Cornerback Kendall Fuller lined up closely across receiver Terry McLaurin on the first snap of the Washington Football Team's opening practice on Wednesday. Fuller extended his hand and McLaurin shook it like two boxers ready to begin.
Bam – a quick pass screamed towards McLaurin. Fuller went for the ball and both players crumbled to the ground, the incomplete pass rolling away from them.
There is no mercy from this defense.
The first day went like the season is supposed to go. The defense ruled and the offense flashed occasionally. Washington spent plenty over the offseason to raise its offense, but the defense wanted none of it. They have their own reputation to protect so there were no easy plays. Indeed, the offense might find Sundays the easiest day to play this fall.
The offense tried an end run by receiver DeAndre Carter. He barely gained the ball when defensive end James Smith-Williams thumped him. There were no pads so that bump will leave a bruise on Carter courtesy of a reserve on one of the NFL's top lines.
And yes, the line showed who's the alpha unit of this team. Montez Sweat batted the fourth snap under quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and that was just the first tip. There would be a fistful more tipped passes as the 6-foot-2 quarterback seemingly needed a pitcher's mound to throw over the line.
Fitzpatrick delivered a few pleasers to the crowd of 2,500 that stretched long around the corner more than 40 minutes before the first practice in nearly two years in Richmond. It's four days of light workouts before its home crowd of seven summers, that gains one last glimpse as a probable nod to nearby state legislators, in a state the team hopes becomes a potential bidder versus Maryland on a new stadium in 2027. Otherwise, there's no reason for such a short road trip.
Fitzpatrick threw a long bomb to McLaurin and another for 30-plus yards. But, the presumptive starter looked a little ragged at times and tipped passes are a sure path to turnovers.
Indeed, the Washington defense flexed its collective muscles. End Chase Young's physique continues to impress entering his second season. Fellow end Sweat's quickness lends hope that the team will get 20 combined sacks from the outside.
And there was first-rounder Jamin Davis remaining the inside linebacker like in offseason camps. He's quickly possessing a defensive quarterback's mindset while combining a big body of 234 pounds and great quickness that screams no one will pass. The offense tried some inside runs, but barely cracked an egg.
It was only day one and nobody was pawing the earth, but the defense quickly flashed to say any title run will come from their side and whatever the offense contributes is appreciated.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.