Washington Wraps Up 2021 Mini Camp: WFT News And Notes

By Mark Solway | June 13th, 2021

The Washington Football Team wrapped up their three-day 2021 Mini Camp on Thursday. While these workouts are glorified walk-throughs, and no contact is involved, here are some of the observations coming out of camp.

Quarterback Situation

Much has been made about bringing in veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the off-season. By most accounts, Fitzpatrick had a decent camp. He did throw a few interceptions, but in his first experience in a new offense, that’s to be expected.

Ryan Fitzpatrick’s passes are impeccably accurate.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 8, 2021

Taylor Heinicke turned a few heads putting on fifteen pounds of bulk in the off-season. He also had a good camp.

Head Coach Ron Rivera loves competitions within the roster. He made it clear that the quarterback position would be no different in 2021. Fitzpatrick enters training camp as the expected starter, but nothing is set in stone.

“It’s going to be a good competition,” Rivera told John Keim of ESPN.com.

“I look forward to it. It’s going to push our football team and make our football team better. I just feel that going into this knowing we have a proven guy there that has the ability to lead us, but again, we have a guy in Taylor that shows us he can do it. They are going to compete, they are going to push, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Is that psychology to get the best out of Fitzpatrick or Heinicke?

To motivate Kyle Allen who wasn’t even mentioned in the mix?

Whatever the reason, all eyes will be on the quarterback position in late July at training camp.

Bobby McCain

Washington signed former Miami Dolphins free safety Bobby McCain last month. McCain was one of the most impressive players at Mini Camp. He may even have established himself as a contender to start. He had two interceptions in Thursday’s action, John Keim tweeted.

Having McCain step up and compete, will only improve Washington’s secondary. He has set the stage for a great training camp battle at free safety. See above notes on Rivera’s adoration of competition battles.

Benjamin St-Juste

Rookie cornerback Benjamin St-Juste opened some eyes at camp too. The third round pick out of Minnesota was particularly strong on Wednesday breaking up several passes. The most notable one was in the end zone, and aimed at star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Rookie CB Benjamin St-Juste jumped up for a 50-50 ball against Terry McLaurin in the end zone, knocked it away as McLaurin landed, then stared over him as the defense erupted in celebration.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 9, 2021

Chase Young

Filed under the “obvious observations from camp”, Chase Young is still Chase Young.

He put on full display why he was last year’s defensive rookie of the year.

Up to and including, making confident, bold predictions. Like having the potential to be the NFL’s top defense.

Alright, alright. Let’s not get too, too carried away young man. Everyone looks great in June.

Love the enthusiasm, and confidence though.

Offense Vs Defense

Perhaps no observation here, is more futile. In vanilla practices, with nothing on the line…

… the defense was more impressive than the offense at Mini Camp.

Especially on days two and three.

Just saying.

Next stop, training camp.