ASHBURN (WAVY) – With temperatures on the rise, the Commanders started practice an hour early on Friday to try and beat some of the sweltering summer heat that was in the forecast.

And on day three at least, it was the defense that shined.

Jayden Daniels was intercepted twice, his back-up Marcus Mariota was picked off once

Last season, Washington had one of the worst turnover margins in the entire league, so that’s been a point of emphasis.

“We can be really good,” Safety Quan Martin said. “Training camp is a time to really piece things together, come together as a group and just be able to communicate and play fast with one another.”

As far as the offense goes, veteran tight end Zach Ertz is back for his second season with the Commanders and he’s already seeing star quarterback Jayden Daniels take the next steps in his second season as starter.

“He’s not in for any surprises,” Ertz said. “Everyone knows it’s his ship.”

The Commanders preseason opener is Friday August 8th on the road against the New England Patriots.