The Washington Redskins got their 2019 campaign underway with the start of training camp in Richmond, VA Thursday. Trent Williams being absent remains the biggest story line of training camp, however, with the cornerstone left tackle not there, the first practice had a few glaring observations.
1. Josh Norman Comes Away with Two Interceptions
Josh Norman is entering this season trying to prove he is still capable of being a top-end cornerback. He jumped over a bull this off-season, but his biggest leap may have come Thursday.
The cagey veteran had two interceptions in practice, picking off both Case Keenum and Colt McCoy.
It’s one day of practice, but it appears Norman is focused on changing the narrative on his reputation. If Norman can focus on being the type of cornerback he was in the past, pairing him with a healthy Quinton Dunbar, and the plethora of capable slot corners such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Fabian Moreau, and Greg Stroman, the Redskins could have a formidable secondary.
2. Jordan Reed Looked Healthy
Jordan Reed hobbled through the 2018 season with a toe injury. Ultimately he was placed on IR in Week 14. Some are ready to write the talented but oft-injured tight end. However, Thursday he stood out in practice.
Can Reed get back in his groove?
That remains to be seen. If he does, he will be a viable weapon for whoever starts at quarterback. How healthy and how close Reed can be play like himself will go a long way into how well the Redskins offense plays in 2019.
3. Dwayne Haskins Takes Reps Behind Case Keenum, Colt McCoy
For much of the off-season it was expected to be a two-man race for starting quarterback between Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum, however, Thursday, the rookie took a backseat to Keenum and the returning Colt McCoy.
How long does Haskins has to play in the background remains to be seen?
Keep in mind, the long-term project for Haskins is to develop him for the long haul, not beating Keenum and McCoy in 2019. Let’s remain patient.
4. Derrius Guice Was a Full-go Practice
Derrius Guice is a full-go during training camp nearly one year after he suffered a torn ACL. A hamstring tweak during minicamp put him being on the field for Day 1 of training camp in jeopardy.
However, head coach Jay Gruden and Guice both downplayed the seriousness of the injury.
5. Ereck Flowers Started at Left Tackle
No Trent Williams, no Geron Christian left the Redskins starting Ereck Flowers at left tackle when training camp started.
The plan was for Flowers to come in and compete at left guard. However, now he has to man the blindside of whoever takes first reps at quarterback.
Flowers was a disaster during OTAs, much like his career was with the New York Giants. Therefore, it’s hard to drum up any hope that he could be relied on if Williams’ holdout prolongs.
