The changes in the roster didn't change Shoya's routines. Many media outlets were surprised by the timing because Jerrod Johnson resigned voluntarily, unlike Eric Stokes, who was let go.
Why did Johnson suddenly leave with two games left? The executive board did not want to extend him and did not intend to extend his contract any longer. He still had a year left on his contract, so an out-of-court settlement was the best solution.
While the front office begins its cleaning, Shoya is in the video room. Lack of experience is every rookie's problem, and it has no shortcuts and must be accumulated through practical fighting.
Monday is a day of rest to recover from the energy expenditure of the previous day physically, but Shoya is a particular case of monsters. Training every day and full-time, he never slacks off, even on Mondays is no exception.
While they aren't a real combat experience, watching videos accumulates experience. The staff contains people trained to dissect every detail of an NFL game and has classic game videos.
Analysis, digestion, and understanding of every detail are the principal axes of progression of each player so that he can evolve. He spends most of his time after individual training and then group training.
Some people spend hours on it and don't learn anything, but others need an hour to gain something. This is the case of Shoya; we are talking about someone who scored 50 on the Wonderlic test.
He spends a lot of time there, so he learns more things. It is imperative to continue to strengthen its strengths to improve its competitiveness on the ground. It won't be easy to rise to an elite level in the short term without maximizing its benefits.
You can't rely on an "average" level to stand out from the competition, but you have to build on your strengths to gain an advantage and then fill in your gaps. Shoya is a relatively complete quarterback for a rookie, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have room for improvement.
Today is Tuesday, and the restorative program continues, as well as the continuing strength training and study of tactical manuals also continues. A player's life during the regular season is boring and monotonous.
Scientific research has proven that continuous training will gradually become a habit. A quantitative change brings about a qualitative change, which brings about essential changes.
It's the same with learning and sports, and Shoya learns fast.
"Shoya!"
A scream came that startled Shoya, who was entirely concentrated. Only then did he see Mustafa's sleepy expression, rubbing his eyes.
"Did I scare you?" Noting Shoya's surprised expression, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, you're a ghost," Shoya whispered, "Are you there yet? Usually, you come a little later than that. »
Mustafa yawned again; he was not fully awake, "I thought I had to join you earlier during weight training sessions, including Mondays. You're one of the only ones who train daily, and your work pays off. It's time for me to work, too. »
"Shoya!" clenched his teeth and slapped his cheeks to prove his determination, "Don't let me regret this choice. I will come in next season and take a spot no matter who comes in free agency. Don't you know that it took courage for me to get up early today? »
Mustafa is physically blessed, but his downside is insufficient route running, poor professional attitudes, and insufficient understanding of tactical manuals. Since Shoya's arrival, they have been reviewing the playbook together, but he needs to make progress to make it fully autonomous.
Since he and Shoya have been in contact with each other more often, he also goes to the mosque and pays more attention to his actions. Shoya's influence on him is much more significant than he thought. Knowing he had a guide to lead him on the right path, he decided to follow him.
His work ethic and tactical skills probably aren't enough to make it in the NFL. Techniques and tactics can be trained, but the work ethic and rigor will not change without the will to put in the work.
Aside from running backs, the wide receiver kill rate in the NFL is too high, and the difficulty of standing out is too high. Each year, about 20 receivers are selected, and then mostly the undrafted ones join training camp.
With a solid body, good quality, and low prices, the elimination rate of wide receivers is increasing more and more. Mustafa is just one of many, and he is aware of his situation.
He understood that the league is not a place where talent or physicality alone matters because there are too many talented players. Every NFL player has their own talent, no matter what you think of the player.
Shoya can exploit his talents and abilities off the pitch; it's up to him to differentiate against defenders. If not in the league, he may not be able to keep up with the game's pace after one season. So that's what explains the situation.
He stood early in the morning before Shoya, ready to invest in his training. In addition to Shoya, Mustafa couldn't find a better training partner... Shoya is not a receiver, but he is certainly someone who can explain the tactics to him.
Wednesday's official media day, the Washington Commanders' was expected. A team with an interim coach is always under the microscope. For Devin, who knows he won't be on the bench for long, there's no point in making friends.
"Our offensive team is working well. The last loss was only on a field goal. Shoya's performance is to be commended, and I think he is well prepared to take on the challenge every week. »
The support and confidence of the head coach is a treatment that every starting quarterback dreams of. Shoya's game isn't perfect, but it fits the tactics.
"Yes, we just lost. For young players, it's a necessary process. Other players will be able to express themselves in the last two weeks to usher in a new beginning. I know my place. I'll only be the coach for the last two weeks, but our players have things to prove. »
The work of an interim coach can be much more complicated than a head coach's, but this is not the case here. The worst case that could have happened to the Commanders would have been an interim coach with something to prove.
Imagine if he wanted to give everything to prolong his interim and live or die with his ideas. What would have happened to the team at that time?
Because, let's be honest, no one would have fought through him. But right now, Rogers is at the end of his career and knows he won't be chosen. There are only two games left, and it is unlikely that he will still be in the team next season, especially with a new coach.
He's going to make the most of it.