Commanders’ training camp: Takeaways and observations from Day 12
The Washington Commanders were back on the practice field Tuesday for Day 12 of training camp. Fans were back in the stands as Washington prepares for its preseason opener on Friday night in Cleveland.
Washington will host one more open practice this week on Wednesday — kids’ day in Ashburn — before departing for Cleveland.
What happened in Tuesday’s practice?
Here are some takeaways and observations from Day 12 of camp.
A new punter
We have made multiple roster moves:
— Signed S Joshua Kalu and P Colby Wadman
— Placed CB Troy Apke and DT Curtis Brooks on the Reserve/Injured List pic.twitter.com/ksfMThD41t— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 8, 2023
No worries, Tress Way is fine. As head coach Ron Rivera stated Monday, Way would play in Friday’s preseason opener. He clarified Tuesday that Way would not punt, only hold.
“No. There really shouldn’t be,” Rivera said on if there were any long-term concerns with Way. “You know, the progress he’s made last couple of days has really kind of put everybody’s mind at ease.”
Military Appreciation Day
"Be wherever your feet are"
Coach shared some words of wisdom with the @NavySprintFB team after practice pic.twitter.com/C2orhhhqeI
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 8, 2023
Always an important day for Rivera and the Commanders.
Howell to McLaurin
Sam Howell connects with Terry McLaurin for a big gain! #HTTC pic.twitter.com/qKD3Mxq2Ff
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) August 8, 2023
A dime from Sam Howell to Terry McLaurin. These two have excellent chemistry on the deep ball. While Howell remains a work in progress, his ability to throw deep will keep defenses honest in 2023. He just needs enough time in the pocket to make things happen.
Howell on the move
Howell’s athletic ability is one of his strengths. Zach Selby of commanders.com pointed out that Howell made multiple accurate throws on the run Tuesday.
Howell was forced to scramble on several plays today, but the quarterback was still able to deliver accurate throws. Later in red zone drills, Howell was forced to roll to his right before throwing a strike to Jonathan Williams, who made the catch with Jamin Davis covering him.
This is good to see. If Washington’s offensive line does struggle this season, Howell will be doing plenty of this. Howell’s ability to throw on the run, in addition to the RPO stuff, is an encouraging part of his development.
Montez Sweat is absolutely dominant
Montez Sweat is out here doing his thing. Just blew up a running play with Gore as the carrier
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 8, 2023
More
Montez Sweat is just murdering linemen on one-on-ones.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2023
Sweat is in a contract year. He doesn’t need extra motivation. He always plays hard and gets better every year. He could be in line for a career year in 2023.
Kazmeir Allen sighting
Expectations were high for undrafted rookie wide receiver Kazmeir Allen before training camp. Fans saw Allen’s highlights from college and believed he was the frontrunner to be the team’s primary returner. That hasn’t happened yet, but Allen is impressing as a receiver. The preseason is huge for his chances of making the roster.
Kazmeir Allen gets a couple of positive plays. Just scored two touchdowns working with the threes
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 8, 2023
