will play in Daronte Jones' defense. But as long as Amos is unavailable, he can be expected as a pivotal piece.

Hopes are high for Mike Sainristil to bounce back in Year 3, while Amik Robertson and Ahkello Witherspoon were added for depth purposes. Even so, there's a case that the former Philadelphia Eagles draft pick might currently be their best healthy corner.

Washington certainly needs the ball-hawking big-play ability that Douglas provides.

Last season, the Commanders ranked 31st league-wide in team takeaways with only 10, eight of which were interceptions (and four of which were courtesy of Sainristil). They got picked apart at will, which was a major factor in the collapse that led to a woeful 5-12 record after starting the year with playoff expectations.

One of the primary points of emphasis with Jones taking over as defensive coordinator has been getting Washington to play with more passion and energy. Up front, the speed and quickness of the revamped defensive line and linebacker corps should solve most of those issues. In the secondary, it's all about getting hands on the ball.

That's what Douglas is here to do. And he's off to the best start anyone could have hoped for.

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