Javon Kinlaw has never been shy about saying what’s on his mind, even if there’s a camera bank and hot mics in front of him. The Commanders’ defensive lineman was asked about his new-and-improved position group, and was so passionate about its upgrades that he dropped the quote of the spring (and maybe summer) trying to describe it.
Though, to be honest, it’s not suitable for work. It is an example of how the Commanders are feeling about roster improvements, schematic changes and an ability to compete after a disappointing 5-12 campaign.
Now back to Kinlaw and what he said about the heavy investment in Washington’s defensive front, including the additions of Odafe Oweh, K’Lavin Chaisson, Charles Omenihu, Joshua Josephs, Tim Settle to join him, Daron Payne and other returners.
We’ve got some motherf—–s, now,” Kinlaw told on-site reporters during a Wednesday press conference. “Excuse my language. Oweh – he can go. Charles Omenihu can go. K’Lavon can go. Tim Settle can go. Who am I forgetting? (Deatrich Wise), you know he can go. We’ve got (Dorrance Armstrong) coming back and he can go. … D-Payne can go. S—, it’s gonna be exciting, man. It’s going to be super exciting to play with these guys, for sure.”
There were some transition words taken out of that quote, because there are only so many expletives one can delete. You can listen to it in its glorious entirety below:
Most teams are optimistic during the spring, months before a game is played and just weeks removed from major free-agency and NFL draft acquisitions.
The Commanders have significant additions and new play callers in defensive coordinator Daronte Jones and offensive coordinator David Blough.
That has also created sky-high Commanders attendance Wednesday for the first of nine voluntary OTAs. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil showed up despite normally working on his own – The Athletic’sNicki Jhabvala reported he wasn’t participating in OTA reps — showing the importance of these spring sessions to bond and master these new systems.
Receiver Terry McLaurin was present after staying away last year waiting for contract resolution.
“This is what it’s all about,” Kinlaw said. “That’s why we have all these guys here at OTAs. This is where you start it off. This is where you lay the brick. In a house, you have to have a strong foundation. This is the foundation right now, and we’re building that up.”
The Commanders are conducting this offseason program with some additional intensity. They want to improve last year’s results, and comments suggest there’s a belief that a talent increase could make them competitive again if they handle things right.
“There is a little bit more fire under our ass when it comes to being out here,” left guard Sam Cosmi said. “The intensity is ramped up for sure, which is good. You need that. When it comes to that, it’s going to make us better at the end of the day.”
Kinlaw agrees.
“It’s all about dawg work,” Kinlaw said. “These guys work their tails off.”
The Commanders are clearly optimistic that better play’s on the way this season. Do you agree? Or is this typical OTA optimism? Let us know (and why) in the comments below: