Washington Commanders coaches hogged the spotlight before Tuesday’s OTA practice, but the players got their turn with reporters after the session ended. Five players got official press conferences, and we’ve got soundbites from another five that got tracked down on the practice field. We will be breaking down some of those player interviews over the next few days, as we prepare for next week’s mandatory minicamp. Then the long trip into the NFL desert begins as the players get a break before training camp in late July.
Frankie Luvu, Nick Cross, Rachaad White, Nick Allegretti, and Tress Way got the official pressers, and each of them provided some insights into the masfive changes that have taken place this offseason.
Luvu is stepping up with Bobby Wagner gone, and looked back at improvements he needs to make from ladt year’s disappointing season. Cross talked about his versatility, and his desire to play any role needed in Daronte Jones new scheme. Rachaad White is accepting the fact that he’s an NFL veteran RB now, and he can help the younger guys, while still having an important role in the offense. Nick Allegretti said he’s always been a center, and he loves the cerebral aspect of the position. Tress Way gave his insights into the brewing kicking battle between incumbent Jake Moody and rookie Drew Stevens.
Johnny Newton, Jeremy McNichols, Luke McCaffrey, Van Jefferson, and Josh Conerly Jr got caught on the field to give some insights into their offseason, and what they expect from the Commanders this season. Jeremy McNichols and Luke McCaffrey talked about the competition at their respective positions, and Van Jefferson was asked about his new QB, Jayden Daniels. Josh Conerly Jr lost some “baby fat” since his rookie year. Everyone’s been noticing and he talked his body transformation, eating right, and preparing for his second year in the NFL after playing every snap his rookie season.
Johnny Newton revealed that the defensive linemen loved Javon Kinlaw’s “We got some motherf***ers now” interview last week, and said the D.C. native is usually quieter.
Playing within the scheme:
Sitting in on the QB/C meetings last season:
Preparing body for Year 2:
Dan Quinn calling the team out: