What were some critical observations from the fourth official day of Washington Commanders OTAs as the team returned from their long weekend off?
The Washington Commanders got back down to football matters on Tuesday to kick off the second stage of organized team activities. This was the fourth session for the group as a collective unit, which enabled the coaching staff to continue implementing their ethos with the team's mandatory minicamp just around the corner.
There remains one primary distraction away from the gridiron, which is proceeding as expected despite a concerning report from Forbes that was shot down almost instantly by A.J. Perez from Front Office Sports. But for the coaches and players, it's always been a business-first approach to avoid any unnecessary complications when the real action begins.
The pressure will grow once the new ownership group led by Josh Harris takes charge. However, the improved atmosphere when Dan Snyder is finally removed from the equation could be enough to ensure legitimate strides are made in 2023 as those in power look to avoid wholesale changes across the board.
With that being said, here are four critical observations from Day 4 of Commanders OTAs ahead of the 2023 season.
Blossoming partnership on Commanders OL
After the Washington Commanders invested heavily in their offensive line this offseason, improvements are expected. According to senior writer Zach Selby from the team's website, there was one particular partnership that caught the eye during Tuesday's practice.
Andrew Wylie and Sam Cosmi - the team's projected starting tandem on the protection's right-hand side - seem to be developing chemistry well. Communication between the pair is progressing and per Selby, their cohesion when passing off a stunt left reasons for encouragement moving forward.
There is a long way to go, but the early signs are promising where Wylie and Cosmi are concerned. Something that can hopefully blossom further throughout the summer.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy's vocal approach
One of the primary differences between the Washington Commanders from this year to last is Eric Bieniemy's influence. The assistant head coach/offensive coordinator has wasted no time in raising standards across the board, with his unrivaled enthusiasm coming across during every drill throughout OTAs so far.
Bieniemy is preaching high tempo above all else. According to Zach Selby from the team's website, he's been quick to let players know when things aren't moving quickly enough for his experienced liking.
"It seems to be a recurring theme, but Eric Bieniemy appearsto be getting more vocal with each practice. Perhaps part of that was because the team planned on ending the day with two-minute drills (more on that later), but he was constantly reminding his players to pick up the pace and get in and out of the huddle with more urgency. "We need to wake up!" he yelled at one point. "We got work to do!""Zach Selby, Commanders.com
This is something that's having a positive impact on the players. Bieniemy's voice holds a lot of weight and considering how much success he's attained throughout his coaching career, the Commanders are rightfully leaning on him heavily during the OTA period.
Expect Bienemy's presence to grow further when training camp rolls around. And make no mistake, any players not pulling their weight are unlikely to make it through onto the 53-man roster.
Commanders benefitting from college chemistry
With quarterback Sam Howell set to become the Washington Commanders' starting option in 2023, nobody stands to benefit more than Dyami Brown. The pair developed outstanding chemistry from their time together in college at North Carolina, which is something that can hopefully transition into a professional environment next season.
Brown has struggled to impact the wide receiver rotation since joining the Commanders as a third-round selection in 2021. Not entirely unsurprising when one considers the strength in this particular position group, but it's something that needs to change heading into Year 3 of his career.
According to those in attendance, Howell and Brown stated to click during Tuesday's session. The wideout brought in four catches from six attempts, which also included an eye-catching grab after creating separation going up against cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
This is a big step in the right direction for Brown, who has the size and athletic traits to become a surprise some teams won't see coming in 2023. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson should remain focal points, but don't be surprised if the perceived No. 4 option on the wideout depth chart becomes more influential.
Having Howell under center could be the springboard Brown needs to start fulfilling some undoubted promise. And their previous chemistry is something that won't go unnoticed by Eric Bieniemy, that's for sure.
Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes gets physical
Much has been made about Emmanuel Forbes and his relative lack of true physical stature compared to most productive NFL-caliber cornerbacks. The No. 16 overall selection is keen to silence these doubters, already putting on weight since joining the Washington Commanders and making an eye-catching start throughout early offseason workouts.
Forbes' ball-hawking attributes have been on full display to date. But it was his physical intent during Tuesday's practice that is arguably the most impressive thing of all.
According to those in attendance, Forbes got up close and personal with Dyami Brown and tight end John Bates with great effect during drills. Considering both are much larger than the defensive back, it only heightens the expectancy levels ahead of the Mississippi State product's rookie campaign.
It's clear Forbes was high on a lot of teams' draft boards despite the durability concerns. Had the player been a little more muscular and formidable-looking, there's every chance he'd have been a top-10 selection.
The hesitancy of others could be Washington's gain. When one factors everything into the equation, Forbes couldn't have made a stronger impression over his first few weeks in the building.