It’s been a trying week for Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson. In Washington’s preseason opener, Dotson led all wide receivers with 32 snaps played.
That immediately led to the question of why he played so much. Dotson was the presumed starter opposite Terry McLaurin. McLaurin played 11 snaps. Was Washington unhappy with Dotson?
During his press conference before Thursday’s practice against the Dolphins, head coach Dan Quinn said the Commanders are still searching for their No. 2 receiver.
“I would say we are right in the middle of it [the search for a No. 2 wide receiver],” Quinn said.
You can take these comments in multiple ways. Was Quinn trying to light a fire under Dotson? Or do the Commanders see others on the same level as Dotson?
McLaurin is the clear No. 1. Dyami Brown has had an outstanding training camp. Right now, he looks like he’s ahead of Dotson as the No. 2 receiver. The Commanders are working Dotson more in the slot this summer than in his first two years.
After Thursday’s practice against the Dolphins, Dotson acknowledged he’s not where he needs or wants to be.
“Yeah, I am trying to show what I can do every single day,” Dotson said. “Just be better than I was yesterday. I’m trying to grow every single day that I come out here. Trying to find something to get better at every single day.”
Jahan Dotson on where he's at this deep into camp pic.twitter.com/UXVgSKOv6B
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 15, 2024
“I’m not where I want to be,” Dotson said via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I’m going to keep building every single day to make sure I’m where I want to be. … I feel like I’m getting pretty comfortable with the offense, especially moving inside and outside and being able to play almost every position we have in the wide receiver room.”
Dotson should be commended for speaking to reporters and being honest after a difficult week. He understands the spotlight is on him. If he rises to the challenge, he can look back at this as a turning point in his career.
Dotson showed flashes of excellence during his rookie season in 2022. However, like most of Washington’s roster, he struggled last season. The Commanders hope by moving Dotson to the slot, he can use his quickness and route-running to become a central part of Washington’s passing game.