Commanders

Commanders undrafted RB Robert Henry had one kickoff and one punt return in Washington’s preseason opener. Henry said he’s been handling return specialist duties since his days in high school.

“I’ve been doing returns since I was in high school,” Henry said, via Zach Selby of the team’s site. “But when I got to college, I did it, too. But I was actually playing, so they would never put me back there. But I’ve been working there, I’d say, my whole football career. So, when my name’s called out to go, I’m ready.”

Henry had 75 rushing yards and one touchdown on 12 carries in their 20-7 preseason win over the Dolphins. Henry mentioned his focus was to just keep running and find open lanes. 

“I took their words and I just kept running,” Henry said. “The holes were definitely opening it up.”

Giants

Giants DL Darius Alexander said he has set ambitious goals for himself as he prepares for a larger role in his second NFL season.

“I’m ready to be a dominant player,” Alexander said, via NorthJersey.com. “When I wake up every morning, I see the messages on my mirror, my phone, and if something comes up that day, I write those down in my notebook. I chase those goals every day, it’s a mindset to get to be the player I know I can become.”

Alexander said he is eager to learn from veteran DL D.J. Reader and DL Shelby Harris.

“What can I learn from playing with and Shelby?” Alexander said, repeating a question. “What can’t I learn from playing with those guys.”

Alexander said he has improved since his rookie season and wants to become a more dominant run defender and pass rusher.

“I want to create opportunities for myself, and then take advantage of ones that I get,” Alexander said. “I think I’m definitely a better player than I was last year, and I need to do more. Excel in the run game. Honing my pass rush skills. Time to set the tone, and I want to dominate. That’s the goal.”

Giants

The Giants made major headlines by bringing in John Harbaugh following his 18 years as the Ravens’ head coach. New York QB Jaxson Dart said their new head coach brings intensity, passion for the game, and great leadership to the organization. 

“Man, I love Harbs,” Dart said, via GiantsWire. “Just his intensity, his love for the game, his leadership. There are a lot of things that stand out as to why he’s been so successful in this league. All of us are just focused on buying in and taking the necessary steps for all of us to grow each and every day. Just super pumped for right now and continuing to move forward with him.”

Dart mentioned that Harbaugh has proven to be “very observant” in all facets of the game and is a great communicator with everyone around the team. 

“I’m interested to see how it continues to grow the more practices that we have. But right now, he’s very observant,” Dart said. “He’s very observant from every single facet. From the offense to the defense, the special teams. He has his hand in every single one of them, of his expectations. Things that he likes. I just think the really cool thing is he’s so open to communication, from the coaching staff to the players. I think that’s just been really cool to have that openness, no ego. Ultimately, he just wants to, obviously, win. He’s got a chip on his shoulder. I’m interested to see how his demeanor continues to grow as we go forward.”

As for Dart’s approach going into the season, the quarterback feels like he has a chip on his shoulder after going 4-13 last season. 

“Absolutely,” Dart said. “Because we didn’t have a good year last year. I can’t wait for this upcoming year. This whole offseason I’ve just been waiting to get back with the guys. I really like where we’re at. We’ve got to continue to grow.”