Greater than 12 years later, Shaw remains to be a Washington fan. He tries to journey down yearly for coaching camp, however this yr had a distinct really feel.
It did for Ty Laurie, too. Laurie drove 12 hours from Montreal to have the ability to stand alongside Shaw outdoors the Commanders’ coaching facility at 4:30 a.m. The 2 had been the primary amongst practically 3,000 followers to attend the crew’s first camp observe that was open to the general public, giving them the earliest glimpse of recent quarterback Jayden Daniels — and one among his restricted autographs. (The Commanders restricted the capability to three,000 due to restricted area amid building on the crew facility.)
“It means the whole lot,” Shaw stated. “I really feel like just a little child once more.”
Landon Shaw of Massachusetts (middle) and Ty Laurie of Montreal, Canada (had been the primary in line for Commanders camp right this moment. Shaw drove 6 hours and Laurie 12 hours to be there at 4:30 a.m.
They obtained the final autographs from Jayden Daniels after observe. pic.twitter.com/T9iZeOHWyC
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 28, 2024
Shortly earlier than the Commanders started their 75-minute exercise, Coach Dan Quinn addressed the followers who packed in alongside the observe subject to specific his appreciation. Then he gave his signature “Let’s get it rocking” to kick off a exercise that included the same old array of particular person durations, particular groups work and crew drills — seven-on-seven, 11-on-11 and pink zone.
Though the gang was subdued for a lot of the session, the renewed hope and pleasure had been palpable.
“Actually, I felt it earlier this morning driving in and seeing individuals parking up on the grass to get there early,” Quinn stated. “It’s such a cool reminder of how historic this franchise is. … It positively introduced up a very good feeling of what’s subsequent right here.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) attended the exercise and spoke at numerous factors with Commanders minority proprietor Mark Ein, Common Supervisor Adam Peters and media members to present his gross sales pitch for protecting the crew’s stadium in Maryland. Then he made his strategy to the followers.
“They see they usually’re taking discover that I used to be right here on the primary day,” Moore stated. “That’s how excited I’m, not nearly what I feel the crew can do on the sphere however what I feel we will do collectively off of the sphere.”
The Commanders’ exercise was extra of a combined bag. Daniels appeared sharp, however his supporting forged raised some pink flags. Proper deal with Andrew Wylie didn’t take part in 11-on-11 drills, two days after rookie Brandon Coleman closed out observe in his place. Wylie stated afterward that he’s coping with some tightness (he didn’t specify the place), that the crew is “being sensible” about it and that he expects to be again Monday.
Quinn sometimes mixes starters with reserves in crew drills, so the offensive line typically rotated. However the group as an entire dedicated at the very least 4 false-start penalties.
Kicker additionally stays a necessity for the Commanders; the crew signed Ramiz Ahmed in June to interchange Brandon McManus, who was launched after allegations of sexual assault. Ahmed was sturdy within the early days of camp however has struggled to attach on something from greater than 50 yards. One other lengthy try throughout crew drills Sunday hit the upright.
Commanders coaching camp observe doesn’t begin for one more hour or so, however followers are already looped across the car parking zone ready to get in. pic.twitter.com/rTgJ1BTW5n
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 28, 2024
However the focus was clearly on the followers. Quinn spoke with some youth flag soccer gamers after the exercise as gamers signed autographs and took selfies with supporters.
Daniels began on the standing-room-only part of followers and spent shut to fifteen minutes after the exercise signing jerseys, towels, mini-helmets, T-shirts and even a fan’s shoe, guaranteeing a crew staffer armed with a handful of Sharpie pens stayed shut.
“He’s executed an important job,” backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stated of Daniels’s dealing with of the fan curiosity. “And it’s not straightforward. While you’re coming in to be the man to revitalize a franchise, it’s powerful.”
Earlier than being ushered away to the locker room, Daniels pulled out a pen for one last signal that learn: “I Drove From MASS To Meet My Favourite Crew!” Shaw stood speechless as Daniels signed his title and thanked him for coming.
“I simply form of blacked out,” Shaw stated. “I didn’t know what to say. I’m shaking proper now. I’d cry, actually. That’s my man.”
