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Practice Notes: 2018 #SkinsCamp, Day 14

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Redskins.com's Jake Kring-Schreifels and Andre Earls break down the key plays and highlights from Day 14 of the Washington Redskins' 2018 training camp in Richmond, Va.

Defense:

-- Things stayed relatively calm on the Redskins' defensive side on Monday. There was a brief dust up that included new defensive lineman Dante Sawyer during 1-on-1 drills with the Jets offensive linemen. Later, during 11-on-11 drills, a scrum emerged when a Jets offensive lineman took exception with a Redskins defensive back or linebacker, to which defensive lineman Ziggy Hood yelled, "I'm in your weight class, pick on me." Coaches were diligent about blowing whistles and inserting themselves between any kind of antagonism that occurred on the field.

-- A couple of veterans had what appeared to be a veteran's day off, as D.J. Swearinger Sr. and Orlando Scandrick were missing from the field. Defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis also sat out again with the knee and ankle sprain he suffered on Thursday, only surprising considering head coach Jay Gruden thought he'd be available based on his incessant desire to practice. Linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton did return to practice on Monday after missing the last two days of practice for rest and precautionary purposes as he adjusts to playing in games for the first time in close to a year.

-- If you were anywhere near the Bon Secours Training Center on Monday, you likely heard defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. He was extremely vocal with his players in the morning, sprinting up to the line to address issues in between plays. He'll speak with the media on Tuesday, and he'll likely have many positive things to say about a defensive line that's anchored by Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, who has continued to look fluid in practice. Whatever ankle issues were bothering him haven't seemed to inhibit the Alabama product upon his return to the field, as he's persistently running hard to the sideline on any rush plays that get to the second level. It's also clear that Tim Settle has made improvements from when he first began at OTAs. His bull rush was too much for the Jets offensive linemen during 1-on-1 drills and there doesn't seem to be much drop off when Payne exits the rotation. Anthony Lanier II also had some solid plays in the backfield, often being the first one to make contact with a running back trying to slip through a hole during his rotation.

-- During third down drills, linebacker Pete Robertson made his presence felt again. It's clear the coaching staff likes his versatility and availability on special teams, but he continues to have a nose for the ball and was often in the backfield as part of a blitz package or by beating a defender off the edge. Outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan also had a solid day during 2-on-2's with defensive lineman Ziggy Hood. The pair teamed up to take on a guard and tackle and got to the would-be quarterback easily thanks to some switching, which gave Kerrigan a clear lane.

-- Cornerback Danny Johnson has been accurately praised for his play thus far in camp, and he's made a solid bidding to round out the group. He made some more nice plays in coverage on Monday but it was lesser-known Ranthony Texada that shined brightest, breaking up every pass thrown toward him during 1-on-1 drills and then making another pass deflection during 7-on7 drills, slapping a possible catch out of a Jets receiver's hands.

-- Jake Kring-Schreifels

Offense:

-- With all of the recent offensive injuries to date, Monday's practice showcased a lot of fresh faces at the skill positions getting first-team snaps. However, right tackle Morgan Moses was a full-go at practice today, after getting nicked up after yesterday's minor skirmish. Trent Williams also didn't take as many snaps as he usually would on a given day, with rookie tackle Geron Christian Sr. taking the majority of snaps in his stead. We also saw newly signed tight end J.P. Holtz take some snaps with the first team.

-- At wide receiver, Maurice Harris continues to show flashes of brilliance, as displayed on a sideline stretch play that he toe-tapped to secure the catch – he's definitely catching the attention of the Jets coaching staff. Along with seventh-round standout Trey Quinn, undrafted free agents Simmie Cobbs and Darvin Kidsy also got the opportunity to catch some passes from Alex Smith, and looked pretty good doing it. The biggest play of the day was made by Kidsy during 11-on-11s, when he caught a long touchdown pass from Smith on a corner fade route defended by Jets safety Terrence Brooks. Cobbs also looked nice on a slant route from Smith during 7-on-7 drills.

-- For the past couple days, the running backs have been a position group to watch as well. It was evident that the Redskins' coaching staff was making it a point to protect Chris Thompson at all costs. Thompson was sighted at practice in full pads, but never saw a snap during team drills. Today's backfield was a mixture of hard runs by Byron Marshall with Samaje Perine and Kapri Bibbs sprinkling in reps as well.

-- Today's 11-on-11 drills were particularly interesting because we saw some concepts that we don't typically see. Led by tight end Jeremy Sprinkle, others in his position group, including Garrett Hudson and Matt Flanagan, went into motion frequently, something Jay Gruden said would happen. It's a part of his plan to give the opposing defense some different looks as they prepare to play each other on Thursday. 

-- Andre Earls

Special Teams:

-- The field goal units both got some work on Monday, and kicker Dustin Hopkins made all of his kicks during the session.

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