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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Practice Notes: 2018 #SkinsCamp, Day 10

practice-notes-080618

Redskins.com's Jake Kring-Schreifels and Grant Cohen break down the key plays and highlights from Day 10 of the Washington Redskins' 2018 training camp in Richmond, Va.

Some Injury updates: Multiple Redskins players missed practice on Monday, including wide receiver Brian Quick (thigh contusion), running back Kapri Bibbs (knee contusion), linebacker Zach Brown (mild stomach strain), linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (hamstring), all of whom are day-to-day. Several players also missed for rest, including D.J. Swearinger Sr., Josh Doctson, Orlando Scanrdick and Jamison Crowder. Defensive lineman Daron Payne continues to rehab for the early part of practice, too.

Offense:

-- With wide receivers Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder not practicing on Monday, the primary offensive targets in the passing game belonged to the tight ends. Quarterback Alex Smith connected with Vernon Davis on a flag route in the end zone during 7-on-7's, hitting him again on the first play of full team activity on a play-action route. While Davis was the primary target during 7-on-7's, it was tight end Jordan Reed that became the focal point during the red zone segment. Reed managed to have two consecutive receptions for first downs while capping off the drill with a touchdown catch. Smith also targeted tight end Jeremy Sprinkle towards the second half of practice, who hauled in a catch for a score.

-- The quarterbacks have been forced out of the pocket a plethora of times during training camp, but Day 10 saw the group escaping the pressure for extra yardage. Smith, who rushed for 355 yards last season, ran for two first downs during team drills and seemed to be doing a much better job of getting yardage with added blitzes. Colt McCoy also had a few sparks when he got his reps, gaining over 10 yards during each carry. While the offensive line had a lot to do with the improved quarterback protection, it was noticeable that the group was calmer in practice and was able to make plays even with the defense coming.

The Washington Redskins conducted their tenth day of training camp practice Monday, August 6, 2018 at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center in Richmond, Va.

-- Another way that the quarterbacks have been handling the defensive pressure is by pitching to running backs or wide receivers. Monday's practice saw the quarterbacks and running backs working on pitch plays during individual work, attempting to make the defense commit before tossing it behind the offensive backfield. Their earlier drills paid off in the full team segment. Smith had no other options with every receiver covered and little running room, so he pitched the ball to Paul Richardson Jr. when the offense was in the red zone. The result was Richardson finding open field and outrunning the secondary for a touchdown.

-- Receivers who will be seeing most of the action in the preseason got some reps with Smith. Rookie wide receiver Shay Fields made some nice catches and came down with most of balls targeted towards him, while rookies Darvin Kidsy and Trey Quinn were executing their routes and snagging some receptions. Wide receiver Robert Davis caught a 20-yard touchdown pass thrown by Smith during 7-on-7 drills in addition to making plays when the team met for the play segments.

-- Play-action passes seemed to be the bread and butter of the offense Monday, with the offense keeping the defense confused with their fakes. A play-action play that allowed Smith to connect with Davis on the first pass play allowed rookie running back Derrius Guice to find an open run hole because the defense was expecting the pass, which resulted in a 15-yard gain. A reverse fake by quarterback Kevin Hogan opened up a screen pass to Samaje Perine for another 15 yards, with the former Oklahoma running back rushing for a 40-yard touchdown later in the day. The offense did an excellent job of selling their fakes, which took some defenders' eyes off the ball carrier and opened up holes.

-- Grant Cohen

Defense:

-- Because there were so many absences on Monday, more backups got opportunities with the first-team defense. Linebacker Martrell Spaight worked alongside Mason Foster to start team drills, before Zach Vigil replaced Foster. Pete Robertson, who has steadily improved and turned some heads over the last week, got more work with the first-team unit.

-- It's hard to tell exactly how practice play will match up in actual games. Head coach Jay Gruden said as much at his press conference on Monday, stating that players he might not have given stock during camp might really impress during a preseason game. Cornerback Danny Johnson would like to continue what's been an impressive camp and translate it to playing under the lights. Monday he grabbed an interception jumping backwards and keeping his balance as he came back down, then sniffed out a short pass to running back Samaje Perine in the flat on the very next play. He's someone to keep an eye on against the Patriots.

-- Throughout training camp, defensive backs coach Torrian Gray has consistently worked with Montae Nicholson on the field, offering advice and instruction for a majority of the plays in which he's been involved. Nicholson continues to learn in his second year, but the Redskins like his size and athleticism at the strong position. He occasionally pops in practice because of it, and that was the case Monday when he stripped Jordan Reed after the tight end caught a pass right at the goal line. It was difficult to tell if the touchdown would have stood, but it was an impressive punch-out regardless.

-- Defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis has been dealing with turf toe over the last week but has managed to play through the pain. He hasn't had a ton of opportunities along the line, but has continued to grow his connection with Jonathan Allen. Monday, he made a couple of plays up front that collapsed the pocket and shut down plays from developing. If he and Allen manage to stay healthy for an entire season, the addition of Payne could really pay dividends.

-- Jake Kring-Schreifels

Special Teams:

-- Dustin Hopkins finsihed out practice hitting all five of his field goal attempts.

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