As the Washington Commanders finished minicamp last week, the focus shifted to training camp next month. Sure, the Commanders have one OTA remaining [Tuesday] before a six-week break, but the offseason is essentially finished.
There have been many storylines circling the franchise. There’s always a quarterback question, and that’s no different in 2023. However, head coach Ron Rivera is going with a different approach, hoping Sam Howell proves to be the team’s solution under center.
Until it’s done, the biggest storyline is the team’s sale. The latest update has the NFL potentially calling a special meeting sometime in late July, where the owners would vote to approve Josh Harris as Washington’s new owner.
We looked at some individual winners from minicamp earlier. Now, we focus on four things we learned from Washington’s recently completed minicamp.
There is a QB competition
Yes, Sam Howell is Washington’s “QB1,” as head coach Ron Rivera says. However, Rivera has not named a starter and is not close to doing so. Howell has done enough to head into training camp as the QB1, but Jacoby Brissett had a good week at minicamp. Training camp will be a true test for Howell. If he struggles and Brissett thrives, could that force Rivera’s hand to turn to the veteran over the second-year quarterback?
Overall, Howell has had a strong offseason. If he continues his current trajectory, he’ll be in good shape. If he doesn’t, watch out for Brissett.
“I think Jacoby’s shown us some things that have really caught people’s attention,” Rivera said last week. “We talk about Jacoby almost as much as we talk about Sam. I just think as we go through this process and until we play games, it’d be unfair to start making assessments. Again, there is a lot of confidence.”
Chase Young is healthy
When defensive end Chase Young skipped the voluntary portion of OTAs, he received plenty of criticism. However, it was clear when Young showed up; he was ready. The reason many were upset about Young skipping OTAs was his performance in 2021 before his injury. He had only 1.5 sacks before a major knee injury. For Young, it’s all about getting ready for 2023. From seeing him in drills, it’s clear Young’s knee is no longer a concern.
More Chase Young during the media-filming portion of minicamp: pic.twitter.com/wvDY7GLwFb
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 6, 2023
When you suffer an injury as severe as the one Young did, there’s more to it than just rehabbing the injury. There’s a mental aspect to it, too. From seeing Young late last season, it was clear he was much more confident in his knee. A motivated Young is good for the Commanders in 2023.
Eric Bieniemy's presence is big
Players have frequently discussed the energy around practice this offseason. That new energy is because of new offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy is demanding, accountable, loud, but pushes his players to be the best. That benefits everyone, including the defense.
Regardless of who speaks, they all talk of what Bieniemy has brought to practice. Bieniemy isn’t afraid to loudly get on his players for missing an assignment. He’s also not shying about praising his players. Coaches have discussed what Bieniemy has brought to the Commanders, with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio being extremely complimentary of Bieniemy.
Head coach Ron Rivera discussed some of Bieniemy’s changes and thinks it’s an overall positive for the entire team. At last week’s minicamp, it was clear who led the offense and that wasn’t the case in previous years.
The secondary is deep and talented
The secondary was a question mark heading into the offseason. Everyone knew the Commanders needed another starting-level cornerback. Kendall Fuller was excellent and Benjamin St-Juste emerged in his second season, but Fuller is entering the final year of his contract and St-Juste has struggled with injuries. That led the Commanders to draft Emmanuel Forbes in the first round. Forbes has been outstanding early. He gives Washington three starting-caliber cornerbacks.
At safety, Washington is in good hands with Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest. The Commanders also have excellent backups in Jeremy Reaves and potentially Percy Butler. Butler, a fourth-round pick last season, is having an outstanding offseason. Now, you add in second-round pick Quan Martin. Martin can play the slot, outside cornerback and safety.
The Commanders have toyed with different lineups in OTAs and minicamp. The goal is to get your best players on the field. Washington would love to keep Fuller, St-Juste, Forbes, Curl and Forrest all on the field at the same time. But Martin is too good not to be in the mix somewhere. And possibly Butler, too.
It’s a good problem to have. Of course, injuries will happen, and nothing will ever be what you envisioned. However, the Commanders were smart to add depth to the secondary. If Washington’s defensive line performs as advertised and Young and Montez Sweat produce more as pass rushers, the secondary will force more turnovers in 2023, making Washington’s defense a potentially elite unit.
