Jamin Davis got a surprise Saturday.
The second-year linebacker out of Kentucky was told he would be one of the many Washington Commanders sitting out the preseason finale in Baltimore. However, after coaches did their number-crunching, Davis was then later informed he would indeed be playing against the Ravens.
Head coach Ron Rivera pointed out the he liked the way Davis played Saturday night. “It was great to see Jamin running around early on. He played with a lot of energy.”
Davis was in on 7 defensive snaps (18%) but he still felt there was some benefit to getting in those seven reps. “Of course. I mean, any opportunity you get to go out there and make plays and you make the most of it.”
Davis made an aggressive pursuing tackle on a wide running play and was asked about it post game. “That’s me just trying to play fast and not do all the extra things. Just playing ball at the end of the day.”
This is the kind of play I EXPECT to see from Jamin Davis.
He plays this run from the inside out and shows great closing speed!
The 2nd year LB is really starting to put it together 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/7NWvBoNuHo
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) August 28, 2022
He was asked about being told he would not play, then later being told he would play after all. “I mean, regardless what the situation was, you prepare like you’re going to play at the end of the day. So, when they told me, ‘You’re going to go out there and play.’ I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ ”
Davis is well aware of his disappointing rookie season and the disappointing 2021 season for the defense. He believes things are going better thus far in 2022. “Pretty comfortable. Just trying to go out there to play fast. Not even just the linebacker room; the whole defense as a whole. Getting off the field on third down, trying to get all of us to the ball. Just doing what we are doing. Playing to our standards at the end of the day.”
Davis feels he has made a stride and was asked what was the biggest forward step he has made this summer. “Just playing a lot faster. Honestly, that was the main focus for me. Just trying to eliminate the extra thinking.”
Many, including Davis are hoping he indeed has made great strides going into the 2022 regular season. If he has, it could be a big boost to the Commanders’ defense.
