4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 mandatory minicamp Day 2
By Dean Jones
Montez Sweat pushing Commanders QB1
While Chase Young hogged the headlines upon returning to the practice field on Tuesday, fellow defensive end Montez Sweat was also back in the building. He is another that's on the lookout for a bumper payday and one could argue it's something the former first-round selection's already earned after a fantastic start to his professional career.
The Washington Commanders have everything on hold until Josh Harris' ownership group receives formal approval to purchase the franchise for $6.05 billion. Once it gets rubber-stamped, extending players like Sweat and Kamren Curl could be among the team's top priorities.
Sweat has wasted no time in imposing his will on practices. One notable element on Wednesday was his ongoing battle with quarterback Sam Howell.
It's evident that Sweat is looking to push Howell. The signal-caller took on the challenge and made some plays, but the edge rusher let him know when things went the other way during a highly eventful competition between the pair.
As the old saying goes, iron sharpens iron. Howell is getting a crash course on what it's going to take against elite pass-rushers against Sweat, which will only intensify further when training camp rolls around.
Sweat's importance to the Commanders is undisputed. If he can bring an extra few percent from Howell's performance levels along the way, the better Washington's chances will be next season.
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