It’s the most wonderful time of the year…. as the song says and most football fans would agree. And this year Washington fans got the gift of gifts, the end of the Dan Synder regime. I’ve been asked by numerous people what is this like and how is the fan base taking it. I would say that there hasn’t been this type of pure excitement since 2012, and honestly since the early 90’s. That withstanding, the outside interference factors have been mostly removed, it is now all about what is on the field. The era of ” Good Feelings” can easily evaporate if the teams underperforms. Here are my biggest storylines or things to watch for during the Training Camp.
1. Best Camp Position Battle
As far as deep position battles defensive line will be tough, also a very exciting battle for the 5th, 6th, and possibly 7th wide receiver battle will be the talk, however I am looking forward to a battle most people are not looking at, cornerback. Last season Kendall Fuller solidified his spot as one of the higher echelon starting cornerbacks in the league. Last season also proved that his is the best on the outside. The team however sensed a need for more play making ability as they drafted two cornerbacks in the first two rounds. Emmanuel Forbes is the ball hawk this secondary hasn’t had since DeAngelo Hall and was drafted to do one thing the defense did not do last season, intercept the ball. Jartavious Martin has a similar build and can make plays as well. So where does that leave Benjamin St.-Juste and others? All questions will have to be answered because a slot corner was never really found. The secondary got away with for awhile with Bobby McCain playing the slot. That is the one position on defense that could be made better. Who gets that call will be interesting.
2. Who is under the most pressure this camp?
There are various answers to this question. The most obvious is Sam Howell as the person who is trying to solidify the quarterback position. There is Chase Young, coming off an injury recovery shortened season with the team not picking up his fifth year option. There is even pressure on Eric Bienemy to prove he can be a successful offensive coordinator out of the shadow of Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. To me however the most pressure is on Ron Rivera. Coach Rivera deserves a lot of praise for his leadership of the franchise through Covid, mascot change, and an owner debacle and team sale. During that time Rivera has rebuilt the roster in most places with young talent. However his quarterback choices have been subpar, some of his contract decisions have been questionable, and his in game management has had some bad moments. With a new ownership group this upcoming season will be an observation year but Rivera is on the clock.
3. Season Expectations
As I mentioned before it is the era of good feelings right now with the fan base. There isn’t a soul around that wanted Synder to stay, and with the exception of rumblings about a mascot change, the fan base is happy. How long does that last in the question. Winning is always the cure all so if the team is in the playoffs this is not a concern, but if the team falls flat how long will the fans fully support? I believe that with the owner change, the fan experience is the most important thing the new ownership group can build. New facilities and a new stadium won’t happen by September, but FedEx doesn’t have to be so bad. Showing fan appreciation that is authentic will rebuild the fanbase. The Harris group has started so well but it is a long way to go.
What are you most excited about for Training Camp? Let me know and I’ll see you in Ashburn!
