Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Bryan Manning

Commanders’ training camp: Takeaways and observations from Day 12

The Washington Commanders were back on the practice field Tuesday for Day 12 of training camp. Fans were back in the stands as Washington prepares for its preseason opener on Friday night in Cleveland.

Washington will host one more open practice this week on Wednesday — kids’ day in Ashburn — before departing for Cleveland.

Buy Commanders Tickets

What happened in Tuesday’s practice?

Here are some takeaways and observations from Day 12 of camp.

A new punter

No worries, Tress Way is fine. As head coach Ron Rivera stated Monday, Way would play in Friday’s preseason opener. He clarified Tuesday that Way would not punt, only hold.

“No. There really shouldn’t be,” Rivera said on if there were any long-term concerns with Way. “You know, the progress he’s made last couple of days has really kind of put everybody’s mind at ease.”

Military Appreciation Day

Always an important day for Rivera and the Commanders.

Howell to McLaurin

A dime from Sam Howell to Terry McLaurin. These two have excellent chemistry on the deep ball. While Howell remains a work in progress, his ability to throw deep will keep defenses honest in 2023. He just needs enough time in the pocket to make things happen.

Howell on the move

Howell’s athletic ability is one of his strengths. Zach Selby of commanders.com pointed out that Howell made multiple accurate throws on the run Tuesday.

Howell was forced to scramble on several plays today, but the quarterback was still able to deliver accurate throws. Later in red zone drills, Howell was forced to roll to his right before throwing a strike to Jonathan Williams, who made the catch with Jamin Davis covering him.

This is good to see. If Washington’s offensive line does struggle this season, Howell will be doing plenty of this. Howell’s ability to throw on the run, in addition to the RPO stuff, is an encouraging part of his development.

Montez Sweat is absolutely dominant

More

Sweat is in a contract year. He doesn’t need extra motivation. He always plays hard and gets better every year. He could be in line for a career year in 2023.

Kazmeir Allen sighting

Washington Commanders wide receiver Kazmeir Allen (10). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Expectations were high for undrafted rookie wide receiver Kazmeir Allen before training camp. Fans saw Allen’s highlights from college and believed he was the frontrunner to be the team’s primary returner. That hasn’t happened yet, but Allen is impressing as a receiver. The preseason is huge for his chances of making the roster.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.