Which Washington Commanders players boosted their stock during the team's two joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens?
It was a physical, intense two days of joint practices for the Washington Commanders when they clashed against the Baltimore Ravens as expected. These are two teams with a wealth of talent across the board and no quarter was given - leading to more than a few moments where things threatened to spill out of control.
Again, this isn't uncommon for joint sessions. Players fighting for jobs and hitting other people other than teammates bring about different reactions more often than not, but it was the sort of measuring stick Ron Rivera was looking for during an important stage of his evaluations.
The Commanders are now gearing up for their clash against the Ravens on Monday night, which just so happens to be on ESPN. This represents another opportunity for everyone involved to stake a claim and put themselves in the shop window if they aren't fortunate enough to make Washington's 53-man roster.
Until then, here are four Commanders players with soaring stock after their worthwhile experience in Baltimore.
Nick Gates - Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders' offensive line took some heat for their performance against the Cleveland Browns in Preseason Week 1. While it wasn't as bad as many made out upon further examination of the game film, it did nothing to dispel the notion of this unit's potential to become a weak link again in 2023.
Judging by their performance throughout joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, the protection took their criticism personally. They were a much more cohesive unit in team drills, with the performance of Nick Gates catching the eye throughout according to those in attendance.
Gates was ruthless in pass protection and looks to be developing good chemistry/communication with quarterback Sam Howell for good measure. Much is expected of the free-agent signing at the center position in 2023, but all signs point to the former Nebraska star being a major asset.
Kamren Curl - Commanders S
There is a real need for the Washington Commanders to extend Kamren Curl before the 2023 season arrives. The gifted safety is an integral part of the team's plans on defense and is grossly underpaid heading into the final year of his deal - something those in power should aim to rectify as a matter of urgency now that Josh Harris' ownership group is at the helm.
Momentum continues to build around Curl after an exceptional start to his professional career. The former seventh-round pick instantly made an impression as a rookie and flourished ever since - making him Ron Rivera's biggest draft success story and one of the best-value picks in franchise history.
The debate about whether Curl deserves a new deal has been and gone. He's proven more than worthy of such a lofty financial commitment and based on his performance during joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, the one-time Arkansas star is only going to get better.
It seemed as if Curl was mopping up everything on the backend against a Ravens offense absolutely loaded with talent. His awareness in coverage and how best to support is improving encouragingly, as is the defensive back's spacial awareness and gap discipline on running downs when coming down closer to the line of scrimmage.
Every Commanders fan has seen enough. They want Curl around long-term and the price is only going to go up once the 2023 season arrives - so sorting something quickly is of critical importance.
Curtis Samuel - Commanders WR
Watching the Washington Commanders' wide receiver group do their thing against the Baltimore Ravens whet the appetite further about what this unit might be able to accomplish in 2023. Much will depend on how the inexperienced man under center performs, but the pass-catchers have the potential to take the league by storm with Eric Bieniemy calling plays.
While the likes of Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin generate more hype, what Curtis Samuel displayed during two intense joint practices was enough to suggest he's also in line for a profitable campaign next time around.
Samuel ran rings around almost every defensive back unfortunate enough to line up opposite the former Ohio State star. He was explosive out of his cuts and created separation almost at will according to those in attendance - something that caught the eye early and often.
There is a lot of extra motivation for Samuel in a contract year. The close associate of Ron Rivera's from their time together on the Carolina Panthers boasts the dynamic traits to line up almost anywhere on offense and make an impact, which is sure to be exploited by one of the most creative offensive minds around in Bieniemy.
The talent has never been an issue with Samuel. Staying healthy can sometimes be an issue, but the sky's the limit if the do-it-all weapon puts a consistent run of games together.
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
There's no denying that Sam Howell is coming of age. The quarterback seems to be growing in confidence as he looks to become the franchise quarterback desperately needed by the Washington Commanders during a crossroads campaign for the franchise in 2023.
Howell took a little time to get going through early workouts. Going against such an elite defense doesn't exactly bring about supreme consistency on an every-down basis, either.
However, the signal-caller has developed gradually, is taking on every piece of information from Eric Bieniemy and Tavita Pritchard, and has earned the trust of teammates in double-quick time.
If any Commanders fans needed extra reassurance that Howell was the man to lead them next season, one only has to examine his production during joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. The former fifth-round pick demonstrated all the qualities needed in front of an outstanding defense, outperforming NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and conjuring up some magical plays that only very few around the league are capable of.
This wasn't enough for Ron Rivera to officially name Howell as the Commanders' QB1. But this competition with Jacoby Brissett - if there ever was one legitimately, to begin with - is all over after this impressive outing.
Moving forward with Howell remains a contentious decision. But who knows, the Commanders might be onto something.