Ashburn Va- A slight chill was in the air as fans waited in line for that last day (besides military appreciation day next week) open to select season ticket holders. A beautiful day in northern Virginia, unlike the sweltering heat of last week.
As the stands filled up and the fence line filled in, Washington Commanders president Mark Clouse stopped by to talk to some of us fans. They are truly excited about coming back to DC, and the work has already started. Clouse also stated they will continue improving Northwest Stadium and provide the best game day experience possible.
Players start filing out to practice, and the fun begins.
I’m not sure if anyone else has said this but Jayden Daniels is freakishly good. He threw the most beautiful deep crosser to Deebo Samuel (who has been going deep more than expected) with Jonathan Jones in really good coverage. Deebo’s finger seems perfectly fine.
Veteran Chris Moore continues to standout and make plays in camp. Had another one vs Marshawn Lattimore in tight coverage. Moore will be interesting to watch the rest of camp and in the preseason games, he could very will force his way on the roster.
We hear coaches talk about “stacking days”, well a player that continues to stack them is Jacory Croskey-Merritt, aka Bill. This will be the last time I write his full name, he’s Bill Merritt from now on. Bill continues to impress with his one cut running ability, he had another run that possibly could have been a 50 yard TD.
The DBs continue to shine, even without Mikey Sainristil on the field today, not sure why he missed practice, I must of missed something. Trey Amos had another INT off of Jayden Daniels while covering Chris Moore. Amos is looking like a steal. Tyler Owens had some work with the ones and almost had an INT, he looks like hes developing well.
I wrote last week about my concerns with first round draft picks Josh Conerly Jr. Although my concern hasn’t dissipated, he does look a little more comfortable as he gets used to being on the right side. Unfortunately he had the luxury of lining up against Frankie Luvu on a play and well……let’s just say he’s got his work cut out. On the flip side, you can see Conerly Jr’s quick feet and his athleticism, they are on full display.
Another concern is the absence of Brandon Coleman, with his apparent lower leg injury. Hopefully its nothing to worry about and it doesn’t linger. We need him on the field.
Stock up
Deebo Samuel- No surprise here, with Terry Mclaurin still holding out, Deebo has every opportunity to shine. And he hasn’t disappointed. What is surprising is his deep ball skills as we’re used to Deebo around the line of scrimmage and a YAC master, but he certainly has the ability for the long ball.
Stock up
Chris Moore- The vet keeps making plays in camp. Another WR getting extra reps because of Mclaurins hold out and hes taking advantage of each and every one. He could very well earn a spot on the roster if he keeps it up.
Stock down
Michael Gallup- Gallup hasn’t done anything wrong per se but with the emerging Chris Moore, Gallup is on the outside looking in.
Stock up
Trey Amos- Adam Peters may have found a lockdown Corner we’ve been waiting for. Amos had another INT off of Jayden Daniels today.
Stock down
The Mclaurin affair- As week 3 of training camp began, it still seems like they are far away but more and more fans are growing frustrated with the situation as they realize the “WR Market” is as simple as it seems, especially since in reality there is TWO markets. The 30+ year old receiver market is actually a thing, no matter if Terry Mclaurin believes he should be in it, or not. Those I talk to also think his agent has been the problem. Then there are others think Terry should get whatever he wants……if only businesses actually worked like that.
Stock up
Luke McCaffery- We definitely can see growth from the 2nd year wideout, let’s hope Luke earns Jaydens trust and it produces on the field.
Stock WAY UP
Bill Merritt- In the last 10 years, only one running back contributed to a team that was drafted after the 6th round. This might be Ashburn syndrome but it looks like Adam Peters may have found the steal of the draft. Bill continues to find himself working in the rotation with the first team offense and with the opportunities, he doesn’t disappoint. He keeps ripping off big runs. Dude has excellent vision. With the revamped offensive line, Brian Robinson Jr, Austin Ekeler and Bill Merritt could be a 3 headed monster that strikes fear in opponents run defense.
