With starting spots already secured and health a priority before Week 1, the Washington Commanders held back several key contributors in the preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. One of those expected to rest was left guard Brandon Coleman, a player entrenched in the starting lineup.
But Coleman had other plans. Rather than watch from the sidelines, he lobbied to get on the field and build momentum before the regular season.
âThey left it up to me the whole week,â Coleman said after the game in the locker room while talking to the media. âI was feeling good, kind of building up to today, so then I just pulled the trigger on it. D.Q. [head coach Dan Quinn] and B.J. [offensive line coach Bobby Johnson] were pretty cool about it and just left it all up to my hands. As long as I feel good, thereâs always communication being set for me and where Iâm at.â
The decision wasnât about winning a job. Colemanâs place on the offensive line is already locked. Instead, it reflected his desire to keep sharp, stay in rhythm, and prepare himself for the physical demands of a 17-game regular season. Coleman had missed the team’s first two preseason games with an injury.
Dan Quinn Praises Colemanâs Self-Awareness
Head coach Dan Quinn praised Colemanâs attitude, pointing out how unusual it is for a player in his position to want preseason reps.
âI think it really speaks to like the readiness and a mindset to say, âHey, I know regular season here is coming and I need this work,ââ Quinn said after the game. âAnd so that takes a lot of self-awareness because probably the easy narrative is to say back off and not. For him to advocate, âHey, itâs strong enough, itâs ready,â thatâs why we did the pregame to see how he felt. And weâll always make the right decisions for the players, but I trust them too.â
Quinn noted that while some players must be protected from themselves – mentioning wide receiver Noah Brown as an example – others, like Coleman, show the maturity to know when live action is valuable.
âThereâs others that like, I really trust, âHey, I got to get some, doesnât have to be the whole thing, but Iâd like some,â and I believe in them too,â Quinn explained.
For Quinn, Colemanâs push to play highlighted his professionalism and leadership. Rather than taking the easy route of resting, Coleman opted to keep building continuity with his fellow linemen. That decision sets a tone for younger players about the importance of preparation.
A Mindset That Resonates
Colemanâs presence on the field Saturday was brief, but the impact of his choice resonated throughout the locker room. His advocacy to play reflects the mindset Quinn has tried to instill since taking over in Washington: a culture of accountability, competitiveness, and readiness.
The offensive line is one of the most crucial units for the Commanders as they enter the season with high expectations. Quarterback Jayden Daniels needs protection, and the running game relies on the trenches to create space. Colemanâs willingness to put in extra work speaks to the groupâs commitment to being one of the best in the league.
Fans watching may not have noticed his handful of snaps against Baltimore, but they saw something bigger: a starter who values preparation as much as performance. For a team with playoff aspirations, those intangibles can be the difference between good and great.
As Washington now turns the page to the regular season, Colemanâs determination to play when he didnât need to sends a strong message. He is not just ready for Week 1; he is setting the example of what it means to be prepared for the long grind ahead.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Commanders Applaud Mindset of Second-Year Lineman appeared first on Heavy Sports.