Who were the big winners and losers from a fantastic first week of training camp practices for the Washington Commanders in 2023?
Winner No. 1
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
After such a turbulent start to his NFL career, Brian Robinson Jr. is eager to hit the ground running this time around. The powerful backfield threat stated that he feels like a new man after fully recovering from the gunshot wounds, which is reflected in an imposing start to training camp.
Robinson's explosiveness and improved pass-catching prowess have caught the eye so far. He's responding well to Eric Bieniemy's demands and is gradually improving from a confidence standpoint despite coming up against a dominant defensive line.
This is a tremendous opening for Robinson as he looks to become the Washington Commanders' lead presence alongside Sam Howell in the backfield. Antonio Gibson will occupy a third-down role, but don't be surprised if the former Alabama star also gets his fair share of targets based on how things are unfolding at camp.
Loser No. 1
Rachad Wildgoose - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' defense has been as advertised so far throughout camp. Jack Del Rio's men look well on course to be among the league's most dominant units once again in 2023, which stems from their exceptional defensive front and a secondary that looks set to make major improvements next time around.
All signs point to rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes being a true difference-maker right out of the gate. Quan Martin's physicality covering the slot is also leaving a mark, with others such as Benjamin St-Juste, Kendall Fuller, and Danny Johnson also making their presence felt throughout the opening week of camp.
What this means for the future of Rachad Wildgoose is unclear. The third-year cornerback has been anonymous in comparison to some of his teammates, which represents a potential complication in pursuit of securing a roster spot next season.
Wildgoose performed well when called upon in 2022, especially when occupying nickel duties. However, he still represents something of an unknown quantity in terms of scheme fit within this year's defense after two notable additions were acquired over the Commanders' opening two picks of the draft.
The gauntlet has been laid down to Wildgoose in no uncertain terms. How the former Wisconsin star responds will be of critical importance to his overall aspirations for involvement.
Winner No. 2
Chase Young - Commanders DE
After all the headlines, rumors, and speculation, it was probably a relief for Chase Young to focus primarily on football matters once again at training camp. The Washington Commanders brought this on themselves by declining his fifth-year option, but they had no alternative when one considers how things have unfolded for the defensive end over the last two years.
That is in the past. Young is all about focusing on the future and certainly looks back to his old self if the first week of training camp was any indication.
The former No. 2 overall selection out of Ohio State is practicing without his infamous knee brace and looks explosive getting off the block according to those in attendance. Something that's drawn praise from head coach Ron Rivera and given the fanbase renewed hope Young could be in line for a genuine bounce-back campaign in 2023.
Having Young healthy and reinvigorated means everything. You can see the energy increase whenever he steps onto the field and his teammates are clearly relishing the prospect of having him firing on all cylinders.
The next big challenge for Young is responding well to the pads going on in the coming days. If he comes through this stage of preparations unscathed and continues to perform at a high level, there's just no telling what he might be able to accomplish.
And that should be a scary thought for any offensive line in Washington's path next season.
Loser No. 2
Dan Snyder - Former Commanders owner
Surprised to see Dan Snyder's name here? Well, indulge me for just a moment.
Almost every training camp over the last two decades has seen diminished fan interest. Snyder's management of team affairs as owner and almost no genuine investment left many supporters past the point of despair, wondering when the light would emerge from the end of a very dark tunnel where the Washington Commanders are concerned.
If Snyder is watching things unfold during camp from his luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, it's with a case of what might have been had he put in more effort. He walked off with a little under $6 billion once his fine was paid, but one look at the galvanized energy in Ashburn is sure to leave him with a real sense of regret.
Josh Harris' ownership group has completely re-energized the organization. Higher standards are already evident and the collective weight of the team's shoulders is being felt from those higher up right down to Ron Rivera and his players.
Want to know how starved Commanders fans were of anything positive? Just take a look at the reaction to Washington's installation of new bleachers as evidence enough of how little Snyder cared about the Commanders.
A new era has dawned and Snyder's reign is already looking like a distant memory. Considering he was a fan before anything else, that'll sting most of all.
Ron Rivera - Commanders HC
Ron Rivera is a man reborn.
The Washington Commanders' head coach looks like a completely different figure to the man who had to cope with almost everything team-related over his first three years at the helm. This took its toll - especially considering Rivera's health complications - but there's an added spring in his step that's been hard not to notice over the first week of training camp.
Rivera's energy is being felt across the practice field, during his time speaking to the media, and in terms of motivating his players. The respected figure is also integrating himself more into the football side of things as Josh Harris' ownership group looks to immediately ease the burden.
Whether this will bring about improved results when it counts remains to be seen. But it won't hurt whatsoever and Rivera will be given every chance to prove his worth before Harris and his wealthy team of investors contemplate widespread changes.
For all the team's struggles, Rivera's never lost the locker room. They know the strain he was under during the previous owner's catastrophic final few years in charge, so it's been a refreshing change of pace to see the coach smiling broadly rather than adopting body language that didn't necessarily inspire those around him.
Rivera is back to being a football coach rather than a PR fire extinguisher. And the Commanders could benefit greatly in 2023 as a result.