Thousands of fans gathered to watch the Washington Commanders practice under the lights at FedExField on Saturday. Attendees were pumped to see their team in action at the stadium for the first time in seven months and that electricity had a notable effect on the session.
"I really appreciate the fans coming out today. What we are looking for is that energy," head coach Ron Rivera said. "I think the players fed off that. There were some really good things...This is going to be really good tape for us to evaluate with"
Washington brought the heat on both sides of the ball for Day 10 of training camp. The offense had success both in the ground and in the air while the defense, Rivera noted, did well in delivering pressure and in executing different coverages they've been working to implement.
Fans made it known when they liked what they were seeing, breaking out in cheers and applause throughout the night. That symbiotic relationship between what happens on the field and what happens in the stands is a fact Rivera is looking to emphasize.
"We are just trying to get our guys to understand how important it is to have fans out there and how important it is for our fans to be there and bring that energy," Rivera said.
One player who needs little reminding of the significance of respecting and perpetuating fan love is Terry McLaurin. The surge of support has not gone unnoticed by the star wide receiver since signing his three-year extension a little over a month ago.
"I've always gotten love from the fans but it just kind of seemed a little more, and I humbly accept that." McLaurin said. "It's really cool to be able to make an impact on so many people and to be one of the leaders on this team."
He showed his appreciation by spending a sizable amount of time after practice interacting with the community who has rallied around him. That love is a huge source of fuel for him heading into his fourth season with Washington.
"Anytime I get to go out there and hang out with the fans and show them love, smile, give them compliments, and just appreciate them for supporting me and the rest of my teammates, I'm gonna do that because that's one of the great things about football. Seeing the fanfare and getting the love that we get from these fans," McLaurin said. "I'm really looking forward to this season and seeing how that grows for all of us."
Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Monday, August 8, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.
The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about how players are looking forward to the Aug.6 practice at FedExField.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also looks at why a few Washington players switched jersey numbers for the season.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about a leaner Antonio Gibson who is confident heading into year 3.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the similar paths of Percy Butler and Washington Legend Brian Mitchell
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how Kendall Fuller's standout knowledge of the playbook, football IQ has set him up for success at camp so far
- The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about rookie Percy Butler's adjustment to NFL life and dad life.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about Taylor Heinicke's love of LEGOS.
- The Washington Post's PJ Morales writes about the hunt for the team's next starting dual-returner.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Antonio Gibson's confidence entering Year 3.
- NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay provides a look back at Ryan Kerrigan's career in Washington.
- The Washington Post's Sam Fortier writes about the sounds of the first few days of training camp.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Dyami Brown's epic in Day 3.
- The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the positive Day 2 outing for the Commanders' secondary.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about the glimpses of Curtis Samuel magic that offer hope for the future.
- NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about how Carson Wentz's attitude has impressed as training camp gets underway.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the humble approach that is fueling the Commanders defense.
- NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also talks about Jahan Dotson's excitement towards learning from Terry McLaurin.
- ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz building his confidence on the first day of camp.
The Washington Commanders were at FedExField Saturday night to practice in front of fans for Day 10 of training camp. Check out the top images from the night. (Emilee Fails and Kourtney Carroll/Washington Commanders)
Check Out What's On Commanders.com:
- Media round up | Carson Wentz's TD to Terry McLaurin felt like a 'game rep'
- 4 standouts from Week 2 of training camp
- Brian Robinson is becoming more than a downhill threat
- Training camp notebook | Inside Sam Howell's 'awesome' relationship with Taylor Heinicke
- Media roundup | Taylor Heinicke praises Sam Howell's arm strength, says the rookie QB 'can sling it'
- Training camp notebook | All about rest and recovery
- Media roundup | Charles Leno calls Brian Robinson a 'natural running back"
- Washington Commanders to induct Mike Bass into Ring of Fame during 2022 season opener
- Kendall Fuller: Commanders secondary can be 'as good as we wanna be'
- Training Camp Notebook | Curtis Samuels suits up, Cole Turner establishes chemistry with Carson Wentz
- "I absolutely love it, being out here in the uniform": Military members enjoy Salute Day at the Park
- Terry McLaurin provides roadmap for Jahan Dotson's development
- Cole Holcomb proud of Jamin Davis' growth
- Training Camp Notebook | RBs found open lanes in first padded practice
- Antonio Gibson looking 'spry' in return to team drills
- Training Camp Notebook | Defense shines to start Week 2 of camp
- 4 standouts from Week 1 of Commanders' training camp
- Kam Curl gives inside look at intense defensive competition
- Kerrigan: Love from Washington fanbase 'made my career'