What were some critical observations from the seventh official Washington Commanders training camp practice ahead of the 2023 season?
Another day of training camp for the Washington Commanders is officially in the books. This one had a little more significance thanks to the presence of Josh Harris, who was once again in attendance to run the rule over his squad, greet fans, and speak with head coach Ron Rivera - a man who was evidently glowing when speaking to the media pre-practice.
The tempo is increasing and in Eric Bieniemy's case, making feelings known if standards are slipping at any stage. This is all part of the intense preparations heading into the campaign, with fans packing the sessions when permitted bringing an added sense of urgency from everyone associated with the Commanders.
That said, here are four critical observations from practice Day 7 at Washington's training camp in 2023.
Commanders get Saahdiq Charles njury blow
The last thing Saahdiq Charles needs is another injury at this stage of the preparation period. Sadly for the interior offensive lineman, that's exactly what he's received from the football gods.
Charles didn't participate in Wednesday's practice after experiencing soreness in his calf. This is a complication the former fourth-round selection's experienced before and comes at the worst possible time with a starting position at left guard up for grabs.
In Charles' absence, Chris Paul took first-team reps and more than held his own. This is in keeping with the player's outstanding progress throughout the offseason and won't go unnoticed by those in power.
Paul's emergence into a potential starter means Charles won't want to be out for an extended period. But it's clear the Washington Commanders cannot count on the LSU product from a health standpoint in any case.
Commanders getting creative with Curtis Samuel
There's been a lot of hype surrounding Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and even Dyami Brown throughout training camp. The wide receiver trio has come to the fore with some exceptional performances in recent days, but it's easy to forget what a dangerous weapon Curtis Samuel can be if utilized correctly, too.
Samuel is a luxury for Eric Bieniemy and something the creative play-caller should put to good use. There is always the small matter of health where the former second-round pick is concerned, but few would argue the player's credentials with the football in his hands.
Having been around Samuel for almost the entirety of his NFL journey, head coach Ron Rivera can provide Bieniemy with some helpful hints on how best to use the Ohio State product. And Wednesday's practice saw a glimpse of how the wideout might be deployed.
There was a lot to like about Samuel's production. He was lined up almost everywhere across the line of scrimmage according to those in attendance, taking jet sweeps for big gains and giving Washington's imposing defense numerous headaches along the way.
Having such a versatile tool to go alongside the many other difference-makers on the Commanders' offense represents an embarrassment of riches for Bieniemy. If the offensive line holds up and quarterback Sam Howell provides improved consistency, this unit will surprise a lot of people.
Commanders seeing more from Mason Brooks
While the offensive line starting positions look sown up aside from the aforementioned left guard spot, there is all to play for further down the pecking order. Many candidates are vying for roster spots and key depth roles, so every practice matters to them in pursuit of catching the eye.
One player who seems to be maximizing the opportunity in front of him is Mason Brooks. The versatile lineman was identified as a high-priority undrafted free agent by the Washington Commanders once the selection process concluded, giving the Ole Miss product a decent contract and a legitimate chance to win his spot on the 53-man squad.
Brooks might not be getting much work with the first string as they look to hone chemistry, which is fine. But this was the second-straight practice where the player has completely dominated some high-profile defensive opposition during one-on-one drills.
Stone-walling the likes of Daron Payne and Phiarian Mathis is no mean feat even in this sort of setting. If Brooks continues this trend, then the Commanders will have no option other than to throw him into the deep end at some stage.
Whether this comes at practice or preseason games remains to be seen. But it's been a solid start from Brooks and something that vindicates the front office's judgment regarding the lineman during their pre-draft assessments.
Commanders DT Jonathan Allen dominates
One thing that's been a primary standout feature from training camp so far is the defensive line. This represents an area of real strength for the Washington Commanders with Chase Young and Phidarian Mathis returning to health - a responsibility that every member of the unit is taking seriously as they look to put this team on their back.
The front's undisputed alpha is Jonathan Allen, who's been nothing short of sensational throughout camp so far. It's easy to take his excellence for granted, but it's vital that the Washington Commanders make full use of the player's outstanding production entering his prime years.
Allen is a driving force that leads both vocally and by example. He flushed Sam Howell out of the pocket consistently alongside Daron Payne in team drills and according to those in attendance, completely mauled anyone unfortunate enough to come into his path during one-on-ones.
This is great news for the Commanders and bad news for opposing offensive lines in 2023. Allen has quickly become the franchise cornerstone on defense and is looking to take advantage of the newfound positivity across the organization, so the two-time Pro Bowler could be set for the first All-Pro campaign of his NFL career if everything goes as expected.
If Allen meets this lofty objective and others on the defensive line reach their end of the bargain, they will be almost unstoppable.