Commanders tight end John Bates spoke with the media Sunday, giving his thoughts on training camp and the team thus far in 2023.
Eric Bieniemy is installing the Kansas City offense during this training camp. Bates is positive thus far.
“I feel like as a group we’ve picked up on things really well and we’re still developing to learn those things, but I feel like we’re doing a really good job so far with this offense.”
Much of the media coverage has included talk of how the defense has been dominating the offense throughout training camp. But Bates understands the offense is new, so there is much to learn.
“You can see after a couple weeks now the timing’s getting there, everyone’s starting to get on the same page and so things are flowing and we’re really excited.”
Not only is Bieniemy teaching a new offense, he is emphasizing game-time situations, while players are still learning. So, of course they are behind a defense that is in the fourth season of Jack Del Rio’s system.
“He throws a lot of different game time situations that you don’t necessarily see all the time or stuff that comes up a lot. He wants to make sure that when we get into those situations that we execute at the highest level.”
Bates is confident in inexperienced quarterback Sam Howell as well. He sang Howell’s praises Sunday.
“I feel like since the day Sam got here, everyone knew what he was about and what he could bring to this team and what he was able to do in the past and what he’s shown to do here. Sam’s been doing a great job, and I’m excited to see what he does for us this year.”
Bates believes he himself is still growing, becoming a more fluid route runner, striving to improve each season.
One thing for certain, Bates is glad the first preseason game is Friday (in Cleveland).
“I mean, we’ve been going up against our defense now for three weeks, and I think everyone’s ready to hit someone else…It really gets fun when you start going up against opponents, and you’re really working together as a complete team trying to accomplish a goal of winning.”