Today was day 2 of Training Camp but the first day fans were allowed to attend. Off the field the excitement of the fans was evident and all the players and coaches noticed it. That added to the energy of practice that Offensive Coordinator Eric Bienemy brings to the team. Here are my thoughts on today’s practice.

The Good

Defensive Line Dominant- Today the defense turned the screws and it started from up front. In the first 11 on 11 session the starting defensive line (Sweat, Mathis, Allen, Young) took over the session. Sweat blew up some runs and had Howell on the run, Young would have had another sack as Howell was forced right to him, Allen forced another. Obada came in the second time the line went in and played well. It should come as no surprise as this the most talented group but Chase and Sweat look in top form.

Bounce Back Howell- On the flip side of that was Howell and the offense being swamped. However Howell displayed poise and never put the ball in danger. Howell effectively recognized blitzes and got the ball where it needed to go. He missed a couple but then hit Terry McLaurin on a bomb in stride 50 yards down the field. Everything wont be roses all the time, Howell will need to face adversity and today he pushed through.

Turnover Focus- It is early in camp but there is a focus on all levels of the defense is to create and capitalize on turnovers. Forcing turnovers would turn a strong defense into an elite defense and that is the next step. All the drills that the defense does is has this focus and also the players they drafted as well. Going from a bend but not break defense into an aggressive turnover creating defense would help in the competitive NFC East.

The Bad

Offensive Line- That first 11 on 11 sequence was a series that the offensive line would like to forget. All had a bad plays that would have led to sacks or negative plays. Saadiq Charles ended the sequence with a false start and Coach Bienemy kicked them off the field and brought in the second team. When they came back on they played better but the offense goes and the line goes.

The Ugly

Jamin Davis- Jamin Davis says he is ready to go and cleared but early in camp isn’t with the number one defense. Khaleke Hudson has played with the ones and is playing very well along side Cody Barton. Maybe Jamin is being brought back slowly because of his minor surgery however this isn’t the time to not be on the field.

Kicker Battle- So far there has been no live special teams so there has not been any kicking to report. Hopefully we get to see that soon.

Quote of the Day

“Man, it feels great. Me and Tez, we’re always with each other in the offseason anyway. We don’t spend too much time apart from each other, so we worked out. Montez also came to Ohio State with me and worked out with Coach Johnson, so we were getting it in. We’re definitely excited about this season and to get it rolling.” Chase Young on being back on the field with Montez Sweat.

Felix Trammell