6 takeaways from first week of Commanders' training camp

The Washington Commanders began training camp last Wednesday and have three practices in the books before getting a day off on Sunday. When Washington returns to the practice field on Monday, players will be in pads for the first time this summer.

Over the first few days of camp, we’ve sensed a common theme: the defense is ahead of the offense. That’s not to say the offense has been bad, but the defense usually looks better in the early stages of camp. Remember, the Commanders have a new offensive coordinator (David Blough) and defensive coordinator (Daronte Jones) who are employing new schemes.

So, with Washington having a day off on Sunday, it feels like the perfect time to look back at the first few days of training camp. Here are six takeaways from the Commanders’ first week of camp.

Early in camp, Jones is throwing a variety of looks at Jayden Daniels and Washington’s offense. It has sometimes been a challenge, especially for the interior of the Commanders’ offensive line. At times, Daniels has had to hold the ball too long, which would be a sack in a real game. However, Daniels has improved each day and hasn’t had a bad practice yet. It’s terrific practice for him. Remember, he’s playing under center exclusively for the first time in a while, and in a new offensive scheme. Every rep for Daniels against multiple and varied looks is a win for the Commanders.

On the first day of practice, Nick Allegretti went down with an injury. Head coach Dan Quinn said Allegretti was dealing with a calf strain and would probably miss a week. In the meantime, Julian Good-Jones is the No. 1 center, with rookie sixth-round pick Matt Gulbin as the backup. It’s led the coaches to have other players, such as Brandon Coleman and Trent Scott, take snaps.

While having backups get some valuable snaps early in camp would normally be a good thing, it’s very concerning. Allegretti, while a reliable veteran lineman, is no sure thing at center. He’s mostly played guard in the NFL. He has played center at times, but has never established himself there. The problem here is that this is a new offense, and Daniels is adjusting to playing under center more consistently. When you throw all of that into a pot, you reach a worrisome conclusion. It doesn’t matter how great the rest of the offensive line is; if Washington struggles at center, that’s a huge problem.

We’ve written multiple times this offseason that center was more of a concern than wide receiver. The Commanders chose not to add another veteran to compete with Allegretti. With all due respect to Good-Jones, Washington can’t go into Week 1 where it’s only one snap away from a catastrophe along the offensive line.

Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic had people talking on Thursday when she made the following post on X.

My assessment of the first two days of Commanders camp: pic.twitter.com/RtTE7ELg5H

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 30, 2026

For those wondering, Jhabvala posted a GIF of free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, indicating that Washington’s receivers not named Terry McLaurin didn’t have a huge start to training camp. It’s not like they’ve been bad, but there have been issues creating separation. The depth is really good, at least compared to last year, but there is still a glaring need for a No. 2 opposite McLaurin. Diggs remains a free agent, too. GM Adam Peters could be waiting to see how Blough’s scheme can create separation, or whether players like Treylon Burks, Antonio Williams, or Dyami Brown give him the confidence not to make a move.

Remember when some criticized the Commanders for giving Oweh a four-year, $100 million deal? In the early days of camp, Oweh has stood out in a big way. He’s big, fast, twitchy, and while he’s fast, it’s not just straight-line speed. Oweh can move side to side with ease and made an impressive play against Daniels on the first day of camp. Oweh and fellow newcomer K’Lavon Chaisson should have an excellent year if they stay healthy. Oweh is coming off his two best seasons and could have a huge year in Jones’ scheme in 2026.

Veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas just signed with the Commanders last month. On Wednesday, he took to the podium and introduced himself. When asked what he brings to the defense, here’s how Douglas responded: “Turnovers. That’s what I do. I get turnovers, so I’m looking to add that to the squad.”

Not only did Douglas have an interception early in camp, but he’s always around the ball. It’s remarkable that a solid veteran cornerback who has played well in recent years was still available. He went from not having a team one month ago to likely being a key part of Washington’s secondary in 2026. The cornerback room suddenly looks much better and deeper after the addition of Douglas.

Terry McLaurin essentially missed all of training camp last summer due to contentious contract negotiations with the Commanders. McLaurin is a team-first guy who doesn’t like to miss anything. The team felt his absence last year. It was even worse when he missed seven games with an injury. McLaurin is Washington’s No. 1 receiver, but he’s also the ultimate leader, teammate and mentor. Quinn couldn’t contain his excitement in seeing McLaurin back on the practice fields and in the meeting rooms. The Commanders need McLaurin.

The eight-year veteran is often spotted working with younger receivers after a play. It’s something he enjoys. He has taken a particular interest in undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley. Last summer, even after coming off a surprising 12-5 season with high hopes, something felt off. McLaurin’s absence was a big reason for those “vibes” being off. He’s back. So is a healthy Daniels, and the roster has added several young and talented players this offseason. This summer, the vibes are all positive. You can see the happiness on McLaurin’s face. Quinn and Daniels, too. McLaurin’s impact on this franchise goes beyond the box score.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 6 takeaways from first week of Commanders’ training camp