Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jayden Daniels connect for a TD at Commanders camp, July 28. See how Dan Quinn's team is building intensity for the 2024 NFL season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The sound of pads popping echoed through Ashburn on Monday, but the loudest noise came from a 25-yard touchdown connection between Jayden Daniels and Deebo Samuel Sr. On Day 5 of training camp, the Commanders' vision for 2025 started to come into focus, with explosive plays on offense and bone-jarring intensity on defense setting the tone for what promises to be a grueling and competitive August.
A perfect 25-yard touchdown strike from Jayden Daniels to Deebo Samuel Sr. during 11-on-11s offered a tantalizing glimpse of the offense's potential.
It was the play of the day and one fans have been dreaming of since the offseason. During a full-team drill, Jayden Daniels dropped back and lofted a perfect spiral to Deebo Samuel Sr., who hauled it in for a 25-yard score. It's exactly the kind of dynamic playmaking this offense needs. After practice, Samuel Sr. spoke about his transition to Washington, emphasizing his excitement to be a versatile 'offensive weapon' who can be used all over the field. He's not just a receiver; he's a game-changer, and today's practice was a clear demonstration of that.
Before the pads started cracking, Head Coach Dan Quinn set the stage, stressing the importance of fundamentals and intense competition. That philosophy was on full display. The defense flew around the ball, with young defensive back Trey Amos noting the significant step up in intensity. Amos, who is adjusting from the college game, talked about building chemistry with his new teammates and embracing the daily grind. This is the competitive atmosphere Quinn wants, where every rep matters and every roster spot is earned, not given.
Nowhere is the competition fiercer than in the trenches. Rookie offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. saw significant action with the second unit behind Andrew Wylie, a clear sign the coaching staff wants to see what he can do. His 'welcome to the NFL' moment came in the form of several pass-rushing reps against future Hall of Famer Von Miller, now sporting number 24. While it's a tough matchup for any rookie, these are the battles that accelerate development and separate the contenders from the pretenders in the fight for a roster spot.
While it's only Day 5, the pieces are starting to fit. The offense is showing flashes of explosiveness, the defense is playing with a palpable edge, and young players are being tested against the best. The real test is still to come, with the first preseason game against the Patriots looming on the horizon. But for now, the Commanders are building a foundation, one padded practice at a time, with the goal of staying atop the NFC East when the games truly count.
