Commanders guard Sam Cosmi dropped into his three-point stance during Tuesday’s organized team activities, the first on-field practice for returning players. Before he could start moving, linebacker Bobby Wagner predicted the blocking scheme.
“How the heck? I was trying to disguise that,” Cosmi, 25, said after practice.
After the play, the guard pulled the star linebacker aside to ask what gave it away.
“You were leaning,” Wagner responded.
That kind of immediate interaction is new for the long-struggling Commanders.
“We have open communications, player-to-coach, which I think is huge,” Cosmi said. “We’re all here trying to work toward the same goal, which is winning. So, we are able to communicate across the building not only offensively, but defensively.”
Commanders coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said open communication is vital for Washington’s new coaching staff.
“Good ideas know no rank,” Kingsbury said. “So, you got a good idea, I want to hear it. It’s not always going to go in, and they know that, but I’m going to listen to it.”
Returning players say Quinn and the rest of the coaching staff have earned respect since joining the organization in February.
Every veteran player participated in the voluntary offseason program. They were back on Tuesday for the first day of organized team activities, even though their contracts don’t require them to attend workouts until the mandatory minicamp in June.
“It’s all about energy. … That type of environment you want to keep around,” said linebacker Frankie Luvu, who joined the team in free agency. “Every day DQ, the coaching staff and the whole operation have us coming in with the right mindset.”
Quinn, the former Atlanta Falcons coach, spent three years preparing for his next head coaching gig, which started in earnest with the first full-squad workouts. He said he’s keeping it light.
“I’m having a blast,” Quinn said Tuesday. “Days like today, first bringing everybody together, I’ve got a real appreciation for it.”
The 53-year-old brought his players together with new rituals before practice. On Monday, the team’s social media accounts showed players working together to lift 15-foot logs.
The veterans learned about Bags on Tuesday — a new tradition where the coaches surround players and cheer them on during agility drills and sprints to kick off a practice.
The energy followed through to 7-on-7 drills. When safety Jeremy Chinn intercepted his first (practice) pass in a burgundy jersey, several other defenders leaped into the air in celebration.
“This is just a different vibe. … It’s just a vibe that I haven’t experienced,” Cosmi said. “We’re all hyped. We’re very excited.”
Quinn said the offseason program is important for a team with new coordinators and new schemes. The team has a whole playbook to learn.
The practices also let the veterans set a tone for a revamped squad, the coach said.
“First off, these are the standards that we want to practice … this is how we do business,” Quinn said. “You don’t have to look too far to watch their practice habits, how they do things. … That’s what I’m looking for.”
The voluntary workouts will continue throughout the next four weeks before the mandatory minicamp kicks off June 11.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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