This next week [June 6-8] marks another important event in the Washington Commanders 2023 offseason.
The Commanders’ mandatory minicamp is slated for Tuesday through Thursday, with the operative word no doubt being “mandatory.”
Since the NFL draft was held in Kansas City, April 26-28, the Commanders have conducted a rookie minicamp and two weeks of voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) workouts for the entire 90-man roster.
The biggest headlines appear to have been that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy “is loud when yelling at the offense” (Kam Curl), that Sam Howell has exhibited some progress in his learning the new offensive system, and that three veterans skipped the voluntary workouts (Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Charles Leno).
More than one observer has noted that Howell has exhibited some passing abilities the team has not enjoyed since the Kirk Cousins years of 2015-17. But some of the same people have also noted there have been times several defensive players are getting their hands on passes in the workouts.
Rookie defenders Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin have both raised eyebrows, gaining the attention of onlookers when they have made some nice plays defending the pass.
Bieniemy is not only loud, but he is also in control. That is, observers say it is absolutely clear that Bieniemy is indeed the assistant head coach. He has been given the authority. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio volunteered Thursday that Bieniemy “is bringing an accountability to the unit”.
As for Young, Sweat and Leno? They not only skipped the first voluntary OTA workouts but also this week’s second OTA workouts. Giving all three the benefit of the doubt, we believe they will report to Tuesday’s mandatory workout.
Assuming they all three do participate next week, the most interesting interaction with the media may be how Young, Sweat and Leno respond to questions about why they chose to not participate with the 95% of their teammates who did choose of their own will to come voluntarily.