ASHBURN, Va. — It’s Day 8 of Camp Commanders, players and fans turned out in force for another day of training camp. Friday’s practice was brutally hot and humid with temperatures reaching into the mid-90s amid a head advisory.
During a press conference Friday morning, Coach Dan Quinn said intensity and physicality are picking up as the team is less than one week away from their first pre-season game against the Jets.
Quinn praised the team working together and said he’s noticing their communication getting stronger, which is showing promise through performance on the field.
When asked when the team will be ready to play, he said he’s looking for sustained focus from players. He said it’s stressful on the players because there’s more to do, more to learn, and he plans to keep pushing players to their full potential.
New this year is a one-hour recovery period implemented for players.
“If we were going to really empty it out and practice really hard, the message was that we are going to recover really hard to make sure that they’re bodies are coming back,” said Coach Quinn.
And the players seem to be supportive of the new hour recovery rule. Rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey says it’s becoming part of the teams process, and focusing on recovery will make their game stronger overall.
“As a receiver you do a lot of stuff with your legs to keep them loose keep them light so you can come out here and compete as hard as you can every single day,” said McCaffrey.
Offensive Guard Mason Brooks talked about the amount of choices the players have for recovery during the hour.
“I often find myself in the boots recovering or getting in the cold tubs or hot tub- they have so many options, yoga, acupuncture, cryo which is a nice new addition that the new ownership and staff have brought in,” said Brooks.
And Offensive Tackle Trent Scott says the payoff from the recovery hour is going to make a big difference on the field, he praised the new management team for giving them the option.
“Recovery is a big part of performance so him giving us that extra time to focus on that, you going to see a lot of benefit out of that,” said Scott.
Fans were out in full force today despite the scorching temperatures. Many of them got creative with umbrellas and fans to try and stay cool.
The American Military Retirees Association came out to camp today as well, one of their members had a special award to give one of the players.
Team Captain, Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin was presented with the Leadership excellence award. The first ever given out by the Army’s top two leadership clubs.
It honors McLaurins commitment to leadership and also honored him with a ceremonial bronze star medal.
WUSA9 caught up with Rookie Receiver Luke McCaffrey, he praised McLaurin’s leadership and says the award was well deserved.
“It’s meant so much, he’s the ultimate pro and that’s what I’m so appreciative of- his routine, his process is so fine-tuned and yet he still finds time to help lead the young guys,” said McCaffrey.
Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage of the Commanders as they prepare for their first preseason game against the Jets on Aug. 10.