The Washington Commanders were back on the field for Day 3 of training camp in Ashburn Friday, and it was hot. Washington also hosted a special guest as NBA superstar — and Commanders fan — Kevin Durant watched practice.
As with the previous two practices, Washington continues to ramp up things, including increasing the practice time and some 11-on-11 work.
Here are some takeaways and observations from Day 3 of training camp.
A big year for Brian Robinson Jr?
One of the knocks on running back Brian Robinson Jr. was that he wasn’t a threat as a receiver. But was it really a weakness? Early in camp, we’ve seen Robinson make plays in the passing game. Robinson doesn’t want to be viewed as a one-dimensional back.
“I mean, I’ve been able to catch the ball,” Robinson said Friday. “Obviously, it’s a scheme thing, you know, whatever Coach EB wants me to do………… I just don’t want to be one dimensional, and I don’t want to be just a power back.”
Robinson looks slimmer and faster this summer.
More BRob action #HTTC pic.twitter.com/JaGykINM8j
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 27, 2023
Sam Howell throws his first pick of camp
It’s been a good start to training camp for quarterback Sam Howell. The second-year passer has shown off his arm strength and accuracy over the first three days. It’s always difficult to fairly judge players when the pads aren’t on, but Howell appears comfortable in the offense, and his teammates have complete confidence in him.
As Zach Selby of commanders.com noted, Howell threw his first interception of camp Friday.
Howell throws his first pick of camp during 7-on-7 drills. Kam Curl jumped the route and took it the other way #HTTC
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 28, 2023
Howell was almost intercepted by defensive tackle Jonathan Allen earlier in the day Friday. He’s going to throw interceptions in practice, so this isn’t a big deal. One of the most important traits for Howell is how he bounces back. He displayed that again Friday.
And Howell bounces back from his INT with a deep shot to Dyami Brown #HTTC
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) July 28, 2023
Benjamin St-Juste continues to improve
I thought cornerback Benjamin St-Juste showed tremendous improvement throughout the year last season. St-Juste seemed so much more comfortable when he moved back outside. Unfortunately, for the second consecutive season, St-Juste finished the year hurt.
St-Juste is healthy now, and he’s quietly having a good camp. St-Juste may not be as quick or fast as some corners, but he’s 6-foot-3 with long arms and understands how to use his length to his advantage. Don’t be shocked if it’s St-Juste who is Washington’s top cornerback in 2023.
Kicking update
The Commanders signed Michael Badgely to compete with kicker Joey Slye this week. On Friday, each had five field-goal attempts, with both making each one. The real battle should come down to PATs and kickoffs. Slye is excellent on kickoffs but did miss four extra points last season. Badgely made all of his PATs last season but struggled on his kickoffs. He appeared in 13 games last season, attempting just five kickoffs, one of which went for a touchback.
Slye excels on kickoffs. He had 77 kickoffs in 2022, 60 of which went for touchbacks. That matters. You can’t carry two kickers on a 53-man roster in the NFL. It will be interesting to follow the kickers once the preseason games begin.
Chase Young very active early in camp
Take this for whatever it’s worth, but defensive end Chase Young is off to a fast start. We say that because there are no pads yet, which makes it difficult for offensive linemen. However, Young has consistently won one-on-one battles early in camp. Ryan Fowler made the following observation, which, if you watch Young’s reps, it’s definitely true.
A big positive — good to hear Chase Young’s increased willingness to win to the inside at camp.
Consistently attacked outside shoulder in 20/21, has shown more nuanced PR repertoire via early feedback from camp.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) July 28, 2023
Young has unreal athleticism, length and power. He needs a more nuanced pass rush, something that he understands. Once Young can start winning in multiple ways, he could have the year many envisioned for him when he was selected No. 2 overall.
