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Jun 09, 2023

SNIDER: Commanders spring into fall contention at minicamp

It was maybe the last chance to make a good offseason impression, and both

It was maybe the last chance to make a good offseason impression, and both starters and reserves took advantage.

With the Washington Commanders possibly retreating to the restrictive indoor bubble for Thursday's minicamp finale amid smoke from Canadian wildfires, Wednesday's second of three sessions was crisp and competitive. Everyone wanted to impress coaches watching film over coming weeks before returning in late July with one last practice. A lasting impression may make a different come final cuts.

Jacoby Brissett was the sharpest of three passers during 11-on-11 drills. His peripheral vision is amazing, with his ability to look one way and throw darts to the other side – Minnesota State rookie receiver Jalen Sample nearly has a tattoo on his chest of a fastball from Brissett. And, Jake Fromm threw a 15-foot jump shot over a charging defender to Brian Robinson.

But the defense wasn't in the mood for freebies. Montez Sweat and Efe Obada batted Sam Howell passes while Jeremy Reeves picked off an overthrown ball.

One side wins, the other loses when it comes to practice.

It was a day of individual impressions. Tackle Phidarian Mathis was a wrecking ball in the middle against reserve linemen after missing his rookie season injured. Fellow Alabama lineman Daron Payne just smiled at Mathis questions, which means the latter is a funny guy. A little levity comes in handy after workouts.

Speed has been evident throughout the offseason. Aside hurrying to the line amid the barking of offense coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the roster seems faster. From Brian Robinson busting a breakaway run through the middle to Jaret Patterson flashing speed that made him a 2021 rookie sensation, the offense looks quicker than ever.

Defensive end Chase Young's redemption tour also looked solid over two days. While minicamp doesn't allow hitting to truly gauge linemen, Young's first step explosiveness has been impressive, as well as his lean look. Maybe tight end Cole Turner has dropped his body fat to cover model levels, but Young continues to look like sculptured.

"Looks like [Young's] got some explosion back," said coach Ron Rivera, "which was one of the really neat things in terms of watching him, his get off. He looks like he's more confident. We noticed that as well and we've been seeing that in watching [tight end] Logan Thomas. Another guy that was coming off a year removed now from having had knee surgery. So, feel very good about what we're seeing from our guys."

Yes, the tight end room looks just as promising as last year before injuries cleared it. Thomas looks like his 2020 self when catching 72 balls. Turner is a zone buster. John Bates is a massive blocking end.

Minicamp has flashed everything Rivera and Bieniemy could want while also making defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio happy, with first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes showing ballhawk skills despite chicken legs.

Overall, it was a good spring for the Commanders before players gain a six-week break.

Follow Rick Snider on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks

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