Commanders training camp video shows just how much of a difference the coaching staff can make in 2024 and beyond
A really key, yet underrated/mostly unrecognized aspect of the new Washington Commanders coaching staff is the experience throughout. It all ranges from former players to former head coaches that led their respective playoffs, and more. There are diverse backgrounds, in terms of systems and philosophies, as well. All of that was part of the plan when […]
A really key, yet underrated/mostly unrecognized aspect of the new Washington Commanders coaching staff is the experience throughout. It all ranges from former players to former head coaches that led their respective playoffs, and more.
There are diverse backgrounds, in terms of systems and philosophies, as well. All of that was part of the plan when general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn took over. They wanted a challenging, open-minded environment that allows everyone to grow, as much as possible.
Washington Post reporter Nicki Jhabvala was able to capture the coaching staff in action during Thursday's practice and showed off defensive line coach Darryl Tapp's and assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd's ability to immediately make a positive difference/impact on Commanders defensive lineman John Ridgeway III.
A to Z Pittsburgh's Rob Gregson was nice enough to explain what is going on in the video and how it helped Ridgeway:
In the clip, the Commanders coaching staff is showing why the feet and hands of a defensive lineman have to work in unison. Ridgeway’s base is constricted in the first clip, so his hands only attack a corner of the offensive lineman.
Once his base is widened (albeit very slightly) by Coach Floyd, Ridgeway now has a bigger target area out of his get off, attacking the full chest of the lineman like Coach Tapp wanted. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Pittsburgh
Tapp and Floyd are both former players that were taken in the second- and first-round, respectively. Tapp played 12 seasons in the NFL, while Floyd was in the league for four – injuries cut his career short. This is Floyd's second year coaching defensive line at an NFL level and Tapp's fourth. Floyd worked with Quinn in 2023, whereas Tapp coached with the 49ers from 2021-2023, and that's obviously where the Peters connection comes in.
It all starts in practice. As cliche as that is, it's also 100% true. And while this is only one video, if things are getting done the right way like above, then the Commanders will certainly take some important steps forward in 2024.
