Some reunions can be a fun time.
Commanders’ new linebacker Bobby Wagner is having a sort of reunion this season. During his early years in Seattle, Wagner’s defensive coordinator was Dan Quinn. There were also years when Ken Norton Jr. was the defensive coordinator for Wagner and the Seahawks.
In addition, during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Norton was the linebackers coach in Seattle under Quinn while Wagner was playing linebacker.
“Overall, it’s been great being back with DQ, amazing. I think the biggest thing is being back with Coach Norton. He’s made those film studies so fun. The motivation, the joking, obviously, you’ve been around a guy that knows you very, very well. And so he tells a lot of the older stories to the younger guys about what I was like when I first got into the league, and I think our point of view on it is a little bit different.”
Wagner lives in reality about his age, and he knows he needs his experience to help him in any way it can, as Wagner just turned 34 in June.
“Honestly, I think I study film a little bit better. I think I’m more productive in my study time. I think that’s helped me last. The people that I talk to, a lot of the older guys that last a long time, they said lean on your film study because that’s going to help you keep [going]. So, I would say that’s something I focus on.”
Wagner told the press Monday after the first padded practice of this 2024 Commanders’ training camp that the film room helps him on the field.
“Recognizing plays faster—I think it helps you help your teammates, too, because you know where the plays are going, so you can have them play faster.”
The first day in pads during training camp means a lot to the players in the NFL.
“It’s a big deal because it’s you getting closer and closer to what a real game feels like. Also, you have to understand that for most guys, they haven’t put pads on since the season ended last year, and that’s a long time.”
Wagner conveyed he sees something very positive early in the Commanders training camp.
“I think we’re communicating at a high level, in my opinion, [more] than normal. So, I like where we’re at as far as our communication is concerned.”
With the roster being overhauled and so few having played together, communication could be a huge factor in 2024.