July 27th
Day 4 Training Camp.
It was a sticky steamy morning in Ashburn Virginia as day 4 of Commanders Training camp began. There was a buzz in the air as I pulled onto Coach Gibbs drive, its the 1st day fans were able to attend camp and the vibe was amazing. As the gates open, nothing but smiles from every fan in the long line as we walked into Commanders Park. It was a far cry from previous years, before this new regime, Harris and Co. has knocked it out of the park once again. From free water bottles and cooling fans to a nice array of food trucks.
Not only were the fans buzzing but the excitement leached out onto the field. You could tell the energy came up a couple of notches because the team wanted to put on a show for the fans, and they did.
Plenty of plays on both sides of the ball. But I have to say, the defense has really stepped up this camp, especially the DBs. Sainristil had a pick 6 on Daniels for the 2nd day in a row. Lattimore is looking like….well the Lattimore we expected to get when we traded for him. And Trey Amos DEFINITELY looks the part, long and physical with sticky coverage, hes going to be good.
Another standout, Rookie WR Jaylin Lane. In the final portion of practice during a “comeback win” drill the team had to drive down the field with seconds on the clock down by 6 points. With only 5 seconds left on the 20 yard line, Jayden Daniels threw a PERFECT pass in the back corner of the endzone where both Trey Amos and Mikey Sainristil are in great position to make a play on the ball. Unfortunately for them, its JD5 throwing it and the rookie 4th rounder Jaylin Lane snags it with a toe tap and the win! The crowd goes absolutely wild!!!
This is only the 1st week of camp and pads have yet to come on, but let’s see who’s stock is up and who needs to step up:
Stock up
Jaylin Lane-The rookie is making the most out of his opportunities
Chris Moore-The 32 year old vet is getting more work than he normally would with Terry Mclaurin holding out, or in or who knows
The CBs– What a difference a year makes. THEY LOOK GREAT
Javon Kinlaw– its starting to look like money well spent. Hes a mountain and a disrupting force.
Stock down
Josh Conerly Jr– not looking nearly as good as he did in OTAs, timid, slow feet and getting bullied. Luckily its still early but he has a long way to go before he’s trusted to protect Jayden Daniels.
Terry Mclaurins contract-he is now a “hold in” but I believe this is another tactic by his agent. They’re still not close so they are using the fanbase for leverage (sorry but low blow)
Stock up
Brian Robinson Jr- hitting the hole fast, had a 70yd td early today
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Bill)- Im excited about his future, smooth runner, explodes through the hole
Ill be back in camp next week for another breakdown. See you then!
