What were some critical observations to take from Day No. 1 of Washington Commanders training camp ahead of the 2023 campaign?
Although there was no offseason lull whatsoever for the Washington Commanders thanks to the ownership saga that mercifully reached a positive conclusion last week, it was great to begin focusing on football once again. Players and coaches took to the practice field in Ashburn for the start of training camp on Wednesday, which was the start of what can hopefully become a profitable preparation phase before Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
There seems to be a different buzz around the franchise right now. Dan Snyder's dark cloud has gone and everyone seems relieved and more relaxed - something that can bring about improvements in a competitive environment if the correct foundations are laid throughout camp.
With this in mind, here are four critical observations from Day 1 of Washington's training camp in 2023.
Commanders defense creating turnovers
If there was one criticism about the Washington Commanders' defense last season, it centered on their inability to turn chances into takeaways. Something that must change if Jack Del Rio's unit wants to become the league's best in 2023.
Judging by their start to training camp, it's something the Commanders are looking to rectify this time around. According to those in attendance, Washington's defensive group managed to bring in four interceptions throughout practice - three coming from Jake Fromm's hand and the other arriving courtesy of veteran free-agent signing Jacoby Brissett.
This is just one session, so it's important to not get carried away. But with the additions of Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin coupled with the talent already around, hopes are high that this particular area of production takes a significant leap forward.
Commanders ownership making an early statement
There was talk of Josh Harris wanting boots on the ground at training camp once his ownership group's $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders became official. Something that came to fruition immediately on Day No. 1.
Harris and Mitchell Rales were front and center on the sidelines to get a first-hand look at the opening day's session. They were joined by Washington franchise royalty, with former players such as Ryan Clark and Joe Theismann taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the Commanders' facility.
The whole atmosphere has taken a complete 180 turn in recent days since the sale saga ended once and for all. Harris and Rales met with the players before practice and according to Ron Rivera, will go through their own vision to take the franchise forward in more detail during a team meeting.
This is all part of the new, inclusive operation being run by Harris and his wealthy team of investors. Discussions between the majority partner and Rivera are also continuing as they become familiar with one another heading into the campaign.
Expect this trend to continue throughout camp. Harris has already stated he won't be meddling much in football affairs as he learns the ropes, but it'll be nice to have present ownership rather than one man hiding away on his luxury yacht to avoid the paying peasants.
Commanders take the brace off Chase Young
All eyes were on Chase Young as he participated in his first training camp practice since the Washington Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option. The defensive end is eager to silence some increasing doubters and there was one immediate factor that caught the eye even before he'd taken part in a single drill.
Young bounced his way onto the field without the knee brace that became synonymous with the defensive end during an injury-hit two years. This might not seem like much, but it's pretty significant and a sign that confidence is increasing about the player's leg strength after some significant rehabilitation.
According to those in attendance, Young seemed to be moving well and his straight-line explosiveness was right where it needed to be. Again, we are still in the infancy of camp, so the Commanders would be wise to err on the side of caution despite the encouraging progress being made by the former Ohio State phenom.
The same goes for tight end Logan Thomas, who also practiced without a knee brace for the first time in a while. Ron Rivera stated this was all part of the natural progression for both influential figures, who could have pivotal roles to play in Washington's quest for potential playoff football in 2023.
Thomas is likely to feature heavily in Eric Bieniemy's scheme. But if Young stays healthy and starts fulfilling his enormous promise, the Commanders' defensive line is going to be unstoppable.
Solid day from Commanders QB Sam Howell
Although head coach Ron Rivera insists that the quarterback battle remains open, Sam Howell is getting the first shot at the starting job in 2023. The Washington Commanders handed him the majority of first-team reps throughout early workouts and this trend continued on the opening day of training camp.
Howell had a solid first day overall. There were a few miscues, but he was the only signal-caller not to throw an interception and made some eye-catching throws against a defense that looked intent on making their presence felt right out of the gate.
The former North Carolina standout conjured some impressive completions to Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Howell's chemistry with veteran tight end Logan Thomas continued in red-zone situations, which is another positive ahead of the pads going on in the coming days.
Washington's defense is only going to get better as camp progresses, so Howell must do the same in pursuit of gaining the confidence needed to hit the ground running in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He knows very few are expecting him to maximize this opportunity, which is all the motivation needed to become one of the league's surprise packages next season.
It's been a positive start from Howell, but no more than that. The tempo is going to increase further throughout camp, with joint practices against the Baltimore Ravens also set to provide a solid measuring stick.