Insider notes from Commanders training camp: Why Dan Quinn is worried about Jayden Daniels' blind side 

With Week 1 of the preseason upon us, it’s time to check in with the Washington Commanders. As previously reported, the changes made by new owner Josh Harris have resulted in a positive attitude around the franchise. One of those positive changes has been the hiring of head coach Dan Quinn.

From all conversations with people in the organization and those close to the team, Dan Quinn's hire has been a popular decision. Quinn has built a terrific staff, the players are gravitating towards him, and people feel that even in the difficult moments, he’s a coach that will never lose the locker room. Quinn is definitely steering the ship in Washington, and the team feels he’s the type of coach who will be better the second time around. During his first stint as head coach, he led the Atlanta Falcons to Super Bowl LI and a playoff appearance the following season before being fired in 2020.

NFL: Washington Commanders OTA - Source: Imagn

Inside Commanders training camp

Contrary to my report on Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday, Quinn has run short, crisp practices and is not overworking his players, something that has further endeared him to the roster.

And while people are fawning over the coaching staff as well as the front office, the buzz continues to build around the Commanders quarterback of the future, Jayden Daniels.

Daniels has been running with the ones in practice and looks like he’ll be the starter Week 1. Sources report that Daniels’ preparation each day in practice has been fantastic, and he continues to impress with his ability to mentally grasp the playbook and his assignments. A source close to Daniels said the quarterback is “having fun and doing what he does.”

Marcus Mariota, signed in free agency as the potential early-season starter, seems to be the odd man out and is not part of the conversation these days.

There is concern over the offensive line and the inconsistent play of the unit the past few weeks, something that could determine whether the team puts Daniels behind center come Week 1.

The team hoped Brandon Coleman, selected in the third round last April, would start the season at the all-important left tackle spot and protect Daniels’ blind side. Yet Coleman has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and is missing critical time. The backup plan would be 10-year veteran Cornelius Lucas, who was re-signed to a one-year deal in March.

Could the Commanders go from a franchise in flux and a four-win team in 2023 to playoff contenders this season? Multiple league insiders feel it’s not out of the question. With questions in the division, surrounding the Eagles and Cowboys, and some not believing in the Giants, there may be a small opening for the Commanders to walk through and play meaningful football in the middle of next January.