Commanders Training Camp Notebook: Defense Strong, But Offense Stronger
ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders got Week 2 started without the presence of fans and cooler weather to help keep guys fresh as they continue on their way toward NFL preseason Week 1.
Without the fans in attendance, we could hear Commanders players talking to each other a bit more and there was an impressive combination of play-calling and trash-talking that filled the Ashburn morning.
While the trash talk was spread evenly on both sides, the communication was particularly impressive from new linebacker Cody Barton, and that's where we'll start today's training camp notebook.
WEAKEST LINK?
The linebacker corps is viewed by many outsiders as the weak link to an otherwise impressive defense.
As a newcomer, Barton is being approached with caution by fans as a replacement for Cole Holcomb who many view as unproven.
But Seattle Seahawks media has told us to expect fast play and solid tackling from Barton who many there was miscast prior to arriving to Washington.
"We're growing every year," veteran linebacker David Mayo said following the fifth practice of training camp. "And guys are out there playing fast, confident, together, but it's early (and) we still got a long way to go...but guys are doing great things out there."
On Day 5 Khaleke Hudson got most of the first-team reps alongside Barton as third-year linebacker Jamin Davis missed practice to attend a court hearing as he appeals a conviction for reckless driving according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
He and Barton looked solid on most reps in run fits and primarily in zone coverage with most completions against them coming on clever offensive designs that forced the linebackers to allow the lesser of two evils.
While Hudson did get flushed on a couple of run plays, the duo was largely in a position to make plays as needed and likely would have brought down ball carriers close to the line of scrimmage...if hitting were a thing this time of year.
PLAY OF THE DAY
While the defense forced a good amount of incompletions and came away with an interception in 7-on-7s against quarterback Sam Howell, there were some bright moments for the offense as well.
One particular play came from the second-team defense when quarterback Jacoby Brissett aired out a pass to receiver Byron Pringle for a 40+ yard touchdown connection with safety Jeremy Reaves trailing in coverage.
It was a rare miscue for Reaves who has been in a good position all of camp until that play, and a bright spot for the offense who scored two touchdowns on the day.
HOWELL WATCH: DAY 5
The second-year quarterback continues to get first-team reps in practice and continues to have up-and-down moments as we would expect from a first-year starting passer.
In 11-on-11 drills Monday Howell completed nine of his 16 pass attempts leading to a 56 percent completion rate.
He only attempted two passes in the first set of plays as the offense ran the ball more and completed one of those.
His next time out Howell got eight pass attempts in nine dropbacks completing five and scrambling once.
Each of his completions in that set went to different targets with receivers Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown and Terry McLaurin getting receptions along with tight end Logan Thomas.
McLaurin caught a short comeback pass from Howell in the near left corner of the end zone for a touchdown to end the set.
Howell finished the day going 3-for-6 on his final 11-on-11 set and the end result was a made 40-yard field goal from Commanders kicker Joey Slye.
A 56 percent completion percentage for Washington's leader may not wow people, but 10 points on three drives is a solid amount of production. Even in practice.
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