What did the Washington Commanders learn from offseason camps? Mostly, positive waves.
The quarterback competition should be real, though it probably isn’t. There wasn’t a lot of difference between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett during 11-on-11s in minicamp. Howell made more mistakes, which is expected of a passer with one game experience, and Brissett threw with more precision. That said, coach Ron Rivera needs to open with the rookie and then have an experienced veteran relieve if Howell struggles. The other way doesn’t work as well. Howell will have head-scratching moments, but hopefully validating moments, too.
Tight ends look as strong as last season before injuries wiped out the entire room, and a few newcomers, too. Logan Thomas showed his 2020 form (72 catches) before injuries limited him severely each of the last two seasons. Thomas should start, but second-year man Cole Turner was solid in camps. Turner only caught two passes last season because of injuries, but he’s one to watch. And, John Bates is a serious blocker. New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy knows how to use tight ends as defensive backbreakers.
Meanwhile, Bieniemy wasn’t the hard case people expected in practice...if you do your job. The high-energy newcomer isn’t afraid to yell, but it’s not constant. Bieniemy is the new energy this team badly needs.
The receiving corps is four deep, with Dyami Brown making a case for time after re-uniting with his college passer Howell. How Brown gets snaps is uncertain given Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson are 1-2-3, but playmakers find the field and Brown appears ready.
The offensive line is better. Nick Gates seems steady at center and Sam Cosmi should improve as a guard. Saahdiq Charles appears the left guard. Offseason camps don’t permit hitting, so their development won’t be gauged until preseason games, but staying healthy is a must. This team only contends if Howell plays well, and he can’t unless the line protects him.
The secondary should get a boost from first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes. Very good instincts and mechanics, always seems around the ball. Now, can he stay healthy at 170 or so pounds? That is the big question.
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The line should be among the NFL’s best. End Chase Young looked solid in limited 11-on-11s during minicamp. The upside was seeing him hungrily eyeing passers and regaining a quick first step. Whether Young can get past blockers won’t be known until preseason, but he looks like the 2020 playmaker.
The Commanders made the right choice in free agent linebacker Cody Barton. He’s a young baller with good speed.
Indeed, increased speed was an overwhelming standard through camps. The Commanders are faster than last year. That’s critical to improvement.
The team takes a break before its late July training camp, but offseason camps provided a glimpse that Washington can be a wild-card contender this fall.
Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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