ASHBURN, Va. — Each day is a building block for the Washington Commanders. One of those building blocks is accountability. It's a word we have heard a lot under the new regime, and something that has been lacking in the past. But as Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) continued at the Commanders training facility in Ashburn, the team was getting the message.
Rookies and veterans hit the field together for the first time on Tuesday. There was a lot to process for the rookies, and even for the veterans, who are dealing with an entirely new coaching staff.
"They're trying to learn the learners," said head coach Dan Quinn. "Not everybody does it in the same space, and not everybody does it in the same way. There are some fantastic teachers out here on the grass."
Learning to forget about last season is also part of it. To a man, both veteran players and new additions, they know Quinn is setting the tone.
"The ownership that Coach Quinn is putting on the players to really mold this to our image and where we want this thing to go... It's really going be something that the players can really hold each other accountable to, the standards are very clear," said new Commanders tight end Zach Ertz.
Tackle Sam Cosmi said the players on the field are driven to succeed.
"Our mindset is to be champions, to emphasize that a lot more. That's what we're doing," he said.
Receiver Jahan Dotson has noticed a shift in the mood around the team, too.
"Right now I feel like the coaches are doing a great job with the morale of the team. Making sure that every day we walk into the building, we walk in with a purpose. It seems like everyone has a smile on their face all day. Honestly, it's contagious," Dotson said.
Punter Tress Way wore No. 10 Tuesday. It's not his final number. He says he is waiting a while to figure out just what he will end up with after agreeing to let new quarterback Jayden Williams wear the No. 5 jersey.