Commanders defense brings the juice on Day 3 as camp energy surges

The headlines may go to Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin, but Dan Quinn is a defensive coach.

Quinn knows full well that if the Washington Commanders intend to dethrone the Philadelphia Eagles this season, the defense has to step up. To that end, Adam Peters brought in several players this offseason who figure to have prominent roles on the defensive side of the ball.

Early in training camp, the desired results are coming.

Commanders' defense dominated throughout Day 3 of training camp

Veterans and youngsters alike have been drawing praise from the coaches and the media in attendance. Some were here last season. Others are new. But they all seem to be hitting it hard right from the start of camp.

The secondary, which struggled mightily throughout Ron Rivera’s final three years, seems to be on the verge of total reinvention. Both Mike Sainristil and Tyler Owens snagged interceptions during 11-on-11 drills, as did rookie Trey Amos, on Day 3 of camp. And takeaways change everything.

At his press conference, Quinn praised the speed and professionalism of veteran free-agent signing Jonathan Jones. If all goes according to plan, the two-time Super Bowl winner may end up as the fourth corner after Marshon Lattimore, Amos, and Sainsristil. He already looks like an upgrade over many of the players who started for the Commanders over the past few seasons.

Second-year phenom Owens has been taking snaps with the first-teamers, both at safety and in the nickel. He was a stand-out on special teams last season and seems poised to make the jump to playing meaningful snaps on defense in 2025.

Quan Martin continues his development into a free safety who can play all over the field. Joe Whitt Jr. did a sensational job with the Dallas Cowboys' secondary coaching under Quinn. Now, he appears to be instilling the same aggressive, ball-hawking style of play in Washington’s gifted secondary defenders.

And after wandering through a linebacking wasteland for many years, the Commanders now boast two future Pro Football Hall of Famers at the position. Newly acquired Von Miller is already drawing rave reviews, and Bobby Wagner never seems to slow down.

Wagner, who has not been known for his pass coverage in recent years, also had a pick on a pass intended for tight end Zach Ertz on Day 3. And close friend Daniels heard about it.

The defensive intensity has a ripple effect throughout the roster. Not only does it almost automatically increase the urgency with which the offense practices, it also has tangible benefits for some of the Commanders' younger players.

Daniels has already noted how much he is learning from the way Wagner processes on defense. He has begun forging a similar bond with Miller to take his game up another notch in Year 2.

It isn’t all that unusual for defenses to begin training camp ahead of offenses. Kliff Kingsbury's unit needs reps to develop its timing. Still, seeing so many big, fast defenders make so many plays early on has to put a smile on Quinn’s face, and should have fans excited for what is to come.

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