A morning roundup of content from the Washington Commanders on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
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Under a new coaching staff, players have cited a different energy at Commanders training camp. That energy was heightened when the Washington Commanders welcomed fans to the Ashburn facility for the first open practice of the season on Sunday.
The vivacious spirit the sold-out crowd brought to the stands was palpable for Head Coach Dan Quinn, who felt the jolt when he arrived to see a line of fans wrapped around the opening gates and into the parking lot hours before the entrances were set to open.
"And it's such a cool reminder to know this historic fan base here and knowing, finally, a real part of that," Quinn said ahead of the open practice. "And so to see that, it definitely brought up a good feeling of what is next here. As far as the energy that happens, it's good because what you want at practice is really getting ready to practice performing. And so the more people, energy, crowd noise of things that can go with that, that's all part of performing. It's a fun part of having that experience."
Quinn also addressed fans directly to express his appreciation for the sea of gold and burgundy before officially kicking off Welcome Back Weekend.
"You're going to see a team that you're going to be really proud of how hard they compete, how hard they battle. They're absolutely going to be going for it so we can't wait to get this whole thing connected with you, with them, home field advantage, everything that we want to create together," he said.
The seeds for growing a reinvigorated fan base were planted this offseason by new General Manager Adam Peters, who worked to get big-name playmakers, such as veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Bobby Wagner and running back Austin Ekeler, to Washington in free agency.
Commanders fans left a positive impression on Mariota, who enjoyed the warm embrace and appreciation he felt from the crowd. Like Quinn, Mariota also felt the energy from the bleachers resonate on the practice field.
"It's awesome to have the fans out here," Mariota said after practice. "It's awesome to feel that energy. And it's also kind of cool for me to see, you know, Hawaii flags. We're all the way here on the East Coast and you have people that are bringing Hawaii flags that are from Hawaii coming to practice. So, it's such a cool event. I think it's awesome for fans to be able to engage with the players and also for us to engage with the fans."
The feeling was mutual among fans in the crowd.
"It's a whole lot more people this time," said Fred Avery, an enthusiastic fan from North Carolina.
"The energy, it's back. The fans are back and involved and engaged," his companion Kaitlyn Williams added.
The two "born and raised" Commanders fans attended training camp last year, and credit much of the revitalization among the crowd to the addition of the veterans, as well as Peters' selection of quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second-overall pick in this year's NFL Draft.
"We've needed a quarterback for so long, and that's what's been holding us back all these years compared to the other teams, especially in our division," Avery said. "You've gotta have a quarterback, that's the most important position on the team. He's here to set the tone."
Emiley Howard of Virginia was also fired up to get a first glimpse of the rookie.
"There's a lot more hype and excitement with Jayden Daniels and kind of having a young team and a lot of new players," she said. "It's our first time getting to see him, and pick number two, that's a big pick."
With all the excitement surrounding Daniels, supporters set their sights on a commonly shared goal for the team this season -- a winning record.
Seeing Daniels in a Commanders' uniform signaled the beginning of a new era for fans with a reignited belief in the team to play winning football. If training camp is any indication of fans' energy and belief in the team, Quinn and his team will establish that home field advantage they're craving on game days.
"I want to see at least 9-8, that's what I'm hoping. Playoffs would be great but 9-8," Avery said. "And we've got to beat the Cowboys!" Williams interjected.
The last time the Commanders had a winning record was in 2016, when they finished 8-7-1. Overcoming Dallas, however, was more recent. Although they were swept by the Cowboys last season, Washington most recently defeated its NFC East rival in 2023. An integral part of achieving fans aspirations for the team, however, is their continued support along the way.
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- Training camp notebook | Newton takes another step in recovery, participates in 11-on-11 work
- Dotson feeling more comfortable in Washington's new offense
- Chris Rodriguez ready to prove himself again in Year 2
- Three standouts from Week 1 of Commanders training camp
- Training camp notebook | Daron Payne loves working with Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell
- Training camp notebook | Jayden Daniels has sharp first day of practice
- Training camp notebook | Focus shifts to line of scrimmage in first padded practice
- Luke McCaffrey leaning on veteran leadership to maximize potential
- Terry McLaurin | 'He naturally has a good feel of where to position the ball'
- Jonathan Allen | 'He's going to challenge us every day'
- HC Dan Quinn | 'He's got such a prove it mentality to him'
