New Feel to Washington Commanders Practice Evident From Start of Rookie Minicamp

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn's influence is already being felt as the team completed its first rookie minicamp.

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn during the NFL Scouting / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Commanders rookie minicamp presented an opportunity for the newest players on the roster to get their first NFL experience, but it was also the first chance we got to witness how new head coach Dan Quinn's arrival will impact on-field football operations.

To put it lightly, Quinn's arrival - along with that of his coaching staff - has put a significantly different spin on the way the Commanders are preparing their players on the practice field.

READ MORE: Commanders Rookies Jayden Daniels and Luke McCaffrey in NFL Rookie Premiere

It doesn't take long to notice the changes in Washington either, as the team gets the blood flowing and competition roaring with a lively drill that is as effective as it is simple in nature.

“We call that bags," Quinn said about the drill. "It's just a way to bring energy to start something. We don't want to walk in our way to anything so that's why we have walkthroughs and other things in classroom settings but that kind of sets the intention of what we're going to do. And so, it's just a way to express yourself to, ‘Hey man, I'm here to go get it on.’"

The Washington Commanders are getting practice started these days with their 'bags drill' - a good way of getting the blood flowing and competition fired up. Coach Dan Quinn said its, "a way to bring energy to start something." pic.twitter.com/maoXOEZDJi

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) May 13, 2024

From there the competition only continues into practice, and a deliberate practice that is. There's no wasted moments and even water breaks are done with purpose.

READ MORE: Commanders Biggest Remaining Need

All of that brings about an efficient manner of practicing that ensures each moment is used with a purpose in mind and productivity the goal.

Bottom line, this new up-tempo way of practicing in Washington is the latest change being felt around the organization these days. The hope is changes in the win-loss columns are soon to follow.

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