Many questioned the Washington Commanders’ decision to sign veteran tight end Zach Ertz in March. What could a soon-to-be 34-year-old tight end who hadn’t played a full season since 2018 offer the rebuilding Commanders?
Like everything else they’ve done since general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn took over, there was a plan. Not only was Ertz familiar with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, but he was also a strong presence in the locker room, and Washington envisioned him becoming an offensive leader who could develop some of the young players while still starting.
So far, so good. Teammates have raved about Ertz’s leadership, as have coaches. On the field, he’s been a security blanket for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Through seven games, Ertz has 25 receptions for 268 yards and a touchdown.
Ertz spent the first 8.5 years of his NFL career with Washington’s NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. During his time with the Eagles, the Commanders were owned by Daniel Snyder and had a poor reputation around the league.
Not anymore. Every time Ertz speaks of Washington’s leadership, he talks of how close the locker room is and how special this coaching staff is. On Wednesday, Ertz joined the NFL Network to talk about the Commanders’ impressive turnaround.
“Coach Quinn is one of, if not the best, leaders I’ve ever been around,” Ertz said. “Just his ability to connect with each and every person on the roster to get the most out of them. He does it in a phenomenal way by just bringing a lot of energy, demanding that standards are upheld, and making those standards extremely clear. And if guys aren’t meeting the standards, he’s very consistent with his message that it’s not good enough and we have to be better………he wants the best for every person in this organization.”
Ertz then delivered a line that seems consistent under new owner Josh Harris, Peters and Quinn.
“You don’t just show up on Sundays and expect good things to happen. The wins are earned throughout the week.” @ZERTZ_86 and the @Commanders have been putting in the work, and they’re just getting started.
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— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 23, 2024
“You don’t just show up on Sundays and expect good things to happen,” Ertz said. “The wins are earned throughout the week. They’ve brought in guys that love the process, that love to practice. These are my types of guys. I’ve had so much fun since I’ve gotten here. Everyone is just all about trying to get better each and every day. I can’t say enough good things about this place.”
Guess what? He’s telling the truth. Times have changed in Washington, and adding veterans like Ertz and linebacker Bobby Wagner was critical in changing the franchise’s culture.