Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images
ASHBURN, VA - JULY 23 : Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, left, and general manager Adam Peters during a press conference on the upcoming training camp in Ashburn, VA on July 23, 2023. (Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders cut down to their final 53-man roster and built out their practice squad, leaving fans with plenty to analyze. For coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, the excitement comes not only from the talent on the roster but also from the way the team has grown together. Both leaders believe the Commanders have assembled a group that can win now and sustain a strong identity throughout the season.
Peters emphasized how impressed he is with the overall makeup of the roster. “Yeah. Gosh, I could probably go through the whole roster and tell you something I like about every single guy on there and every single guy we have on the practice squad as well, but I just, the depth, I think the depth is better, upfront on both sides,” Peters said. “Just bringing in some guys who are really complementary through free agency, through the draft, that really fit in with what we’re doing. So just the identity of the team overall without having to single out anybody, just the overall identity and competitiveness that every player has on this team, and really kind of fits in with what we’re looking for as competitors.”
That depth is something Washington has lacked in recent years, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. Peters and Quinn addressed that weakness by adding veterans and carefully selecting rookies who can compete right away. Building trenches with toughness has been one of the top priorities, and now both leaders believe the foundation is in place.
Quinn Praises Veteran Leadership and Team Connection
While Peters focused on depth and roster construction, Quinn highlighted another vital aspect: leadership and chemistry. The Commanders have brought in proven veterans like linebacker Von Miller, and last season, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and tight end Zach Ertz to strengthen not just the roster but the culture of the locker room.
“A lot of things I would say it’s good,” Quinn explained. “It’s, I love that we’ve added some players like Von Miller, you don’t have to sign one. He’s a multiplier by the way he connects to others in the room and standards, and that’s no different than Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, and some others. But there’s a lot of things that we love about this team. Like to have this many guys want to come back and be a part of the practice squad after Adam and I sitting in front of ‘em on a tough day that speaks to their regard for one another and knowing that they want to be a part of it.”
That willingness from players to return to Washington, even after tough roster decisions, says a lot about the culture being built. Quinn said it best: “And so, I thought what the players have built here together is pretty special. And that doesn’t happen that often. And to see that many people want to come back and be a part of it and like, not even any hesitation, man, there’s a real connection. When a team’s connected, you got a chance to do some good things.”
Building Toward a Competitive Season
The Commanders’ leadership is confident that the roster is stronger than it has been in years. The combination of depth, veteran leadership, and young players eager to contribute gives the team a balance that can sustain through the grind of an NFL season. Perhaps more importantly, Quinn and Peters see a team that is not just built on paper but one that plays for each other and embraces the collective mission.
Washington fans have reasons to be optimistic. An exciting new era continues, led by a front office and coaching staff that believes in the group they have assembled. If the energy and confidence coming from Quinn and Peters reflect what is happening inside the locker room, then the Commanders could be one of the clear Super Bowl-caliber teams this season.