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The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders begin OTAs with a new feel — and some spicy comments
In a year when most might expect an organization to finally find a foothold with its third-year head coach and system, the Commanders are starting anew — new schemes, new coordinators and a seemingly new approach.
And after Wednesday’s first OTA
workout, Washington seems to exude a different confidence, too.
“Yeah, we got some motherf—–s now,” defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw said. “Excuse my language.”
While it’s far too early to make any proclamation about the Commanders’ season and where it may lead, their first bit of on-field work showed a team resolved not to repeat its play from 2025.
Last season, there was a palpable void early in OTAs. Star receiver Terry McLaurin opted to skip the voluntary workouts (and, later, the non-voluntary ones) because of a contract dispute. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil maintained his usual regimen of working on his own ahead of mandatory minicamp, and the structure and tempo of the early workouts seemed a little more laidback.
Wednesday’s workout was the opposite, appearing more like a training camp practice than an early ease-everyone-in session.
Having McLaurin back changes everything — the play of the offense, the versatility of the approach and the energy of the team as a whole.
That Tunsil attended the practice feels noticeable. Throughout his career, Tunsil has typically preferred to maintain his workout regimen with his longtime trainer in Auburn, Ala., during the voluntary phase of the offseason. So to see him at practice — not participating, but observing and talking to the younger linemen — was surprising. Pleasantly so.
“There’s a little bit more fire under our ass when it comes to being out there,” right guard Sam Cosmi said.
Multiple players who suffered significant injuries last season are still working their way back and did not participate Wednesday. Among them: defensive ends Dorance Armstrong (ACL) and Deatrich Wise Jr. (torn quadriceps) and cornerback Trey Amos (fractured fibula).
Another nonparticipant was second-year running back Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt. It’s unclear the reason, but he observed practice from the sideline.
Riggo’s Rag
Laremy Tunsil just made a massive Commanders OTA statement without saying a word
Tunsil has been in the league a long time. He knows how to prepare effectively for the regular-season challenges, whether that’s in the building or away from the team. Typically, the five-time Pro Bowler doesn’t join his teammates at this time of year. But that’s not the case this time around.
Laremy Tunsil makes emphatic statement by showing up to Commanders OTAs
To the surprise of most in attendance, Tunsil was present for the start of OTAs. While it may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it’s also a statement of intent that everyone can get behind.
It sets the tone. Nobody was happy last season. Complacency crept into the Commanders after their run to the NFC Championship game. They do not want to repeat the same mistakes during this preparation period, and Tunsil will make sure the standards remain high throughout the summer.
This is a far cry from the rumors that Tunsil wasn’t a good enough leader with the Houston Texans. He put that to rest last season, and this only confirms it.
Last Man Standig (subscription)
Daniels moves past ‘miserable’ 2025, embraces the grind as Commanders begin OTA work
There was little fun had by anyone last season during Washington’s follow-up effort after a thrilling run to the NFC Championship game. Least of all, Daniels, who played only seven of 17 games because of knee, hamstring, and shoulder injuries. The Commanders lost as many games in Daniels’s starts last season (5) as they did during his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024.
Despite the setbacks — and the “bitter taste” left in his mouth — Daniels said his passion for football never wavered.
“I mean, it sucked,” Daniels said. “I wouldn’t say it was what I wanted or it was fun for me because I love football — and I love it. But the passion didn’t change. It just made it more like a ‘miserable’ feeling. Not be able to go out there and do what I got to do on a daily basis and having setbacks.”
ESPN
Commanders hope new offensive system will help Jayden Daniels
Daniels played in only seven games because of multiple injuries — to his knee, hamstring and, lastly, his left elbow.
Because of that, Daniels threw for only 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. It wasn’t the follow-up he wanted after being named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year for his 2024 season.
“It left a bitter taste in my mouth,” Daniels said of last season. “I mean, it sucked. … [It was] a miserable feeling to not go out and do what I do on a daily basis and having setbacks.”
But Washington hopes the change in offensive systems will help redirect Daniels’ career trajectory. The Commanders mutually parted ways with former coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and hired David Blough, an assistant quarterbacks coach the past two years.
That will lead to Daniels being under center more, according to Blough and coach Dan Quinn. In his first two seasons, Daniels took 32 snaps from under center while attempting 18 passes (completing 13). But, during Wednesday’s OTA session, Daniels, wearing bright yellow cleats, took a heavier load of snaps from under center than he had in the past.
On one play, he executed a play-action pass from under center — faking a handoff and rolling out before connecting with receiver Terry McLaurin on the left side for a long completion during 11-on-11 work. Daniels looked comfortable operating out of this look.
Another time he executed a bootleg to his left and completed an out pass.
“He makes things that are difficult look easy,” Quinn said.
Commanders.com
OTA notebook
Washington’s new offense has been a main talking point this offseason, and without giving too much away, it’s noticeably different compared to what the Commanders were running for the past two seasons. We’ve already mentioned the increase in volume of plays under center, but there was also an emphasis on calling plays from the huddle and putting players in motion before the snaps. Those new wrinkles were expected given offensive coordinator David Blough’s experience running Ben Johnson and Kevin O’Connell’s system, and Quinn added before practice that he expects more efficiency and explosive plays from the offense.
There was some serious speed on the field on both sides of the ball during team drills. On offense, running back Rachaad White stood out with how quickly he ran through lanes. White is known for being a strong pass-catcher, but his quickness and burst should add another dimension to Washington’s running game. On defense, Sonny Styles’ ability to read plays, identify who is getting the ball and close in for a tackle is on a different level. Styles was working mostly with the second group, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he rises up the depth chart.
Daniels connected with Okonkwo multiple times during the practice, including two passes during two-minute drills to close out the day. Daniels likes getting his tight ends involved in the passing game and had success doing so with Zach Ertz during the first two seasons of his career. Now, he has a new, younger weapon in Okonkwo, who is ready for a larger role in the scheme.
Sainristil said they have not given him any indication about where he will play in his third season, but he isn’t concerned about that. Right now, his main focus is on learning the defense as much as possible because he believes he can make plays regardless of where they put him.
Commanders Wire
5 takeaways from Day 1 of Commanders’ OTAs
Treylon Burks worked with the starting receivers
We stress again: it’s Day 1 of OTAs, this may mean nothing, but Burks worked with the starters on Wednesday. Many believe Washington will add another veteran starter, such as Stefon Diggs or Brandon Aiyuk. But neither are there yet. We wrote earlier this week about the opportunity that exists for Burks. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Burks is a former first-round pick, entering his fifth NFL season. He’s only 26. Is it true that Burks may never live up to being a first-round pick? Sure, but there’s no pressure in Washington. He was a street free agent, re-signed to a one-year deal. It’s a fresh start for a talented player in a new offense, where he’s clearly liked.
So, while it may mean nothing about the role the Commanders envision for him, it could also mean they like him enough to give him reps with the starters to see how he responds.
Chig Okonkwo could be the team’s No. 2 receiver
We must stress that no contact is allowed, but new tight end Chig Okonkwo just looks different.
Riggo’s Rag
Drew Stevens and Jake Moody instantly light the fuse on Commanders’ kicking battle
Quinn said this would be a legitimate competition between the seasoned pro and the first-year upstart. Based on their first OTA practice, it’ll be a close-fought battle that could go down to the wire.
Stevens made all six of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder. Those in attendance were taken aback by the power in his leg, which is something the Commanders have lacked from their kickers. Quinn and Peters were watching developments closely, and they no doubt came away impressed.
Aiming not to be outdone, Moody was 5-for-6 in his efforts. He also drilled his 53-yarder, which was encouraging. However, the Ohio State product should have clarity about how hard it’s going to be in pursuit of keeping Stevens out of his No. 1 spot before Week 1 rolls around.
It’s starting to look like the Commanders already have a tough decision on their hands. It’s a nice problem to have, and this heightened urgency should bring out the best in Stevens and Moody.
