4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 12

What were some critical observations from the 12th official day of practice at Washington Commanders' training camp in 2023?

We are now at the business end of training camp - the time when it's hard to figure out what actual day is it or how far down the practice pole we are. Things will resemble a normal game day structure soon, with the Washington Commanders kicking off their preseason encounters on Friday night with a trip to the Cleveland Browns.

There was a bit of a stir caused by head coach Ron Rivera before practice relating to some players reportedly being unhappy with Eric Bieniemy's harsh coaching methods. But the focus was primarily on football rather than the off-field distractions that have blighted this organization for too long.

With that in mind, here are four critical observations from practice No. 12 at Commanders' training camp.

Commanders held grueling session

With preseason games and joint practices on the immediate horizon, this was arguably the last opportunity for the Washington Commanders to hold a longer, more physical session before attention drifts elsewhere with the regular season in sight. Something head coach Ron Rivera and his staff took full advantage of.

The practice went north of two hours, the tempo was noticeably high, and players were competing hard despite this being the 12th day of an exhausting training camp. This is exactly the attitude fans wanted to see, especially given the figurehead's statements shortly before everyone took the field.

Things will begin winding down before traveling to Cleveland for Preseason Week 1. Everything will then be geared up toward joint sessions with the Baltimore Ravens and the last fortnight of preparations before final cuts and their opening-day clash with the Arizona Cardinals.

Commanders DE Montez Sweat dominates

Much of the hype has centered on Chase Young's encouraging return to the practice field throughout training camp. However, his edge-rushing teammate is starting to impose himself to a level of complete dominance over everyone unfortunate enough to cross his path.

Montez Sweat is a physical specimen with proven reliability in terms of health and production. He's starting to truly believe what he could be, which is a dangerous combination for a player that the Washington Commanders will rely upon heavily in 2023.

What happens beyond that is less clear. Sweat - like Young - is entering a contract year and is seeking mega money in keeping with the better-paid pass-rushers in the league.

Based on his performance levels throughout camp and since he arrived as a first-round pick out of Mississippi State, the Commanders should get this situation resolved at the earliest possible opportunity if they had any sense. Because the price is only going up.

Now that the new ownership team is in place, contract situations like the ones involving Sweat and Kamren Curl can come under consideration. But with Nick Bosa and Brian Burns due big paydays in the near future, the edge presence might decide to wait it out in the hope of getting a more lucrative extension further down the road.

Either way, Sweat is going to be a significant asset for the Commanders next season. If Young stays healthy and the interior continues to thrive, Washington's defensive front will be the best in football.

Commanders CB Danny Johnson showed out

Compared to other cornerbacks on the Washington Commanders, the performances of Danny Johnson have gone relatively under the radar. But that doesn't make them any less impressive as the player looks to earn a prominent place on the rotation once again.

The Commanders recognized Johnson's contribution by handing him a new two-year deal to prevent him from leaving in free agency. This was a strong vote of confidence in the veteran, but there's absolutely no room for complacency after those in power spent their first two picks of the 2023 NFL Draft on defensive backs.

It would be a shock if Johnson didn't make the 53-man roster right now, but anything can happen with warmup games on the horizon. That's why a practice like this was so important for his confidence with bigger challenges awaiting.

According to those in attendance, Johsnon had a fantastic session on Tuesday. He looked assured in coverage and came up with some telling stops that are sure to have caught the eye of Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as part of their ongoing evaluations.

If Emmanuel Forbes, Kendall Fuller, and Benjamin St-Juste are locked to start and Quan Martin operates in the nickel role, that leaves probably three spaces for the rest. Competition is fierce and what happens in the preseason could make all the difference, but Johnson has the credentials needed to secure a roster spot comfortably.

Commanders QB Sam Howell's impressive day

It's no secret that things haven't been easy for Sam Howell of late. The Washington Commanders' exceptional defense is giving the quarterback all he can handle, although it says a lot for the player's resolve that he gets off the canvas and comes back swinging more often than not.

This is all part of Howell's growth and as we've said previously, going up against this high-caliber opposition daily is going to make things easier when the regular season begins. The former fifth-round selection can also take great heart from his consistency on Tuesday - arguably his best practice of camp so far.

Howell was dropping dimes everywhere you looked according to those in attendance. One throw to Terry McLaurin, in particular, drew widespread gasps from fans due to its brilliance.

Others such as Curtis Samuel and Cole Turner benefitted greatly from Howell's improved conviction. This was just what the doctor ordered before things begin getting less intense and added further confidence to the notion he could finally provide the upturn in production needed under center in Washington.

Whether Howell will get much time during the preseason remains to be seen. His lack of experience indicates a need for live-fire reps, but the Commanders cannot afford for him or anyone else that needs to be on the field alongside the signal-caller to get injured considering what's at stake for many in positions of power next season.

Regardless of whether Howell performs in the preseason or not, this was an exceptional practice. One that represents a solid building block heading into his first campaign as a starting NFL gunslinger.