Veteran Donald Penn is taking it upon himself to get first-round pick Montez Sweat ready for what he’ll see on gameday once he debuts for the Washington Redskins.
That includes holding — and frustrating — the rookie.
Here’s what Penn had to say, according to NBC Sports Washington’s Brian McNally:
“Holding him, holding him. Even late after a play. He’s getting mad, but I’m like ‘They’re going to let go in a game, but I’m going to hold in practice because they’re not going to call it. So in a game it’s easier for him.”
In a perfect world, Sweat would be learning some of these tricks in a trial-by-fire situation against a player like Trent Williams.
But at least in part, this is the sort of veteran leadership the Redskins brought Penn aboard for in the first place.
Redskins coaches have big hopes for Sweat right out of the gates, especially since they have to replace some pass-rushing talent they lost in free agency. If he succeeds early, they will at least partially have Penn’s approach to thank.
