Commanders News: Ron Rivera, Jacoby Brissett, Jahan Dotson and Chase Young

Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as Ron Rivera's men get set for joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens this week?

Another week begins for the Washington Commanders and it's an important one as preparations for the 2023 season continue. Ron Rivera's squad travel to the Baltimore Ravens for joint practices in the coming days, which will be a solid measuring stick against an experienced outfit that harbors postseason ambitions next season.

Until then, among the stories causing conversation recently include Rivera on the benefits of joint practices, Jacoby Brissett's assessment, the notable difference in Chase Young, and Jahan Dotson's route-running gets a glowing comparison.

Let's delve into each topic in more detail.

Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett's assessment

While Sam Howell got the hype as QB1, the Washington Commanders' preseason opener at the Cleveland Browns was an instant reunion between Jacoby Brissett and his former team. The veteran signal-caller performed well for the AFC North side last season until Deshaun Watson returned from his lengthy suspension, earning one of the league's high QBRs and proving to be a dependable asset under center.

When discussing his return to Cleveland, Brissett said via Sports Illustrated that it was a fantastic feeling to be back. Although there were some things to correct, the player was pleased with his display overall.

"It was good, hearing a lot of the fans cheering, that was awesome. [I] felt good about everything, coming in, team finding a way to get a win in the first preseason game. Felt like we did a lot of nice things, but obviously a lot of things to clean up."

Jacoby Brissett via Sports Illustrated

In an ideal world, Brissett won't see the field in 2023. The Commanders are placing all their faith in Howell to provide the improvements needed, but those in power were absolutely right to bring in a solid insurance policy that can mentor the former fifth-round selection throughout his transition.

Commanders WR Jahan Dotson gets Pro Bowler comparison

One of the best highlights from Friday night's preseason win over the Cleveland Browns was the touchdown by Jahan Dotson. Something that lent further weight to the claims he could be set for a genuine breakout campaign in Year 2 of his professional career.

Dotson did remarkably well to bring in a pass from Sam Howell before bulldozing his way into the end-zone. But it was what happened before that drew significant praise from ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.

The former quarterback highlighted Dotson's exceptional route leading up to the score. This centered on selling the defensive back one way before going another with devastating explosiveness, something that Orlovsky compared to five-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen via USA Today Sports.

"This route by [Jahan] Dotson is pretty special. It’s man coverage in the slot. Look at the burst of speed he gets. Man coverage, push vertical, and this moment where he bursts to sell that defender that he’s going to cross the field. It’s hard to get wide open like that in the NFL. Sick route."

Dan Orlovsky via USA Today Sports

The Washington Commanders will be asking more of Dotson next season. His partnership with Terry McLaurin could be among the league's most dynamic wide receiver duos, although much will depend on Howell's production and whether the offensive line can meet their end of the bargain.

This route was ridiculous and performed with maximum efficiency. If the same trend continues when the regular season arrives, Dotson could enter superstar status.

Commanders HC Ron Rivera on joint practices

Hitting the same people throughout training camp can become a little monotonous for the players. Preseason helps in that regard, but the implementation of joint practices also brings about an extra sense of urgency from everyone involved.

Such a scenario is something the Washington Commanders will experience this week when they clash with the Baltimore Ravens over two days. It represents a stern test of the team's credentials and something that will assist those in power with their respective evaluations.

This is a sentiment echoed by Ron Rivera, who stated via the team's website that getting another physical part of their preparations over with will enable his coaching staff to be extra cautious with some of Washington's top guys over the final two warmup games. The head coach also revealed he's spoken to John Harbaugh about how practices will be structured.

"I do like the idea of having the intensity ramped up, having these guys be competitive for a couple of days. It also means we can be smart with them as we get into the rest of the preseason. It's gonna push our guys to have to be good about every little detail. We're going against an established team that's done a great job under coach Harbaugh, and I think there's a lot of things we can learn as a group from these guys."

Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

The Ravens are notoriously physical and made some eye-catching improvements on offense throughout the spring. This will be a tremendous measuring stick for the Commanders and could make all the difference for those looking to push their way onto the 53-man roster.

Commanders DE Chase Young feeling differently

Although it was an extremely small sample size after Chase Young suffered a stinger during the Washington Commanders' preseason victory against the Cleveland Browns, it was great to see the defensive end back in a game-day setting. It's been a long, hard road back to full fitness for the pass-rusher, who's been working without a knee brace throughout camp and looks something like his explosive self for good measure.

Young didn't last long, but at least it wasn't anything to do with the lower body issues that have blighted his last two seasons in the league. One play, in particular, demonstrated how devastating the former Ohio State phenom can be when it comes to getting after the quarterback.

This also drew praise from Logan Paulsen during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan, who stated via USA Today Sports that he's seeing a newfound maturity in Young's production this summer that wasn't there previously.

"I’ve wanted to see some maturation from Chase Young since he arrived. Because I had such a high evaluation of him, so I was waiting for him to ascend to the elite level – and since camp began, he has shown that he is in a different space physically and mentally than he has been in quite some time."

Logan Paulsen via USA Today Sports

The Commanders will be extra cautious with Young and Phidarian Mathis over the next fortnight to ensure they're ready to rock in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. But the signs remain positive despite a slight setback on the health front.