What were some critical observations from Day 1 of organized team actiivities for the Washington Commanders as preparations ramp up for the 2023 season?
After an offseason littered with off-field rumors and speculation, the Washington Commanders finally got to focus their attention on football matters. Something that's taken an age to arrive.
Players and coaches came together collectively for the first time since the 2023 NFL Draft on Tuesday. This signaled the official start of OTAs and a chance for Ron Rivera to put his grand plan into action ahead of the new season.
There is an enormous sense of intrigue about what the Commanders could potentially accomplish when competitive action arrives. Some decent moves have gone unnoticed nationally given the obvious sale distraction, but those within the building are quietly confident providing quarterback Sam Howell becomes a stable presence under center.
An interesting preparation period awaits. With that being said, here are four critical observations from Day 1 of Commanders OTAs in 2023.
Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. looked sharp
This was just the opening practice, so it's still a bedding-in period for players and even recently acquired coaches looking to make their mark. However, second-year running back Brian Robinson Jr. looked particularly sharp according to those in attendance.
Robinson was explosive out of his cuts and even looked the part from a route running standpoint. Something that adds another string to his bow under the expert guidance of new play-caller Eric Bieniemy.
Hopefully, it is the beginning of a much smoother workout regime this time around for Robinson. The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from their lead back and it's important he delivers.
Commanders coaches upped the tempo
There is an added sense of urgency for everyone across the Washington Commanders once the transaction to improve the sale finally becomes a reality. Josh Harris and his large consortium will already be conjuring up ways to take this once proud organization forward, so there is absolutely no margin for error in pursuit of preserving jobs.
According to people in attendance for Tuesday's practice, the upped tempo implemented by the coaching staff was notable. The changing in between drills came rapidly and if Washington's offense was slow out of the huddle, Eric Bieniemy was quick to demand otherwise.
This got a pretty good response from players and the increased standards and sharpness were a welcome change of pace. Hopefully, the shift can reap some significant rewards when it's time to begin their regular season in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Some found it more difficult than others. Chris Rodriguez Jr. looked a little sluggish and drew Bieniemy's wrath as a result, so the session was probably a stark wake-up call for the sixth-round pick regarding what it takes to succeed at the next level.
One thing the Commanders don't have is the luxury of passengers next season. If they aren't up to the required standard, then Ron Rivera won't hesitate to go in a different direction.
Commanders might have something in Armani Rogers
It was strange to see the Washington Commanders completely ignore bolstering their tight end options during free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. However, those in power clearly feel like one of the promising young players can make the necessary improvements under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
That guy might just be Armani Rogers when push comes to shove. The physical specimen endured some rough luck with injuries to begin his NFL journey, but he caught the eye with limited targets late in the campaign that can hopefully evolve into something more next time around.
A huge opportunity awaits Rogers and per those in attendance for Tuesday's practice, he certainly looked the part. This is easy to do in such a relaxed setting, but it's encouraging nonetheless.
Asking Rogers to immediately surge into the No. 1 position would be a bold move by the Commanders. But if Bieniemy feels like he's ready after thorough analysis and the right development throughout the summer, it cannot be dismissed entirely.
If Rogers keeps this up for a prolonged period, it gives the Commanders more freedom to potentially release Logan Thomas to save some much-needed funds. Although going down this route removes the only tight end boasting real starting experience.
Notable Commanders trio absent
It's worth remembering that these OTA sessions are voluntary. Still, being present and ready to work is something head coach Ron Rivera has preached throughout his time as an NFL head coach.
This has seen good attendance over the last two offseasons. While that was still the case on Tuesday, there were three notable absentees from practice that caused debate.
Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Charles Leno Jr. weren't at the facility on Day 1. All three are veterans that know how to prepare their bodies for the upcoming rigors, but there are some storylines attached that warrant consideration.
Sweat is heading into the final year of his deal and probably doesn't want to risk an injury jeopardizing his chances of a bumper payday. The same also applies to Young, but one could also argue he is the last person that should be missing practice after the last two years.
The former Ohio State star hasn't done the voluntary part of workouts since being drafted, so this shouldn't come as a shock. That said, it's not a good look for Young when one considers what's at stake from a personal perspective next season.
We should get more clarification on this from Rivera when he speaks to the media on Wednesday. But when the time comes for the mandatory portion of workouts, the trio will be on the field.