Despite entering his eighth season, cornerback Michael Davis believes he still has his best football ahead of him. When the 29-year-old was asked what enticed him to join the Commanders after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he mentioned how Washington’s defensive staff have developed cornerbacks in the past.
Specifically head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, and defensive passing game coordinator Jason Simmons.
“I know that I have an extra level to reach, and I thought that with them being teamed up with them, I could reach that level,” Davis said.
Under Quinn and Whitt’s tutelage in Dallas, cornerback Daron Bland broke the NFL single-season record for pick-sixes with five, and cornerback Trevon Diggs led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 after an up-and-down rookie season. Davis said he could see that extra level being brought out of him because of the coach’s persistence in putting him in “uncomfortable situations.”
“So, every day I practice, they are like Michael, like we want you to go press, like you got to consistently go out and perfect your craft, keep pressing,” Davis said. “No matter the situation… in my head, it might feel like I don’t wanna go press, but in the back of my mind, it’s like if I go up and press and challenge myself, it’ll make me better”
Davis was reliable for the Chargers starting nearly every game since signing a three-year $25.2 million extension in 2021. However, he fell out of the team’s plans after a shaky season and head coaching turnover with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh.
Davis’ presence has been out of the limelight since signing a one-year $3.2 million contract in March. But with 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. still adapting to physical receivers, Davis could be the starter opposite Benjamin St-Juste in week 1. It’s just a matter of which cornerback can find a foothold within Whitt’s and Quinn’s scheme first.
“All I can do is control what I can control,” Davis said. “I mean, all I can do is focus on myself and let everything else play out.”