Commanders’ training camp: Takeaways and observations from Day 7
The Washington Commanders were in pads for the second day in a row on Day 7 of training camp Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the offense had some positive moments, including a big catch from wide receiver Terry McLaurin. For the most part, though, Tuesday’s practice was even.
On Wednesday, the advantage went back to the defense. Washington’s defense bottled up the running game for the most part, frustrating the offense, which led to a minor scuffle.
Here are some notes and observations from Day 7.
Referees in town
Officials are here today. pic.twitter.com/nsCoGzHVxV
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 2, 2023
It’s always good to have the officials in camp. Yes, I know, but Washington is installing a new offense with a ton of motion and pre-snap window dressing. That led to multiple pre-snap penalties. That’s why you want the officials in camp early. It gives offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and the offense more time to work out the kinks before Week 1.
Speaking of Bieniemy......
Bieniemy may be smiling in the above photo, but he wasn’t smiling too much on the field Wednesday.
Bieniemy screams: “Get ‘em in the f’n huddle! Enough with all the f’n walking!”
Fans applauded and one yells, “Get ‘em dawg!”
Good times.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 2, 2023
Bieniemy was frustrated on more than one occasion Wednesday.
About that scuffle
Shoving: LB Khaleke Hudson seemed to take exception to a block on the perimeter by C Nick Gates, so he shoved Gates, who pushed Hudson’s helmet and started shoving with LB Cody Barton. Broke up pretty quick. Terry McLaurin a peace-maker.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) August 2, 2023
Nick Gates is known for his feistiness, according to Giants’ fans. It’s a reason he was so beloved there. However, Washington’s linebackers took exception to Gates Wednesday. Of course, Gates didn’t back down.
Barton did manage to get a swing in.
We have a tussle. Cody Barton and Nick Gates. Punches thrown. Separated quickly.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 2, 2023
Ultimately, it’s training camp. No hard feelings. After a week of practicing in the heat, tempers sometimes flare.
Chris Rodriguez is quietly standing out
Another really nice run play from Chris Rodriguez, who ran untouched through the middle of the defense
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) August 2, 2023
This isn’t a surprise. Rodriguez was a highly productive multi-year starter in the SEC. He runs with excellent vision and patience and is tough to bring down. While Brian Robinson Jr. is the starter and Antonio Gibson is the third-down back, Rodriguez will factor in at some point in 2023.
Chris Paul at left guard
Haven’t seen Saahdiq Charles at practice today. Not sure what’s up. Chris Paul has been working with the 1’s at LG. Good opportunity for him.
— John Keim (@john_keim) August 2, 2023
Ron Rivera’s plan was always to see both Charles and Paul with the starters at left guard. Charles missed practice due to a calf injury, opening the door for Paul to take advantage. As John Keim said, this is a prime opportunity for Paul to pull ahead of Charles in the race to start at LG. Charles’ main issue in his career is injuries. This is definitely a situation to watch moving forward.
Sam Howell update
Sam Howell evades pressure and delivers to Terry #HTTC pic.twitter.com/TJm60zXtE9
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) August 2, 2023
It wasn’t a great day for any of the quarterbacks. Howell did have his moments. On the play above, you can see Howell running for his life, which has been a theme at times. I wouldn’t be too concerned with that right now. Bieniemy will do things with the offense, such as a quick passing game, so the offensive line isn’t pass-protecting for long periods of time.
The offensive line was already a concern, so there are no new issues here. It just shouldn’t be time to worry, as there is no game planning involved right now. The offensive line has looked better since the pads came on, and going against that Washington defensive line is a tough task.
