ASHBURN — Washington Commanders coaches demanded energy at this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
From the practices’ opening whistles, they surrounded the incoming class of first-year players like howling dogs at kennel feeding time, barking at the fresh blood as the players ran through agility drills to start their days.
The enthusiasm rattled the practice bubble — and, for fans of the downtrodden franchise, it hopefully signaled the dawn of a new era.
New coach Dan Quinn later told reporters the opening ritual is called “Bags.”
“It’s just a way to bring energy to start something. We don’t want to walk our way to anything — that’s why we have walkthroughs,” the former Cowboys defensive coordinator said. “It’s just a way to express yourself.”
This year’s rookie minicamp, headlined by the new coaching staff and first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels, elicited more media attention than in recent years.
The No. 2 overall pick didn’t appear rattled by the onslaught of cameras and reporters. He regularly flashed smiles during practice and danced to music between drills. He stayed loose.
“Trying to soak it all in … my first NFL practice while also, you know, focusing on practice,” the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner said Friday. “But just that nine-year-old kid in me realizing that his dreams came true. Now I’m here but I still got a long way to go.”
Rookie minicamp offers players the first opportunity to take the field with their new coaches and teammates.
The on-field drills draw the most attention. Videos of Daniels’ first passes in the Burgundy and Gold were shared thousands of times on social media.
But the bulk of rookie minicamp takes place off the field. New players tour the team facility, try on uniforms and start learning the language of their new team.
First-year players have limited time to learn the playbook before trying to make an impression in practice. It’s a crash course.
“Any NFL playbook is an encyclopedia, but you know, it’s day by day,” Daniels said. “You go out there and just try to master install one. Go back, watch the tape. Tomorrow, master install two. As I started getting more reps I started getting more comfortable but keep building and expanding on that.”
Washington’s new quarterback made a strong first impression at rookie minicamp. He came as advertised.
“The ball placement, the arm talent he has, he’s got the ability to make every throw,” Tight end Ben Sinnott, a second-round pick, said of Daniels. “He’s got all the intangibles and he’s a natural leader and a guy who brings teammates together. I’m just very impressed with who he is.”
The highly-touted passer rarely missed throws. He showed off the quick feet that torched defenses in college and the arm talent that made him a star at LSU.
The California native even tossed a no-look pass over the middle of the field during one drill, hitting his receiver in stride.
When he made an errant pass, Daniels would grab at his helmet and let out a regretful yelp before moving on to the next repetition.
“What I saw on the field was pretty much exactly what we saw from his tape. But what you don’t see on the tape is how much this guy loves football,” Quinn said. “He works so hard at it, it’s one of the things that makes my heart smile about him.”
Daniels took charge of the offense on the practice field. In his first 7-on-7 reps, the 23-year-old helped his teammates adjust their alignment at the line of scrimmage.
“As a quarterback, it’s not just what you’re doing, it’s making sure the formation is set … it’s getting a correction. That’s when you know you have full command,” Quinn told reporters. “Not only knowing your responsibility but knowing the others around you. That’s when you really get to make an impact.”
Despite the heightened expectations from fans, Washington’s coach said he wants to avoid speculation about the future. He isn’t thinking about winning games in September. He’s thinking about minicamp. His quarterback shared the same sentiment.
“The DMV fan base, everybody, they want to see wins, they want to see excitement, want to see joy,” Daniels said Friday. “Hopefully … we could do it as a Commanders franchise, as a team. But you know that’s way down the road. We worried about rookie minicamp and practice tomorrow.”
The three-day rookie minicamp wrapped up on Sunday. Washington’s first-year players will return to practice on Tuesday for organized team activities with the veterans.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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