Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Logan Thomas and Jamin Davis
By Dean Jones
Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as their third and final preseason game becomes the focus of attention?
As far as Wednesdays go, it was a pretty strange one even by NFL standards. For the Washington Commanders, it was back to the practice field as they looked ahead to their final preseason contest against the Cincinnati Bengals - a game where head coach Ron Rivera is expected to rest the majority of his starters to avoid unnecessary complications before Week 1.
Until then, the stories causing debate include Rivera's praise for Jamin Davis, Sam Howell's situation, Eric Bieniemy on the Commanders' increasing resilience on offense, and a potential trade for Logan Thomas.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commander LB Jamin Davis praised
It's not been perfect from the Washington Commanders' linebacking unit during the preseason, especially when it comes to gap discipline and run fits. However, Ron Rivera seems to be pleased with how things are unfolding at the defensive second level.
Rivera gave special praise to Jamin Davis during his Wednesday media availability via SB Nation. The head coach claimed he's playing faster, and hitting harder, with the former first-round selection out of Kentucky also looking the part in coverage for good measure.
"Very pleased with Jamin. Jamin’s playing fast. But he’s playing faster. He’s more confident. You see his run, hit and tackle. I mean, he’s still really good at that. I thought some of the coverage stuff he did a nice job putting himself in position and really pleased with the progress."
- Ron Rivera via SB Nation
This is a big upcoming campaign for Davis with his fifth-year option looming. The Commanders are counting on him heavily to make another leap forward and become the force many anticipated coming out of college, which bears more significance when one considers the lack of investment in Washington's linebackers this offseason.