4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 2

What were some critical observations to take from the second day of practice at Washington Commanders training camp in 2023?

Thursday saw thousands of Washington Commanders fans make the trip to Ashburn for the second day of training camp. This was the first time they'd been permitted to view their heroes in action and those in attendance also had the added luxury of seats thanks to new bleachers.

This might not seem like much, but it's another example of a changing tide within the Commanders. Josh Harris' ownership group isn't going to cut corners in pursuit of making the franchise an industry leader and they aren't going to waste any time implementing the changes they can with just a few short weeks remaining until competitive action arrives.

With that being said, here are four critical observations from the second day of Washington's training camp practice as preparations for the 2023 campaign ramp-up.

Commanders fans provide vibrant atmosphere

There is a completely different atmosphere around the Washington Commanders these days. Something that was further reflected by the number of fans in attendance for practice on Day 2.

They were greeted almost instantly by Josh Harris, Mitchell Rales, and Mark Ein, who were in attendance. And a picture comparison from Nicki Jhabvala from the Washington Post brought into perspective how things have changed in a 12-month period.

Simply astonishing. But the most important thing for Ron Rivera and his players is taking this newfound positivity and harnessing it into improved production between the white lines.

Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue throughout camp and inspire everyone to better things.

Commanders have a stud in Emmanuel Forbes

The Washington Commanders are giving Emmanuel Forbes all he can handle at training camp. And that's absolutely fine where the dynamic cornerback is concerned.

Forbes is athletic, explosive, and boasts elite-level instincts capable of creating turnovers at will. There are some concerns about his frame, but that hasn't bothered him up to now and anticipation is only growing after an outstanding opening to training camp.

Of course, going up against Terry McLaurin constantly means there will be times when receptions are conceded. The wideout is one of the league's best for a reason and is providing Forbes with a crash course in what it takes to be a successful coverage presence in the pros.

Based on reports from those in attendance, Forbes is more than holding his own against McLaurin or anyone else. The defensive back is relishing the challenge and hopefully, can take significant confidence from his opening exchanges versus a player that landed on the NFL's top 100 list for the first time.

If things continue in a similar manner for Forbes throughout camp, Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio will have no qualms about throwing him in at the deep end from Week 1 onwards. This should give the Commanders a productive trio with Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste also set to earn prominent reps.

Commanders DL shines without Daron Payne

The Washington Commanders are counting heavily on their defensive line to provide the dominance needed to make things easier for everyone else. All four projected starters are first-round selections and capable of wreaking havoc at will as a collective force.

Jack Del Rio hasn't had the benefit of stud defensive tackle Daron Payne over the first two days of camp. The former Alabama star is dealing with a toe issue that Ron Rivera didn't put a specific timeline on - it was more a case of letting the medicine take effect and taking it from there.

Even without Payne, the Commanders' defensive line was causing havoc throughout Thursday's practice. Jonathan Allen was joined in the starting lineup on the interior by Phidarian Mathis - a second-round pick in his own right who is looking to make up for some lost time after his rookie campaign ended abruptly in Week 1.

Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett were under constant duress, being flushed out of the pocket consistently by the fabulous foursome. This also happens to include the pass-rushing edge duo of Chase Young and Montez Sweat - an embarrassment of riches for the Commanders and something the coaching staff must put to good use.

This all comes down to health. If the Commanders keep everyone fit and firing, there isn't much any opposition can do to prevent their defensive line from causing significant damage.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. impresses

Things are a lot different for Brian Robinson Jr. this year. The running back endured a torrid time last summer after suffering a potentially life-threatening incident, so everyone associated with the Washington Commanders is hoping for calmer seas before he fills the lead role as anticipated next season.

Robinson demonstrated enough qualities after his sensational return as a rookie to suggest he's ready for bigger responsibilities. He's looked explosive throughout the opening two practices according to media in attendance, with his pass-catching prowess coming in for some surprising praise along the way.

This is an area of Robinson's game that gets overlooked but could be important. Eric Bieniemy is guaranteed to scheme things up well and put everyone's best skills to use, but it would be a significant asset if the former Alabama playmaker added this particular string to his bow.

The Commanders have Antonio Gibson as their third-down option out of the backfield. If Robinson also improves and inspires confidence from a pass-catching standpoint, could be a one-two punch that's difficult to stop.

Robinson's primary objective will be to set the tone in the run game and make things easier for second-year quarterback Sam Howell. Anything else would be a bonus for someone that could be in line for a true breakout campaign in 2023.