It's well known that veteran players aren't the biggest fans of training camp. They are trying to stay healthy while mentally preparing for the grueling challenges that lie ahead. But that doesn't mean experienced figures within the Washington Commanders haven't come to the fore.
The Commanders are depending on their established players to lead the way in 2024. Adam Peters was forced down this route after some incompetent drafting by the previous regime, and it's been a recipe for success so far.
Those who contributed so much to the cause last season are a little older and a little wiser this time around, so hopes are high that the same trend can continue. And judging by the way veteran tight end Zach Ertz has gone about his business at camp, another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign might be on the immediate horizon.
Zach Ertz has picked up where he left off at Commanders training camp
Ertz was a nice surprise for the Commanders in 2024. Not many thought he had much left in the tank with his career fizzling out. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury knew how to utilize him effectively, and the returns were nothing short of outstanding.
The three-time Pro Bowler became a dependable target for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Saturday's training camp practice was another fine example of the exceptional chemistry between the pair.
JP Finlay from NBC Sports noted how clinical Ertz and Daniels were throughout. The former second-round pick out of Stanford's superb ability to create separation effortlessly was on full display. And as was the case last season, the signal-caller had no trouble finding him.
It would be disappointing if 2024 second-rounder Ben Sinnott didn't get more playing time this season. However, there is no doubt the Commanders will be relying on Ertz heavily until the second-year pro gains the required trust.
It's a responsibility Ertz is taking seriously. He emerged as a valuable asset on and off the field last time around, deservedly getting a new one-year extension for his efforts. This also represents another confidence boost for a player who was written off by almost everybody before joining head coach Dan Quinn's ambitious project.
Ertz has turned the page on last season's accomplishments. He's aware that this could be his final ride — not just in Washington, but for his entire NFL journey. If that's the case, he wants to go out with a bang. That means keeping up his high performance levels and getting the Commanders into the Super Bowl.
And few would bet against Ertz after the extraordinary resolve he displayed to fight back from the brink.
