Commanders Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn and Zach Ertz on why CULTURE is the difference in DC

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2d ago 27:02

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Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels joins The Athletic's senior NFL insider Dianna Russini on the final day of training camp in Ashburn, VA, to talk about getting ready for the 2025 season.

Jayden talks to Dianna about his growing connection with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and why they are only scratching the surface of what their offense can produce.

Dianna asks Jayden about the optimism surrounding the team despite their best wide receiver still holding in for a new contract. Jayden explains why he’s confident Terry McLaurin will be back on the field soon.

Jayden also opens up about leading a veteran locker room and how he relates to older players.

Dianna asks Jayden about building on his Rookie of the Year season in 2024 and his growth heading into Year 2.

Dianna and Jayden also have some fun to wrap up training camp and hand out some camp superlatives: Most Improved, Biggest Hustler and Biggest Complainer.

Dianna also chats with Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. Quinn discusses building a connected locker room, why he values veteran leaders like Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, and Von Miller and how those voices accelerate the growth of younger players.Russini asks about Quinn's trust in Jayden Daniels as a franchise quarterback, what makes the young QB’s work ethic stand out, and how Daniels has bonded with veteran stars.

Quinn also shares his optimism about Terry McLaurin’s return and how the timing of a potential deal matters for the offense.Quinn opens up about lessons learned from Year 1 to Year 2, the importance of culture over stat sheets, and what separates this Commanders team from any other group he’s coached.Finally, the pair lighten things up, handing out some camp superlatives and Quinn shares his biggest pet peeve away from football.

Dianna catches up with Commanders Zach Ertz. The veteran tight end opens up about the grind of camp, the importance of offensive line improvements, and how new additions like Deebo Samuel are already elevating the offense. He explains why protecting with fewer blockers changes everything for the passing game — and how Washington’s revamped offensive line will unlock more opportunities this year.

Russini asks Ertz about his connection with Daniels, praising his rare ability to lead without ego and hold the locker room to a higher standard. Ertz also shares what it’s like working with Kliff Kingsbury’s evolving playbook, why ball security will be the key to a deep playoff run and his thoughts on the team’s optimism surrounding a potential Terry McLaurin return.

Finally, Ertz previews Washington's Week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, gives his candid scouting report and jokes about hosting a podcast himself one day

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