Commanders News: Chase Young, new stadium, Ron Rivera and Emmanuel Forbes

Which Washington Commanders' news stories are hitting the headlines with the team's first official public training camp practice in the books?

What a sight it was to see so many Washington Commanders fans descend en masse to Ashburn to see their first opening training camp session on Thursday. New ownership group members were in attendance once again and the vibrancy across the facility was in keeping with the growing mood enveloping the franchise since Dan Snyder left town.

Of course, it brought plenty of tidbits, too. Among the stories causing debate include Ron Rivera's pleasure with how things are currently unfolding, Chase Young's bounce-back mentality, Emmanuel Forbes on the benefit of elite competition, and the Commanders' new stadium battle officially commences once again.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Ron Rivera hails Commanders fans

It's been hard to ignore the demeanor change where Ron Rivera is concerned now that the Washington Commanders' ownership saga is over once and for all. He looks rejuvenated, reborn, and everything in between when during press conferences and on the practice field as he finally focuses on football rather than any unnecessary distractions.

This has been noticeable among the fans, too. Something that Rivera rightfully acknowledged in his comments to the media via the team's website after Thursday's second session.

"It was cool. It really was cool. It really was. I think one of the things that the players talked about was when somebody made a play, you could hear the fans get excited about it and guys come back to the huddle. They got grins on their faces and stuff like that. Their energy is part of what helps us."

Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

This needs to be a collective effort to get the Commanders back into contention. But with ticket sales soaring and the atmosphere buzzing, this organization is looking like a unified front for the first time in more than two decades.

Commanders stadium battle commences

It hasn't taken long for things to get rolling in regards to a potential new stadium for the Washington Commanders once Josh Harris' ownership group officially got the green light. Thursday saw two intriguing developments emerge from separate Districts, with the franchise quickly becoming coveted once again now that petulant man-child Dan Snyder is not complicating matters.

First, Sam Fortier from the Washington Post reported that Republican James Comer was introducing bipartisan legislation that would completely reinvigorate the RFK Stadium site. This proposal would turn it into a mixed-use development and could also include a new stadium to bring the Commanders home.

The legislation also received the support of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is the District's non-voting representative in Congress.

"The RFK site sits on underused federal land in D.C. that could be redeveloped, generating tax revenue for D.C. Neither the Mayor nor the Council Chair opposes this bill, which would allow D.C. to put the site to productive use — a vast improvement on the current state of affairs. I look forward to working with Chairman Comer to pass this bill as quickly as possible."

Del. Norton via Washington Post

This would be a popular move with many fans who want the Commanders back in D.C. at the iconic venue. A lot must happen before anything become concrete, but there was another interesting development as Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin attended practice, walking out with Harris and Mitchell Rales before declaring his intent to bring the new stadium to his District.

This is obviously good news for the franchise. Any bidding war is going to potentially increase the public funds available, but there will be many twists and turns to come yet.

Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes' mindset

One of the most fascinating elements to emerge from the first two days of training camp centers on the evolving battle between Emmanuel Forbes and Terry McLaurin. The Washington Commanders are putting their first-round cornerback up against one of the best wide receivers in the business almost constantly, which will hopefully provide the learning curve needed to hit the ground running in Week 1.

Forbes hasn't shirked the significant test and is more than holding his own against McLaurin according to media in attendance. The former Mississippi State star was highly complimentary of the Pro Bowler via the team's website after practice, with his take nothing for granted mentality something else that came to the fore.

"Terry [McLaurin] is one of the top receivers in the NFL. So, he's just going out there, making me better each and every day, and I'm making him better each and every day we compete. He just knows and understands routes and stems and things like that. He knows how to use his eyes well. So, I would say he has a big catch radius, and he's really good at what he does. We all take accountability in everything we do. Of course, I was drafted first round, but we all got to compete each and every day, just like anybody else on the team. We just always around each other and just talking to each other."

Emmanuel Forbes via Commanders.com

This is the right mindset to have. Forbes knows nothing will be given and he's earned nothing but a big rookie deal since being drafted. However, his production and willingness to take on huge challenges are sure to earn respect among his teammates, which is always the hard part for any rookie no matter where they get selected.

Forbes has star qualities. And it looks like the Commanders are harnessing them effectively so far.

Commanders DE Chase Young is ready

Another positive that's come from the opening two practice sessions could have huge ramifications on the Washington Commanders and their chances in 2023. Of course, this centers on Chase Young, who is now without a knee brace and looking much more like his old self after a frustrating two years.

There's been no offseason for Young, who's been working tirelessly to strengthen his need and get himself in peak physical condition for camp. Ron Rivera stated the former first-round selection is light years ahead of where he was this time last summer, which was also reflected in the player's post-practice comments via John Keim of ESPN.

"It was just time to take it off [the knee brace]. I feel myself; I feel good. … I'm feeling explosive."

Chase Young via ESPN

Young's offseason activities included working out with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry among other NFL stars. The pass-rusher delved a little deeper into discussions with the wide receiver, who's also dealt with some troubling knee difficulties after tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl.

"He says, 'We bounce back every time. You get injured, you bounce back. That's just what we do,' He gave me great advice; I can't thank him enough."

Chase Young via ESPN

The Commanders will find out more about where Young is when the pads go on. But his production, explosiveness, and mentality mean everything is perhaps going better than many anticipated as the defensive end looks to bounce back in a contract year.