Hogs Haven
Washington’s training camp has become a peer-to-peer learning laboratory, which can have a positive impact on both the older and younger players.
The Commanders have constructed the oldest roster in the NFL, a point accentuated by the addition of 36-year-old pass rusher Von Miller on the eve of training camp. Their extreme experience has contributed to an unseen yet powerful force: The Commanders’ facility doubles as a peer-to-peer football learning center.
Almost every Washington position group includes an elder veteran capable of leading and teaching. At edge rusher, linebacker, tight end, quarterback, offensive line, cornerback and running back, at least one Commanders player is entering at least his ninth NFL season. The sprinkling of veterans across the roster seems like a product of grand design. General Manager Adam Peters insisted it is only a coincidental benefit of seeking the best possible talent.
“People thought we brought them in to be coaches on the field, and certainly they are,” Peters said. “They pass along a ton of knowledge, not just to the guys in their position group but the guys across the whole defense and offense. Those guys are still really, really good players. Whether they’re 22 or 35, if they can help us win, we’re going to bring them in.”
However it happened, the Commanders’ abundance of veterans has led to an uncommonly collaborative team. Between plays at practice, clusters of players discuss what occurred. After practice, veterans take rookies aside for one-on-one technique instruction. Coach Dan Quinn said those sessions occur organically, but he also places great value on them and fosters those interactions.
“That type of connection of player-to-player, it’s really, really strong,” Quinn said.
The flow of knowledge crosses over the line of scrimmage. Last week, Coleman struggled to block sixth-year defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw during an 11-on-11 session. Afterward, Kinlaw explained what he saw Coleman do wrong and tutored him on how to take better angles and counter his power.
“It’s not just that he might beat me and then he just talks mess or whatever,” Coleman said. “Obviously, we do that. But it’s also like, we go at it during the whistle, and afterward it’s like: ‘This is what I saw. I attacked you here. This is what I’m giving you.’ … We’re always in constant communication about what to work on.”
How much has this franchise transformed?
Consider this: This season is the first since 2017 in which Washington will have the same Week 1 starting quarterback that it did the season before. Eight years, 13 starting quarterbacks.
The team released its first unofficial depth chart on Monday, a league-mandated list that rarely reflects the first 53-man roster at the conclusion of the preseason.
In short: Don’t read too much into this one. There are, however, some notable takeaways.
• Quinn’s everyone-competes...
