It was the sound of silence.
The Washington Commanders opened training camp on Wednesday with a workmanlike morning practice that generated few emotions from players or the smattering of 100 or so fans. Aside from safety Jeremy Reaves yelling over quarterback Taylor Heinicke running up the middle unchecked, there was little chatter on the field. No defense jeering when making plays, no celebrations by the offense. No off-field problems scattered throughout the offseason carrying over between the lines.
It was quiet.
Now coach Ron Rivera talked of excitement among players. Quarterback Carson Wentz spoke of confidence. Defensive tackle Jon Allen mentioned steps towards goals and learning roles.
Basically, it was like the first day at school or a job where you learn what's ahead. And, what's ahead is expectations of reaching the playoffs after consecutive seven-win seasons. But like coach Ron Rivera's recent deflection of postseason possibilities, players are just worrying about today.
And, today was a good day.
"The first day is always fun," Rivera said. "We'll ramp it up gradually over the next seven days."
With only suite holders outside the ropes at the Ashburn facility, there wasn't the usual roar after each completed pass. Wentz was happy with simply building chemistry while facing a defense. Sure, there was no hard contact and some units wore the expanded bubble cap over helmets to prevent concussions. Wentz used that extra time to throw deep, including a 50-plus yarder to Terry McLaurin.
"How do I get better today?" Wentz said.
Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson and McLaurin were Wentz's primary targets. Having three targets is why Wentz spoke of confidence, excitement and chemistry as his early goals. After all, he's starting.
But trickle down the roster and there were players needing to make a good first impression. Free agent running back Reggie Bonnafon made several nice catches as a backfield receiver. Second-year tight end Sammis Reyes looked smoother in the flat in his bid to stay on the roster at a position that's overflowing. Rookie Brian Robinson flashed as a runner and receiver trying to carve out snaps from backfield mates Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke's arm strength looked better than last season. Rookie Sam Howell may push Heinicke for the backup job more than expected. Howell is also showing good arm strength so the difference may lie in who better knows the system.
Still, it was a day for veterans to show the way. Defensive tackle Daron Payne blocked a pass from Heinicke with a thud. McLaurin was open way too often. Veterans ruled, rookies drooled.
Playoffs are six months away. The goal is obvious, but on the first day postseason talk was more mythical than methodical.
"We know where we want to go," Wentz said. "How do we get there?"
A sweaty practice was the starting line.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
Related
