What surprising elements are emerging from Washington Commanders' training camp as excitement builds for the upcoming 2023 campaign?
This year's Washington Commanders training camp has felt different in every conceivable way. Fans have packed Ashburn to bring about increased energy, which is rubbing off on the players as they look to put the necessary foundations in place for a successful campaign in 2023.
Of course, this is thanks in no small part to Josh Harris' ownership group assuming power and Dan Snyder stepping away for good. No longer are the Commanders staring into the abyss - the landmark transaction is a representation of hope that better times can be ahead providing everything goes according to plan in the coming weeks before their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field.
With that being said, here are four emerging surprises from Commanders 2023 training camp worth monitoring moving forward.
Byron Pringle's smooth Commanders transition
Nobody knew what to expect from Byron Pringle after his late arrival to the Washington Commanders before training camp. While the wide receiver's previous working relationship with Eric Bieniemy was positive, joining the locker room a mere hours before the first official practice meant it could have gone either way.
It took Pringle a couple of sessions to familiarize himself with the Commanders' thinking. But it's been impressive after that during a series of outstanding performances according to those in attendance.
Pringle's gone from an outsider to someone who looks set to secure his place on the Commanders' 53-man roster heading into Week 1. Based on what we've seen from the former Kanas State star to date, he'll be more than deserving of his spot if the same trend continues.
Young Commanders O-linemen coming to the fore
Much has been made about the importance of progress where the Washington Commanders' offensive line is concerned in 2023. Anything less than significant improvements could lead to grave ramifications and jobs on the line - so it's imperative the right cohesion is up to the required standard before competitive games arrive.
The Commanders will be heavily reliant on their veteran tackle tandem of Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Wylie. Nick Gates' influence at the center position is another integral part of this puzzle, but watching some younger linemen flourish throughout camp has been encouraging for the short and potentially long term.
Sam Cosmi's transition from the edge to the right guard spot seems to have gone off without a hitch. Chris Paul is emerging as a potential starter at left guard after impressing considerably, which is further aided by Saahdiq Charles suffering yet another calf injury during Wednesday's session.
Another young protector that's caught the eye is undrafted free agent Mason Brooks. The former Ole Miss has reportedly been locking up established defensive linemen such as Daron Payne and Phidarian Mathis during one-on-ones, which could see a depth position offered depending on what transpires during the preseason.
Very little was expected of this group - especially against the Commanders' elite defensive front. So the fact they're holding their own and the development projects are emerging, all hope is certainly not lost just yet.
Commanders CBs improvement
There was optimism surrounding the Washington Commanders' cornerbacks making improvements thanks to the acquisitions of Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin over the first two rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. Not many expected such quick growth from the unit over the early stages of camp.
It didn't take long for the defensive backs to start imposing themselves. Forbes and Martin provided the group with fresh energy, which is something the Commanders felt was sorely needed given their intentions to kick off the college selection process.
Having Benjamin St-Juste fit and free of nagging injuries is another massive positive. The former third-round selection is looking like a potential shutdown presence at the position - boasting a unique blend of size and length that's making things difficult for Washington's impressive pass-catchers.
Kendall Fuller remains dependable and is the experienced leader of the group. Danny Johnson, Rachad Wildgoose, and Christian Holmes are also looking to stake a claim, so there's plenty to like about this unit working alongside the backend safety tandem of Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest.
Of course, having a stout defensive front allows for a little extra freedom in coverage. Everything is seemingly in place, but the rapid nature of the cornerback upturn - especially when it comes to creating turnovers - could be the missing piece of the defensive puzzle in 2023.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's reinvigoration
There's no getting away from it. Ron Rivera is a man reborn.
Taking the Washington Commanders' head coaching gig was an immediate route back into football after he was fired by the Carolina Panthers shortly before the 2019 campaign concluded. But not even Rivera could have envisaged the toxic atmosphere, dwindling fan interest, and complete community disenchantment caused by Dan Snyder's incompetence.
Couple this with the constant stream of scandals, and the questions coming to Rivera's door had nothing to do with football more often than not. Over time - along with the coach's health issues - it began to weigh him down considerably.
Just how much was perhaps underestimated when one considers the glowing demeanor and smile on Rivera's face throughout camp. He's approachable, engaging with his press conference answers, and looks to be loving life once again despite the increased pressure on his shoulders with Josh Harris' ownership group watching every move closely.
Rivera's newfound enthusiasm isn't the surprise - it's the magnitude of his personality turnaround that's been most shocking. The respected figure had a terrible burden to bear with a disgraced absent owner causing complications, so returning to the matter at hand must feel like emerging from hell's smoldering basement and up to heaven's gate.
There's no doubt Rivera is on the hot seat. But that doesn't seem to be bothering him whatsoever after the coach and the Commanders emerged from a very dark tunnel.