Washington Redskins Training Camp 2014: Three Things to Know Today

Number One:

Can cornerback David Amerson continue his strong play?  So far in camp, the player who has gotten the most positive attention in Richmond is Amerson.  The second year cornerback out of North Carolina State has looked more than solid, holding his own against Pierre Garcon, DeSean Jackson and others.  If the Redskins' receivers are as good as the team thinks they are, this is a great sign.  Washington is counting on Amerson to step up opposite DeAngelo Hall as the team's other starting cornerback, and he has all the physical tools (6'1", 205 lbs) to answer the call.  Watching him last season, in which he had 48 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions and one pick six, one often got the impression that if he could ever get his technique down, he could be a force to reckon with for many years in the league.  Let's hope it continues.  Lest you forgot, here is an interview Amerson did with me for an episode of The District at DeAngelo Hall's draft party back in May, in which he discussed this upcoming season:

Number Two:

Will Keenan Robinson continue to hold down his starting inside linebacker spot?  The other player to receive multiple accolades on the defensive side of the ball thus far is Robinson.  Now in his third season, can the player who missed much of the last two seasons with tears to the right and left pectoral muscles take over London Fletcher's role as the quarterback of the defense?  The answer right now is yes.  It would be a huge boost for the Redskins if the 25-year old Robinson could step in and team with Perry Riley in the middle for years to come.  It is hard not to get excited about the reports we have been getting in the off-season.  We will find out a lot in the coming weeks.

Number Three:

Who will win the third down running back job?  Everyone knows that Alfred Morris is the starter.  Roy Helu Jr. is the incumbent change-of-pace back, as he held the position last season and caught 31 passes for 251 yards and no touchdowns.  Most agree, however, that the team would do well by adding more speed in the backfield.  They tried to do so in the 2013 draft when they added Florida State speedster Chris Thompson.  A year later, they added shifty Lache Seastrunk out of Baylor into the mix.  Along with holdover Evan Royster, the team is still searching for a passing threat to compliment Morris.  After a forgettable rookie season in which he failed to make an impact in the backfield or in the return game, Thompson has shined the most in training camp with his hands and blocking ability, which is crucial as a third down back.  This competition will continue to be worth watching as we go deeper into training camp and the preseason.