It jumps out with just a glance at Washington's roster: all the birth years in the late 1990s and the sprinkle of early 2000s. The team is young -- a fact that brings a couple of different elements to consider in the early days of training camp.  

In terms of evaluation, a young roster comes with a dose of intrigue and piqued interest in the wondering of which of these guys will quiet any inexperience-induced doubt or challenges and step up for the spots that aren't locked down. That's already been the case with the Washington Commanders' secondary.  

"We've got a couple of young guys. I'm not gonna name them. The less people know about them the better, but they've done a nice job. They really have," Rivera said.  

Then, there's what a young team means for the time after the practice whistle blows. It's in these blocks, where coaches aren't permitted to instruct players on field because of league rules, that Rivera emphasizes trust and responsibility. He's looking to see who is going to put these ideas into application, for example, by staying after practice to do extra work.   

"They have to take ownership at that point, because again, within the rules of practicing, you know, we can't say, 'Hey do this,'" Rivera said. "So, the players have to take it on themselves and that's where the ownership, that's where the maturity comes."  

The same goes for overall lifestyle. Treating your body as your business and approaching this pursuit like a professional can be a huge adjustment for these young players. Rivera has communicated the need for them to make good choices with their time and trusts they'll follow through during training camp and beyond.  

"They're going to go home. They're going to get off their feet. They're going to get their rest. They're going to hydrate. They're going to eat properly...We talked about time management as well," Rivera said. "So, we have to learn and understand and be disciplined and be mature to be ready to play football."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Friday, July 29, 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.

• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about the positive Day 2 outing for the Commanders' secondary.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey 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 Post's Sam Fortier gives five position battles to watch ahead of training camp.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras looks at his top position battles to watch.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey talks about Antonio Gibson wanting to be known exclusively as a running back.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey also writes about why Terry McLaurin was so excited to be throwing with Carson Wentz.
• NBC Sports Washington's Peter Hailey writes about how Curtis Samuel feels about the 2021 season.
• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Ron Rivera's confidence in the Commanders' growth ahead of training camp.
• The Washington Time's Matthew Paras takes a look at the Commanders' defensive line ahead of training camp.
• ESPN's John Keim also writes about the quarterback position as the Commanders prepare for training camp.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux also writes about Carson Wentz's rating in Madden 23.
• NBC Sports Washington's JP Finlay gives his take on the Commanders' training camp.
• USA Today's Bryan Manning takes a look at the Commanders' wide receivers.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux and Peter Hailey give their takes on the odds for the Commanders' 2022 season.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Training Camp Notebook: Defense shines on Day 2
• Media Round Up | Ron Rivera sees Brian Robinson as 'big, strong, powerful downhill runner'
• Carson Wentz focused on building chemistry to start camp
• Quick hits from Ron Rivera's introductory training camp press conference
• Hail Mail | Training camp is finally upon us
• Commanders players begin reporting for training camp
• Commanders place Chase Young, Logan Thomas, Tyler Larsen, Chase Roullier on PUP list; Cornelius Lucas placed on NFI list
• Washington Commanders announce open voting for fans to help select Fight Song lyrics and team mascot as part of the team's inaugural season under a new name and brand identity
• Full list of Commanders Madden 23 ratings revealed
• Training camp preview | Running back
• Training camp preview | Defensive line
• Training camp preview | Safety
• Training camp preview | Offensive line
• Top safeties Washington will face in 2022
• Jon Allen rated as top 5 defensive tackle in Madden 23
• PFF's Mike Renner predicts breakout season for Sam Cosmi
• Training camp preview | Tight end
• Top 5 wide receivers Washington will face in 2022
• Terry McLaurin rated as top 10 WR in Madden 23