Commanders coaches warn players to stay locked in or pay the price

Washington Commanders players are now heading in different directions after their offseason program concluded. However, two respected coaches left no doubt regarding the expectations placed on each of them in the weeks leading up to training camp.

This is not a holiday. There is still a job to do.

The Commanders have a real shot at making another deep postseason run in 2025. That's the new standard set during an unbelievable first season under head coach Dan Quinn's guidance. Ensuring this success doesn't become fleeting is the next, and far more testing, challenge.

Commanders players urged to keep standards high in the weeks leading into training camp

According to team writer Zach Selby, linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. and personnel analyst Wes Welker delivered an emphatic message to the players before they left the facility. This centered on how to approach their work heading into camp and the importance of being ready for the moment when it arrives.

Prior to the players breaking for the end of practice, linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. and personnel analyst Wes Welker gave them some advice for how to approach the dead period. Norton told the players to always be prepared for their moment, because they never know when it's going to happen. Welker talked about "winning time moments," saying they were why it is so important to train at this time of year. He told them to always be ready for those moments because they can make a significant difference in games.Zach Selby via Commanders.com

Nothing worth having comes easy. Putting in the hard yards now will stand the players in tremendous stead when training camp and the regular season arrive. And for those looking for bigger roles or to make the team, it could be the difference between success and failure.

Spending time with their loved ones is important. And some relaxation is pivotal before a grueling few months. Even so, there must be the right balance. Those who come into camp out of shape or unprepared are going to get found out in the worst way.

Looking at the culture shift installed by Quinn and the professional purpose of the locker room, complications should be minimal. This is a self-policing group who have a common goal in mind. Standards won't be slipping away from the team. Everyone will be doing what's required to hit the ground running at camp and beyond.

Norton and Welker have been around for a long time. They command respect. If the players had any sense, they would heed their advice.

Otherwise, the ramifications will be severe.

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