Ashburn, VA- We have hit the part of camp where there is not much new under the sun. The Commanders however received an infuse of energy with the signing of WR Stephon Diggs and the return of CB Trey Amos, DE Dorance Armstrong, and P Tress Way. Both sides brought a new energy to camp and while the temperatures may have risen in Ashburn. the competition is still there. All of the returning players spoke with the media and had various levels of participation. What their returns mean for Washington, those roster selections start to loom large. Here is what I saw today.
- Diggs is as Advertised-Â Stephon Diggs may not have caught many balls in one on one drills or full offense vs. defense. However his value was already seen. McLaurin, Burks, McCaffery, White, and Sinnott all caught passes while Diggs was out there. His route running is just different level and the attention he draws will open up the offense for others. The fit was prefect and Diggs has an emotional connection to the DMV.
- Amos to the Front- Trey Amos and his injury was confusing to start camp. His return was always close and it finally happened on Friday. What was telling is his looked exceptional physically. I was not expecting him to play in teams but he went straight to the starting defense. This is good for the defense that it looks like he is fully healthy and ready to go.
- Stevens Steams Ahead-Â In the kicker battle we are starting to see some separation. Drew Stevens had another day of going 6/6 on field goals. Jake Moody started 4 for 4 but then struggled on his longest two field goals of the day, both over 50 yards. This pattern has occurred more than once in this camp. Everything will be settled in the preseason games however Stevens is firmly in the lead.
- Team Personality-Â We are starting to see each side of the ball develop the personality of their coordinators. The offense is showing creativity and ingenuity, while the defense is showing aggression and passion. This is excellent, but now the development will show in the joint practices.
