4 critical observations from Commanders 2023 training camp Day 3

What were some critical observations from practice Day 3 from Washington Commanders training camp heading into the 2023 season?

Another bumper crowd greeted Washington Commanders players and staff for their third official day of training camp and the second with fans around. To say it was hot would be an understatement, but everyone came through relatively unscathed all things considered - which is always a big positive.

Much like the opening two sessions, the increased energy was hard not to notice. This all stems from the change in ownership and the hope for a better future now that one man isn't completely demoralizing the fanbase and those risking their health on the gridiron.

It's fascinating to see things coming together. On that note, here are four critical observations from practice Day No. 3 at Washington's training camp in 2023.

Commanders welcome NBA icon

There was frenzied excitement among the crowd shortly before the session on Day 3 got underway. This had nothing to do with the players and coaches making their way to the field, but it centered on a very famous fan making the descent to Ashburn to see the Washington Commanders in action.

NBA icon Kevin Durant, who plays for the Phoenix Suns and is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in basketball history, is a lifelong Washington supporter but was seldom seen around the franchise when Dan Snyder held absolute power. Now that this boil has been removed from the franchise, fans are returning with a sense of pride once again.

This might not seem like much, but Durant turning up at Commanders' training camp is a microcosm of the increased interest among the fans. Something that can hopefully continue into the upcoming campaign and way beyond.

Commanders showcase five-man DL

There was a real sense of relief when the Washington Commanders revealed that stud defensive tackle Daron Payne would be a full-go for their third training camp practice. The former Alabama standout has some increased responsibilities in 2023 after getting a mammoth contract extension worth $90 million with $59 million guaranteed, so missing the opening two practices with a minor toe problem wasn't ideal.

Still, we are early in the process and there didn't seem to be any ill effects where Payne was concerned. His presence on the field also allowed Jack Del Rio to further experiment with a five-man defensive front that is enough to strike fear into the heart of any opposition.

According to those in attendance, Montez Sweat and Chase Young were the edge rushers, 2022 second-round selection Phidarian Mathis operated as a nose tackle presence, with the defensive tackle tandem of Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen alongside him.

While this would arguably leave the Commanders exposed at the second level and secondary, having all five linemen on the field together is going to cause untold complications. If they all stay healthy for the majority of 2023, then expect Del Rio to implement this a lot during the campaign.

Preventing these five from wreaking havoc - especially if Mathis becomes that space-eater on the interior - is impossible. So this undoubted strength is something the Commanders should put to good use when the regular season arrives.

Commanders WR Dyami Brown shows out

This season is a big one for Dyami Brown. Much has been made about the wide receiver's lack of involvement since joining the Washington Commanders, but there have been significant signs of life that a potential breakout campaign could be in the offing next time around.

Brown has taken the initiative in pursuit of controlling his own destiny this offseason. He's worked hard on improving all areas and it's starting to show with two-straight dominant practices at training camp.

Everything the former third-round selection touches is turning to gold right now. Brown is winning contested catches, getting deep down the field, creating separation quickly, and making big plays when his number's called.

Accumulating targets might be difficult with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson ahead of him, but Brown couldn't be doing any more over the early stage of camp. And it's been fantastic to see his previous college chemistry with quarterback Sam Howell from their time together at North Carolina coming to the fore consistently.

Keeping this up against a decent-looking secondary when the pads go on will be the next challenge for Brown. If he can accomplish this and also make the most of preseason involvement when it inevitably arrives, the Commanders might have another dynamic weapon on their hands when all hope seemed lost.

Kazmeir Allen stakes Commanders claim

The Washington Commanders made Kazmeir Allen one of their top priorities when the 2023 NFL Draft concluded. While it was surprising to see the gifted playmaker go undrafted, those in power got him on board thanks to a decent financial package with the promise of a fair shake at earning his spot on the 53-man roster.

Allen's initial involvement was hindered slightly by a nagging injury throughout early workouts. There was no rush from the Commanders' perspective to get him on the field, but the former UCLA star knew that a strong start was needed at training camp in a playing catch-up scenario.

After bedding in over the opening two days, Allen came to life with a starring performance that caught the eye on Friday's session according to those in attendance. The wide receiver/kick returner was elusive in tight windows and demonstrated quality breakaway speed in open space - traits that the Commanders were hoping for when they convinced him to join Ron Rivera's project.

Dax Milne continues to impress and the Commanders also signed Byron Pringle to their stacked wideout room shortly before camp began. Things are still sitting precariously for Allen as a result, but keeping him off the team will be difficult if the unfancied prospect continues this trend over the coming weeks.

Of course, the Commanders could risk sneaking Allen on the practice squad. This would be a major gamble considering how hotly coveted he became quickly in undrafted free agency.