Normally, it’s the defense that yearns for pads in the early days of training camp. No more playing limited chess against the offense. They want to knock the board over, send pieces flying.
That begins on Tuesday when the Washington Commanders finally slip on the protective gear. There’s no more hiding on the plains of Ashburn.
But beware, defense. Receiver Terry McLaurin is ready to pop you back . . . maybe even first. No more grabbing his jersey trying to slow the team’s offensive star down. McLaurin is ready to be the aggressor.
“I like to run my routes physical as well,” he said. “And sometimes when you're wearing jerseys, it kind of allows you [to] get grabbed a little bit more than you would like. But when you get the pads on, it's easier to use your hands, throw guys by, run through their chest a little bit and be a little bit more physical.
“The No. 1 thing you can do as a receiver is use your physicality, hold your space, and I think that's gonna be a growth step for all of us [Tuesday] now that the pads are gonna come on because there's really no excuse to be getting grabbed on 'cause you should be being physical with them as well. It's gonna help us over the course of this season when we go against some tough press-man teams and guys who like to be physical. You gotta have that in your repertoire to be ready, especially our bigger guys.”
It almost sounds like a fight brewing after several practices in the blazing heat when tempers erupt. But, this is measured. The defense knows early practices favor offense given no hitting. Oh, there’s plenty of pushing and shoving, but now we’ll see who can really survive those line matches.
The Commanders have one of the NFL’s top defensive lines with four veterans. Two inside players have been rewarded with big contracts and made Pro Bowls. The two ends are hungry in contract years.
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The offensive line, well, it’s the big uncertainty that clouds a possible playoff berth. A team with this good of a defense usually makes the postseason. But this offense has three new starters and a fourth changing positions. Maybe the quintet can protect a quarterback with one career start. Actually, they better guard Sam Howell well or widespread changes will come to the Commanders next season.
So, the pit is where the pendulum of the season swings.
“When pads come on,” McLaurin said, “it raises the level of camp because quite frankly, a lot of guys can kind of look good in shorts and shirts, but now the physicality comes out a little bit more. It's hot, you know what I mean?”
Of course, they’re still one team in the end. It does no good for the Commanders defense to disable the offense. Save it for the real games. But, both sides also do no favors holding back cause opponents won’t. Certainly, two coming scrimmages and a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens will show Washington if it’s truly ready for the fall.
“There's a certain nature that you have to have about you when you step onto the field,” coach Ron Rivera said. “A certain grit and toughness that has to be developed through practicing and pads. We're going to try and do it very smart, very diligently.”
Translation – Game on.
Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks
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