The defensive front looks much better, but upgrades may be needed elsewhere.
NFL training camps are known for overreactions — and it’s never wise to make sweeping judgments off three practices — but there were still notable developments throughout the first week of Washington Commanders camp.
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Among them were some significant injury updates. Center Nick Allegretti went down with a calf injury Wednesday and will miss about a week, Coach Dan Quinn said. Tight end John Bates suffered a hamstring injury Thursday that will sideline him for a couple weeks. Cornerback Trey Amos (fibula), defensive ends Dorance Armstrong (ACL) and Deatrich Wise (quad), linebacker Kain Medrano (hamstring) and punter Tress Way (pectoral) are also rehabbing injuries.
Here are five other takeaways from Week 1 of Commanders training camp.
Last season, Washington’s pass rush was underwhelming, the run defense lacked resistance, and the linebacking corps was easily exploited through the air. To shore up those weaknesses, General Manager Adam Peters poured resources into the front seven this offseason. The Commanders signed edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson, defensive linemen Tim Settle and Charles Omenihu, linebacker Leo Chenal and drafted linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick.
With the caveat that the Commanders haven’t practiced in pads yet — they aren’t allowed to until Monday — the difference has been clear. Washington is bigger and stronger up front while also having more athleticism, speed and versatility. That has allowed defensive coordinator Daronte Jones to start bringing the multiple, aggressive and physical defense he envisioned to life.
David Blough has his non-negotiables, as does any other offensive coordinator, but he’s been open to back-and-forth dialogue with players as he attempts to build a system that maximizes their ability.
“It’s really huge, you know?” wide receiver Terry McLaurin said Thursday. “We respect the coach’s scheme and their understanding of the game of football and the film, the time that they put in, but also there’s a part of us being on the field as players and the things that we’re seeing in real time. I feel like when there’s a collaborative effort, it could really make the entire offense or defense better. So, the coaches I’ve been around who are open to those suggestions — who are open to the open communication back and forth — are the ones that not only players tend to enjoy, but the coaches get to get an insight of what’s going on in our brains.”
Blough, who turned 31 on Friday, was still an active player just three seasons ago, which had made it easier for him to connect with and relate to the roster. Although it doesn’t guarantee success, the process he’s taking to teach his offense is sound.
While the Commanders don’t have a marquee slot receiver, they have enough options to get by. Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane both had flashes in the slot last season, rookie third-round pick Antonio Williams has potential, and tight end Chig Okonkwo has the skill set to thrive there as well.
The outside wide receiver spot opposite McLaurin is another story. None of the group of Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson have proved to be difference makers. At least so far, Williams hasn’t spent much time working outside in practice. It’s understandable if Washington wants to wait and see how the group progresses throughout training camp, but the team would be wise to explore potential upgrades.
From a football perspective, the option that makes the most sense is Stefon Diggs. The Gaithersburg, Maryland, native had 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns last season and helped the New England Patriots reach the Super Bowl.
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The downside with Diggs is his off-the-field issues. Last December, he was accused of assault and battery by his former chef, Jamila Adams. While Diggs was found not guilty of all charges in May, he’s also facing lawsuits from former girlfriend Mulan Hernandez and former associate Christopher Griffith.
The Commanders focused on red-zone drills during team periods in practice this week, so the defense typically lined up in a base formation, but they still frequently mixed in their nickel package. While Mike Sainristil took most of the nickelback snaps, it’s clear he won’t be the only player to spend significant time there.
Safeties Nick Cross and Quan Martin also rotated in as slot defenders. While using a bigger nickel can be detrimental in man coverage, it allows Washington to keep more run support and blitz ability on the field.
The plan for the snap breakdown at nickelback will become clearer once Amos returns from injury. He’s expected to be a starter on the outside while Sainristil, Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Douglas are competing for the other spot. Sainristil, Robertson and Douglas have all spent time working from the slot, and they could take on larger workloads there if they don’t win the job on the outside.
The Commanders were one of the worst kicking teams in the NFL last season. They connected on just 76.7 percent of their field goals (29th) and had an average kickoff of 57.6 yards (30th). Between the missed points and negative impact on field position, it was a massive problem.
Matt Gay was the primary culprit and was released in mid-November. Jake Moody was signed as his replacement and made 10 of 11 field goals in six games, but that didn’t stop Peters from exploring more help in the offseason.
Washington landed on undrafted rookie Drew Stevens, who made 80 percent of his field goals in his four-year career at Iowa. Stevens and Moody have taken turns during team drills in practice, and both have been accurate.
Ultimately, the battle probably comes down to their performance in preseason games. Kicker has been a revolving door position for the Commanders the past few years, and they’re hoping to settle on a reliable long-term answer by Week 1.
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