Which Washington Commanders' news stories are hitting the headlines with everyone now in the building for the start of training camp practices tomorrow?
Seeing players descend on Ashburn for the start of training camp this week only added to the level of anticipation heading into the 2023 campaign. Of course, this also comes without a dark cloud hanging over the Washington Commanders for the first time in more than two decades.
Football is (almost) back and we couldn't be happier. Before then, among the stories causing debate include Josh Harris' willingness to learn, Chase Young's outlook in 2023, Terry McLaurin's honor, and the Commanders' potential new stadium.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders WR Terry McLaurin's honor
After years of being classed as underrated, it's been great to see Terry McLaurin get some well-deserved recognition this offseason. The gifted wide receiver was listed as one of the best at the position by Madden when their annual ratings were announced and the NFL also gave him a confidence boost this week.
McLaurin came in at No. 94 on the NFL's top-100 list. While this is still a little low according to most Washington Commanders fans, it's a step in the right direction. And the wideout is confident his exceptional work ethic will continue to give the opposition countless problems based on his comments via the team's website.
"I'm already one of the top receivers in this league. I wouldn't say I'm No. 1 yet, but I'm definitely working to try to be the best. Seventeen's playing hard every play, and you gotta come ready to play, too, because he's gonna bring it."Terry McLaurin va Commanders.com
If McLaurin made the top 100 given all the upheaval of late, imagine how much he'll surge when the Commanders finally get themselves a franchise quarterback.
Commanders new stadium reset?
One of the primary long-term objectives for Josh Harris and his ownership group centers on a new stadium. FedEx Field is no longer fit for purpose after being left to rot by previous owner Dan Snyder, although the new regime does plan to upgrade the facility significantly in pursuit of improving fan experiences next season.
There are three districts that would like the new stadium, including the Washington Commanders franchise's former home at RFK. However, part-owner Mitchell Rales stated recently via The Washington Post that everything remains up in the air.
"We have no idea where we’re going to build the stadium."Mitchell Rales via The Washington Post
Whether this means hitting the reset button entirely or simply reassessing remains to be seen. Virginia and Maryland are both willing to sump up a significant amount of public funds to get the Commanders' new stadium, which might be easier to sort out considering the RFK site is government owned.
Harris' prospectus indicated that he would like a new stadium in place by 2031. That does appear optimistic, but nothing can be dismissed one way or another right now.
Commanders DE Chase Young's outlook
The Washington Commanders have plenty going for them in 2023. Most notably, getting defensive end Chase Young fit and firing on all cylinders following a frustrating two years.
This could be Young's redemption season. He's highly motivated to prove people wrong and get a bumper new deal from the Commanders or elsewhere along the way, but there are plenty of unknowns that make any guarantees difficult where the former Ohio State stud is concerned.
Young was unsurprisingly named as the Commanders player with the most to prove in 2023 by John Keim of ESPN. But if everything comes together, the writer expects Washington's defense to go up even further.
"He was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 after Washington drafted him second overall. But since that point, Young has not made an impact -- first because of his play over the first nine games of his second season (1.5 sacks) and then because he tore the ACL and ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. Washington did not pick up his fifth-year option so Young will become a free agent after the season. The Commanders want to make sure he’s healthy -- and also motivated. They have told him they’ll pay him if he produces, but he needs to make game-changing plays to get back on the track they hoped he was on after his rookie season. It would also elevate their defense."John Keim, ESPN
Considering the doubts surrounding quarterback Sam Howell and the offense, Washington needs its defense to become among the league's best. If Young bounces back on a defensive line loaded with first-round talent, it's all systems go.
Josh Harris willing to learn with Commanders
Josh Harris and his ownership group weren't going to make landmark changes across the board immediately. We are too close to the 2023 season and it's also worth remembering that training camp begins this week with plans in place long before.
Harris plans to assess everything associated with the Washington Commanders in the coming months while also taking care of more pressing matters. Something that was reflected with the impressive new bleachers situated by the practice field in Ashburn that went down a storm once revealed on social media.
In terms of the football side of things. Harris spoke to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated about learning, getting to know everyone, avoiding any urge to meddle, preaching patience over his first season, and seeing where things go from there.
"It’s being a fly on the wall to a large extent. I’m not gonna be watching the 40-yard dash and calling plays. It’s about starting to get to know the staff, the key staff and key players, and then understanding the decision-making that’s going into the roster and how they’re configuring the team and going from there. And look, this year is a big year for the franchise obviously, and we’re gonna learn a lot. So I think it’s unlikely that you’ll see us, or me, meddling early. We’re going to be watching the results and what happens. Obviously, we know how to build sports franchises that win over the long run. We’ve done it. It takes a while. We have to see what we have."Josh Harris via Sports Illustrated
This is the right attitude to have. But that doesn't change the fact Ron Rivera is going to be under enormous pressure to start making improvements in terms of results during Year 4 of his tenure.