It was a fascinating first week of training camp for the Washington Commanders. And aside from one major distraction, everything went according to plan.
This is the bedding-in period for players and coaches alike. The tempo gradually ramps up, leading into padded practices. These are always the best measuring sticks to see what the Commanders have and what more might be needed to mount another deep playoff run in 2025.
Dan Quinn and his exceptional coaching staff must be thrilled with the way things are going so far. Players are coming to the fore. Injuries have been avoided. Others are cementing their respective statuses, as a select few are already fighting losing battles. The table has been set for when physicality rises, and those struggling right now face a race against time to turn the tide.
Big things are expected of the Commanders this season. They are aiming to prove their phenomenal early success under Quinn can be sustained. And make no mistake, there is no room for passengers going through the motions at camp.
With this in mind, here are four winners and one loser from Washington’s first week of training camp.
Winners and losers from Week 1 of Commanders 2025 training camp
Winner No. 1
Mike Sainristil – Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders’ defensive backs wasted no time in stamping their authority on training camp. And unsurprisingly, there is one player arguably shining above all else.
Mike Sainristil enjoyed a phenomenal rookie campaign. It went overlooked compared to quarterback Jayden Daniels’ heroics, but it was extremely impressive when one considers the pre-draft concerns about his size and the fact that he had to switch from his preferred spot in the nickel to the boundary.
With some impressive offseason additions all hitting the ground running, it has allowed Sainristil to switch back to the slot. This is the position where he starred for the Michigan Wolverines en route to a college football national championship. It’s also where he flashed significant promise as a rookie before Joe Whitt Jr. had to pivot.
Sainristil has been nothing short of outstanding at training camp so far. The defensive back looks assured in coverage, anticipating things well and converting opportunities into turnovers. There’s a swagger to his approach that’s hard not to love, and his friendly battle with Daniels is helping both reach new heights.
The second-year pro showcased his dependability on countless occasions last season. Sainristil is a stud in every sense of the term. If the same trend continues into the regular season, he’ll cement his status as a franchise cornerstone.
Be the first to comment