Ashburn VA- The Washington Commanders started the full 2026 Off Season program on Tuesday with Organized Team Activities (OTA’s). The best thing about this these are voluntary however the Commanders had a 100% attendance on Tuesday. That in itself is massive and shows that all on the roster are bought in to the team and the work that needs to be done. While OTA’s can show limited information, the overall mentality can be shown. Today we were able to get flashes about both sides direction in 2026. Here are my observations of the day:
Offense
- Under Center-Â The most obvious observation is the Quarterback under center. In David Blough’s offense there is seems to be a focus of the QB being under center. Also noticed a few West Coast wrinkles. Both Jayden Daniels and Sam Cosmi were asked about terminology of the play calls and both said they were a tad wordy but not bad. This matters as the team will huddle more and communication of plays will be key. This should be exciting as the offense will be more diverse in its formations.
- Terry’s Back-Â Terry McLaurin, free of his contract dispute, looked fast, quick, and comfortable with Jayden. He had a few catches on the day which shows why he is a top end wide receiver. The more Terry and Jayden are together, the better any offense will be.
- Running Backs are good- Each running back has a different skill set which will help the offense. Rachaad White will probably be RB1 had good vision and pass catching ability. Bill Croskey-Merritt will be the change of pace back. With more under center these backs will get better opportunities in running the ball.
- Tight Ends-Â Just observation but I believe we will see more 12 personnel this season. The versatility of the group will allow Chig Okonkwo to line up all over the place with Bates and Sinnott being more inline Tight Ends. Something to watch.
- Need Another WR?-Â Terry is Terry but who else stands out? Dyami Brown looks bigger but kept his speed and his report with Jayden is still there. Treylon Burks has good size and showed some speed but can he be consistent? Antonio Williams looks solid but is smaller. I believe the Washington still needs to add one more receiver. Who that is remains to be seen,
Defense
- Tall-Â First thing you notice about the revamped defensive front is size. They are tall which shows what new coordinator Daronte Jones is looking for. Defenses like Philly, has massive fronts which disrupt games. Expect that to be the plan for this defense.
- 4-3 or 3-4?-Â The answer is a hybrid. And that comes to main thought of the defense, multiple. All players are expected to play in multiple places which means formations are multiple. I saw 4-3 looks, 3-4 looks, 3-3-5 looks, and more. Coach Jones will find ways to get disrupters and athletes on the field. So expect the defense to be fluid.
- Safety the weakness? The defensive lines and linebackers positions were rebuilt, but the secondary might be the biggest question. Will Nick Cross lineup with Will Harris? Who plays corner with Trey Amos on the opposite side? Does Mikey play outside or inside? This is the questions to be answered in training camp.
Special Teams
- Kicker Battle-Â In a very important battle for the kicker, Drew Stevens laid the first marker over Jake Moody. Stevens went 6-6 in his attempts regularly hitting the wall behind the goalposts. Moody went 5-6 making his ling but missing a mid 40 yarder. Stevens is a rookie but has a cannon of a foot. If his accuracy is good then there is no way Washington can let him leave.
