5 takeaways from day 3 of Washington training camp

The Washington Football Team wrapped up day three of training camp in Richmond on Friday with their most spirited practice yet. The competitive juices were flowing on both sides of the ball, which led to a pair of minor incidents in practice.

Friday’s action featured more fun one-on-one drills between the defensive backs and the wide receivers. The battles between Terry McLaurin and William Jackson III remain the most exciting part of practice. McLaurin seemed to get the best of Jackson on Thursday and is already developing a nice rapport with Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Here are our top five takeaways from day three of Washington’s training camp.

Tempers flare

It's not a training camp without some sort of altercation. On Friday, Washington had a pair of minor altercations that ended as quickly as they began. Tight end Temarrick Hemingway was going at it with defensive end Montez Sweat. Chase Young also joined in on the fun, and teammates calmed Hemingway down. https://twitter.com/InstantRHIplay/status/1421127548692467717?s=20 Next, it was linebacker Cole Holcomb and tight end Sammis Reyes. https://twitter.com/michaelpRTD/status/1421127616619286536?s=20 Reyes seemed to enjoy the minor altercation. https://twitter.com/michaelpRTD/status/1421127773276577797?s=20

Head coach Ron Rivera says it's a teachable moment

Washington coach Ron Rivera was not a fan of the scuffles. However, a veteran coach like Rivera can use them to his advantage. “Don’t fight. It makes no sense," Rivera said after practice. "Why? You get into a fight, you get penalized, fined, you get hurt, and you can get taken out of the game. It’s a teachable moment, so I’ll use it. I’m not a big fan of it." Rivera's best piece of advice: "If a guy gets into your head, now you’re more worried about a personal battle instead of focusing on the game,” he said. https://twitter.com/WashingtonNFL/status/1421141049645297667?s=20

More Benjamin St-Juste

Washington really likes rookie cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. We've said since minicamp the coaches would love to get him in the lineup on the outside — opposite of William Jackson III — because it allows Kendall Fuller to move back inside to the slot. https://twitter.com/InstantRHIplay/status/1421125085130330114?s=20 This is the ideal scenario for Washington, as Jimmy Moreland would make a really good No. 4 cornerback, giving the team plenty of depth.

Fitzpatrick is the guy, but will have to "win" the job

Rivera may call this a quarterback competition. It isn't. Fitzpatrick is the guy. But he isn't going to hand him the job. He will have to earn it this summer. In Thursday's press conference, Rivera said Kyle Allen would have a chance to compete with Fitzpatrick and Taylor Heinicke, too. These coaches love Heinicke and Allen. And they believe they can win with Heinicke. But Washington brought Fitzpatrick here to start, and unless he falls apart this summer, he will begin the season as Washington's No. 1 quarterback.

Troy Apke impressing at cornerback

In the offseason, it was difficult to see Troy Apke making the team in 2021. Apke, who possesses blazing speed, is a good player on special teams. Unfortunately, his tenure at safety didn't go well. So, Washington moved Apke to corner and he is opening some eyes this week. Cornerback could end up being a more natural position for the speedy Apke. It will still be an uphill battle to make the team, but his ability to play safety in a pinch could help his chances as one of the final players to make the roster. https://twitter.com/InstantRHIplay/status/1421121553199255558?s=20

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