Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed the media before practice on Aug. 4. Here is a full transcript of the press conference.
Opening Statement: "Alright, good morning everybody. Yesterday we had, in our language we call it a mock game. And really the purpose of that is to put it to a test a little bit on where you're at, rules, and assignments, and situations, and game and clock management. So, sidelines, substitutions to work it all out to see where you're at. It's a good session to go through and then we'll go right back to it today. Padded work, line of scrimmage day, big team run spots and one-on-ones down in the red zone. So, [it'll be] a good day. But I was pleased with our first look at what a mock game is and the purpose behind it. It's kind of like all of us studying for an exam. You got your stuff down, now you're ready to move it on. With all that said, let's get it rocking."
On the signing of DT Taylor Stallworth and the release of CB Christian Holmes and on if this is related to DT Jer'Zhan Newton's status:
"Yeah, the terms become more popular as we hear, like load management and stuff. And certainly, for somebody coming off an injury, you're trying to find the right levers to make sure, what's enough? How much to push, when to pull back. Because there's certainly some days even when you may not see [Newton], he is doing extra field work to keep strength, keep conditioning to go to that. So yes, definitely a part of that interior. Just thinking long term with some of the guys. And [DT] Jon as well, Allen, that we limit him some as we're going through it. Made sense to do that."
On the challenge posed for a defense when a quarterback and wide receiver are in sync:
"Quite a bit because that type of connection, not all routes thrown to somebody are the same. I probably learned that during my time in Atlanta with [QB] Matt Ryan and [WR] Julio [Jones]. There were certain throws that were to Julio that were a little bit different based on his unique size and speed that would go. And [WR] Terry [McLaurin] has some of those same things. The deep ball to him isn't the same as the next one. So, that type of connection certainly matters. The other part that it can happen in a game, a look, a quick signal. Those are the times that you've spent a lot of time and hours together. So yeah, it's very cool to see that connection go. I've said it before, Terry's such a pro, man. When he steps out in that arena, you know how he gets down, and it's been excellent for [QB] Jayden [Daniels] to have a person like Terry to lean into."
On the pre-draft criticism that Daniels couldn't throw inside and on how he's looked in that area so far:
"Yeah, for us maybe some of the things we didn't see at LSU, they had an excellent offense. Obviously, just look at the numbers, movements, and keepers to get the ball outside. I remember talking to [LSU Head] Coach [Brian] Kelly about that and 'Yeah, he can do it, we just, we didn't have that, there's only so much he can do.' So, seeing him add stuff to the thing. We knew creating. Getting out of the pocket throwing, so that part would come alive once the keepers and the play pass that would go with it. We've been pleased. It's the decision making that maybe I've been really impressed by, where to go. Not just the throwing but playing the position."
On Daniels' field vision:
"I thought that was strong going in. Where you saw the connection with him and the receivers from LSU and you heard about the work that they put in together to achieve that kind of success throwing the ball. All the different layers of throws, deep balls, crossers, out of the backfield, all of those matter and you work on all of them at different times. And then the decision-making process, that's a whole different part of it. 'This coverage goes to here, this look goes to here, I got a matchup I want, I go to here.' So, there's your skill work and then the processing work and the processing part for him has been excellent."
On what they get out of the joint practices:
"A lot. I think one, you get some evaluations against different people in different situations. This rusher, this defense, this front, this look, those are the things that you like when you're seeing a matchup. It's not necessarily scheme related, it's just seeing. I'm looking forward to seeing [T] Brandon Coleman, they've got some good rushers on the outside and what a good test for him. It's like a small example like that to say, alright, whether it's their defense, our offense, our offense, however that goes. The balance of it. That's usually what I'm looking for in that spot. In some instances, it's even better than the games because as coaches we can script with their guys, 'Hey, I'd like to see this matchup. Yep, good with that, let's call this.' So, having that type of conversation helps a lot. Having the ability to communicate with [Jets Head Coach] Robert [Salah] and [Jets Offensive Coordinator] Nathaniel [Hackett] and [Jets Defensive Coordinator Jeff] Ulbrich that helps. Because then, [Offensive Coordinator] Kliff [Kingsbury] and [Defensive Coordinator] Joe [Whitt Jr.] and the guys, we could all be on the same page. 'Yep. Want to see this, want to see that.' And that's how we all get better."
On if Daniels will play in the first preseason game:
"Yes."
On is he's seen the rapport between Daniels and QB Sam Hartman:
"I have, and it really is a special group that's together. It's [QB] Jeff [Driskel], it's [QB] Marcus [Mariota], it's Sam, it's Jayden. So, the fact that they knew each other prior to coming, that helps. It's like you're going to your first day of school, but you knew your friend that was coming with you. There's some comfort in knowing that you've been through a similar process. They're both rookies together. They had the same training out in California. That does help. Sam's [had] a remarkable work ethic, finding ways, finding an edge, after, early. I've been really impressed by him so far. Wanting to throw it, DB's, or 'Hey, we need this specific look for a DB or a corner. I got it, I got it.' I've been super impressed by that. That's a big transition for somebody going from where you took every rep through his time at Wake [Forest] and Notre Dame to now where you're not. We were really clear with him upfront about what that development would look like and the times that he's performed in practice, I've been really pleased with what we've seen."
On G Nick Allegretti:
"Yeah, I've been really pleased with him because he can also play two spots. We've worked him at guard, but he can also back-up at center and so the combination with him outside, he's really detailed on his stuff. Being next to Brandon in that space, that's been excellent. The combination blocks, the things to work. He's really been off to a good start. So, new interior at center and at guard, so working those combinations. Also, with [C] Tyler [Biadasz] too, and so he's off to a good start. He's got real communication and leading skills to him."
On how he determines the optimal workload for a player:
"It depends on who it is. If you were coming back off an injury, there's kind of like a return to play format. It also depends on the position they play. So, let's say for instance a corner, your workload and yards, you need more, not less. You may even see at times if, just for instance, you were playing corner and let's say you only got five reps on the day, you may need more conditioning post-practice. For the player that really hit a high mark on one day and we were wanting him to hit it, you may not go back as high the next day. So, most of it is related around soft tissue injuries. I think the staff here has done a good job with that, knowing that's usually something that can set you back in a training camp. Everybody's pushing, everybody's going. So, managing that fine line, that's important. But I would say it's not one size fits all based on injury, age, recovery, position. And so that's what makes the puzzle so hard with 90 players. We have a meeting at night and then again in the morning just to reset what we're looking for from the guys at practice."
On if sometimes less work is better:
"I think you probably need a combination of both. And why do I say that? The hard does help because you do have to get ready to play more reps, more plays. I think in the past, we always went, if one's good then two practices are better. It was like, let's just do more. And so, finding ways to have a high volume followed by a lower, to an average, to a high. You're trying not to go back-to-back highs. That's where somebody could be vulnerable for a pull. So, it makes sense, but you do need the hard days too. The main thing that I try to communicate with the players, 'You manage the focus, I'll manage your reps.' That way every day they come out, they don't have to think, 'Hey, I'm going less today,' or that it's, 'Hey man, you take care of you going forward and I'll take care of the reps and the workload of where we're at.' And so today, we'll be higher and so there'll be more reps. You've probably seen some that felt lower or quicker, but that was by design to make sure that we're keeping these guys healthy. That's the number one goal, is entering into the season, healthy and rock solid."
On the decision to have Daniels play in the first preseason game:
"I think we probably said it all along. There's been a whole process, it's not been a secret at all. But a process of how we're going to go and get guys ready. And so, the games are important to go and play and get ready. Not just with Jayden, but with everybody. Doesn't mean we would play the same exact style that we may play during the regular season, but being in the game, the officials, the communication, working it through, there's a lot of important elements for a lot of guys. Even as you get into the preseason game, just because you play some doesn't mean you're playing all."
On where he's seen the most growth from the team during training camp:
"Awesome question. I think the growth that I've seen is probably in the situation work. We've worked hard on that side of things, end of the game, end of the half, and we have some more up today. But we want to make it where those plays are as familiar as a call that we would make on first down, or second down on offense, or defense or on special teams because when those moments come, you want to make them feel as normal as possible and you go execute and focus like you would. So, I would say that would be one thing that I've been certainly impressed with. The second thing you want to see is communication continue to ramp up and by this time almost, I'd say 75% of the package is in. So, now that should even go further over the weeks ahead."
On TE Ben Sinnott:
"I've been impressed by Ben. I thought he would be excellent in the run game. I thought that would be one of his marks that he would really hit and be good in that spot, and he has been. What I've been most impressed by is his ability on some contested catches. Sometimes you look for that in one-on-ones. How's it going to go in the NFL? There's so many man or man-like defenses where you stay attached to somebody. If you and I were going for the same ball, can I go and get that contested catch to bring it in? And that was part of his game. I wasn't sure. To see him fight and compete for these close catches that could go either way, I think for all the young players coming in, that's one of the big pieces and he's done a good job with that. So, I'm really excited to see where he goes. It's a nice balance having [TE] Zach [Ertz] there, having him there. Learn, watch, see some things that are good. And [TE John] Bates has been good for him as well, to see two guys who are really intentional about their practice, I like it. And Ben's got a lot to prove in a good way and I see that coming out of him too. That type of confidence and competition."
On what he's seen from Newton over the past few days:
"Yeah, and referring back to earlier, what's the right amount of pushing these levers to? Too much too soon? So, we will hold him today and then we'll assess where we go, but we're still trying to work through that. Man, do you feel his speed. That's the thing that jumped out to me for a big guy. I saw him chasing [QB] Marcus [Mariota] down the sideline once, another time running with a tight end. He has the speed of more like a defensive end, but the size of a big guy. So, we're really excited about him. But I think what we'll see over the next two, three weeks for him is ramp up, back off, ramp up, back off. We're not going to miss one step with him. It's really important that we just keep stacking to where to go."
