Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines following another successful day of padded practice at training camp?
After a long, dramatic few months, there is actually a real football game this evening as the New York Jets take on the Cleveland Browns in the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame contest. While starters are unlikely to participate, it's a sign that things are heating up with preseason contests and joint practices on the immediate horizon around the league.
For the Washington Commanders, they have just a few short weeks remaining before their opening weekend encounter versus the Arizona Cardinals at what should be an electric FedEx Field. Until then, among the stories causing conversation recently include Sam Cosmi's transition, Jonathan Allen's mindset, Ron Rivera's assessment of Sam Howell, and not counting out projected veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders OL Sam Cosmi's transition
The 2023 campaign is a make-or-break one for many of the Washington Commanders. Sam Cosmi falls into this category entering Year 3 of his professional career, which sees the former second-round selection making an important transition from the edge to the right guard position during camp.
This has been a steep learning curve for the one-time Texas product. However, it's a challenge Cosmi seems to be relishing based on his comments via USA Today Sports.
"I really have grasped the position. I really feel comfortable at the position right now. I could be irreplaceable between guard and tackle if they need me to. But I’m really, really enjoying that inside being guard, physicality stuff. I think it fits my style of play better, and I’ve been enjoying the transition for sure."Sam Cosmi via USA Today Sports
Washington's protection has to provide more assurance next season. Cosmi's role is an important one, so the positive signs emanating from the player can hopefully transition into improved production when the real action arrives.
Commanders DT Jonathan Allen's mindset
Being a true alpha on this sort of defense is proof enough of the gifts Jonathan Allen boasts. The defensive tackle is a destructive force on the field and a prominent leader within the locker room, which is something Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio will lean upon heavily throughout a franchise-altering campaign upcoming for the Washington Commanders.
Allen is a ferocious competitor with the experience to know how to prepare his body for Washington's upcoming challenges. This is Year 7 of his professional career, which has given him a broader perspective compared to other more exuberant young players according to his comments via the team's website after Wednesday's practice.
"Yeah, for sure. I mean, you don't have to spend a lot of time with a lot of the basics. We know the plays, we know what we're supposed to do now and we can really pay attention on how we have to do it. As opposed to going into the first year, we're all learning something new, so we have to spend more time focusing on what to do first. I feel like we have a good understanding of what we're trying to do, but now we can really fine tune on how we're going to accomplish that."Jonathan Allen via Commanders.com
The Commanders have arguably the best defensive front in football if everyone gets a clear run without injuries. Allen will lead from the front and inspire others, with a Pro Bowl or better season well within the former Alabama star's capabilities.
If those around Allen also meet their end of the bargain, there won't be a lot any protection scheme can do to stop them.
Don't count out Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett
It seems for all the smart money as if Sam Howell has the starting quarterback job locked up. This seems to be the general consensus among the fans, media, and even most of the players, which is reflected by how things are currently unfolding throughout training camp in terms of rep distribution.
However, Ron Rivera has always been quick to acknowledge the skills Jacoby Brissett brings to the table. The veteran free-agent signing is a calming influence under center and based on the head coach's recent comments via USA Today Sports, is still in with a legitimate shot at taking the reins on offense in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.
"I’ve said a couple [of] times, don’t sleep on Jacoby, he’s done a nice job as well. I mean, we got some really good quarterback play going on right now. We’ve got a real good quarterback room. We’re very happy with what we’ve got right now."Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports
Brissett had multiple offers in free agency and chose the Commanders. This indicates a genuine belief he can beat out Howell for the No. 1 job and if all else fails, will be a more than dependable understudy in the event the former fifth-round pick out of North Carolina cannot meet some lofty expectations.
It would be nothing short of a bombshell if Howell didn't get the first shot. But considering what's at stake for Rivera and his staff in 2023, having an accomplished backup capable of stepping in at a moment's notice represents a good insurance policy.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's process
Sam Howell's growth into a productive starting quarterback is an ongoing process. The Washington Commanders gave him the confidence boost needed throughout the offseason, but what comes next is down to the player.
There have been some ups and downs throughout camp. The Commanders' defense is a tough proposition to overcome even in this sort of setting, but Howell has flashed moments of quality both in the passing game and when forced to get out on the move.
When discussing what the Commanders are currently working through with Howell, head coach Ron Rivera stated via the team's website that this centers on progressions, timing, and footwork. And make no mistake, this is a constant evaluation where the former fifth-round pick is concerned.
"That's one of the things that's been really cool is to watch him when you see him recognize it and process it. Part of it though is his timing has to get a little bit better when he does see it and get to it. And one of the things that I'm always looking for is as he goes through his progressions, where is that ball placement when he gets to his second or third progression? If that ball is slightly ahead right where it needs to be then you know he's processing on time. When it starts getting to that back shoulder and there's no defender here, then you know he's late. If there's a defender here, it should be on the back shoulder. But when you see it, when there's no reason for it to be there, then you know he's seeing it, but he's gotta process it faster. So, we're looking for those kind of hints as we're watching him on tape."Ron Rivera via Commanders.com
This is all a steep learning curve for Howell. It's not going to be perfect and Rivera also mentioned things get a little sluggish later in practice when the signal-caller gets weary, but this is all part of the Commanders' process to ensure the second-year pro is ready to go in Week 1.