What were some critical observations to take from Day 4 of Washington Commanders' training camp practice at Back Together Saturday?
The Washington Commanders were expecting a big crowd for their first Back Together Saturday without Dan Snyder, and the rejuvenated fanbase duly obliged. It was standing room only even with the new bleachers in place, which is further proof of a franchise reborn after their $6.05 billion sale to Josh Harris' ownership group became official.
There is a different atmosphere around the place right now. Players and coaches have an added spring in their step, with the presence of fans making things feel more like an NFL practice - something that hasn't been said of most camps in recent years thanks to the previous ownership.
With that being said, here are four critical observations from the Commanders' practice during Back Together Saturday around the league.
Commanders get Nick Gates injury scare
The Washington Commanders can ill afford another injury-ravaged season for their offensive line. So when Nick Gates hobbled off with a problem during practice, there were more than a few concerns from fans and media alike.
According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, the free-agent arrival stated that he'd tweaked his ankle going into pass protection. However, Gates didn't appear concerned whatsoever.
Better this sort of thing occurs now rather than during the campaign. The Commanders are counting on Gates to provide improved production and communication after cutting ties with Chase Roullier, so this problem could see the staff become a little more cautious leading into Week 1.
Another great day for Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes
It's only early and the pads haven't come on yet. However, the Washington Commanders might have something special in Emmanuel Forbes.
The cornerback is demonstrating all the qualities normally associated with a shutdown NFL cornerback. Forbes has been almost flawless throughout camp so far despite the strength of Washington's wide receivers, coming up with another pick-six on a Sam Howell throw during Saturday's session that drew widespread gasps from the bumper crowd in attendance.
Forbes is playing his way into a starting role right out of the gate. No challenge is too steep for the former Mississippi State star, who's mirroring receivers' routes incredibly well despite his lack of experience in a professional environment.
The next big test for Forbes is when things get more physical with the pads on. It might also be worth defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio giving the rookie some preseason reps to give him a broader perspective about what to expect when things get serious.
Washington - and head coach Ron Rivera in particular - were enamored with Forbes throughout their pre-draft assessments. It seemed like a foregone conclusion he'd be their pick at No. 16 overall, but the first-year pro is doing nothing to prove influential figures within the organization wrong after a sensational preparation period to date.
Commanders OL is finding life tough
After a significant revamp across the offensive line throughout the offseason, it was always going to take time for things to mold effectively. There are four new starters and two new veteran arrivals in free agency, so anyone expecting miracles right away was kidding themselves.
Going up against arguably the league's best defensive line is another complication that cannot be ignored. It's more a case of holding their own rather than expecting to dominate, with the Washington Commanders' four or even five-man front set to cause untold havoc throughout the upcoming campaign if everyone stays healthy.
It was a difficult day for Washington's protection during their fourth camp practice. The defensive front had their way almost from start to finish according to those in attendance, getting push consistently and collapsing the pocket to a degree that's making life more difficult than needed for Sam Howell.
As the old saying goes, iron sharpens iron. The trouble is, the Commanders might not be working with an iron-clad offensive line looking at how things are unfolding over the early stages of camp.
Again, this is nothing major to concern fans. Almost every line around the NFL will struggle with the Commanders' defensive front, so going up against them daily might actually make things easier when they clash with inferior fronts during the regular season.
Another mixed day from Commanders QB Sam Howell
There were always going to be some growing pains for Sam Howell throughout camp. His lack of experience as an NFL starter means this could be a slow burn leading up to Week 1, with the Washington Commanders' defense in no mood to do their signal-caller any favors as they also look to hit the ground running in 2023.
It was a mixed bag from Howell on Saturday according to those in attendance. There were times when he showed conviction, got the football out quickly, and places his throws into tight windows, but it was nowhere near consistent enough.
Washington's offense looked sluggish for the most part during practice. We've already spoken about the offensive line's struggles and there was more hesitancy than usual from Howell versus a secondary that took no prisoners throughout the session.
This is all part of the steep learning curve Howell is getting this summer. It won't be perfect and how the former fifth-round pick responds to adversity will also be telling, but taking the rough with the smooth without over-reacting represents the best course of action currently.
Again, going up against such a prolific defense might slow things down for Howell when competitive games arrive. But he can ill-afford any lapses in his own confidence heading into such a monumental opportunity.