Washington Commanders health and expectations drive an energy-filled training camp

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say 2020. I feel myself. I feel well. I’m where my feet are at and I feel good” Chase Young of the Washington Commanders responded to the media when asked how his health was and why wasn’t he wearing a knee brace. The talk around the training camp is what is the impression of the new ownership group. Chase Young definitely feels excited and summarized the energy that the new group brings by stating, “Big things are coming and definitely looking forward to it.” Young believes his explosion is getting there on each play, and ensures he feels like himself again. For the Commanders, seeing a full-strength squad will be a huge advantage to see how good this team can be in the NFC East and a possible wild card spot. The key to it will be how consistent Washington can be starting in training camp as it rolls into the regular season.

Newly signed quarterback, Jacoby Brissett comes into his first season with the Commanders, but is obviously excited to get a chance to bond with a fanbase that has passion and loyalty. “Obviously with the ownership change, I wasn’t here last year, but you can obviously see a rebirth energy in the community. We’re looking forward to this and being able to start rebranding and putting our stamp on what this season and this team’s going to look like this year.” Quarterback Sam Howell will develop and both quarterbacks understand that it’s all going to be a learning process.

They’re doing a good job of understanding that it’s a process. Wide receiver Jahan Dotson comes into his second year with optimism and a great outlook. “It’s good though. I’m really just enjoying the process, enjoying my blessings and coming out here to work every day.” New Offensive Coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, former play caller for the Kansas City Chiefs, takes over in Washington and many players have acclimated rapidly. Dotson emphasized on the priorities at training camp, “Just getting familiar with all the different terminology. Everything that we’re used to doing kind of just filtering that into this new offense. Just to get that timing down with everyone and get familiar with the playbook.” Jahan Dotson is confident that a breakout year is on the horizon stating, “I feel like I’ve been adding onto that with my work ethic. So, I have all the confidence in the world right now.”

Head Coach, Ron Rivera, noted how elated he was in the first days of training camp on what he sees from Chase Young and the defense, “You see them, they’re comfortable. They’re confident in it. Players have just adapted so quickly. I mean they are so far ahead of where they were last year.” Coach Rivera also added, about the offensive line that they need to develop communication and rapport with one another to be confident in the things that they need to do. Ron Rivera was asked about how he will use running back, Brian Robinson. He deferred to what offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, would establish, “Get the ball out quickly, get them in positions to make plays quickly and we’ll go from there.” Washington Commanders have a confident approach to training camp with healthy players showing encouraging levels of advancement, if and when they are competing for a NFC East championship, everyone will know how it transpired from the approach in the 2023 Training Camp.