Training camp observations: Kirk Cousins, offense dominate two-minute drill

RICHMOND — After a strong showing from the defense last week, the Washington Redskins’ offense had one of its better days on Sunday as the team returned to training camp following a day off.

The best sequence came during team drills as the starters worked a two-minute drill. Quarterback Kirk Cousins completed all six of his passes, the last of which was a touchdown to wide receiver Ryan Grant.

Cousins began the drill with consecutive completions to tight end Jordan Reed, then two more to wide receiver Pierre Garcon. Cousins went back to Reed once more before firing the touchdown to Grant, which looked to be one of his better throws in camp thus far. Grant cut inside and Cousins fired a pass into a tight window between two defenders.

“He hit some check-downs, some underneath routes, and guys got up the field and got lined up and we can run off a lot of plays in that situation,” coach Jay Gruden said. “As long as we don’t have any negative plays, we can move the ball and be quick and efficient and he was efficient today. But he’s just getting more and more comfortable; like I said before, the line gave him great protection today. The other day wasn’t such a great day for anybody on offense but today, they improved, and Kirk improved.”

The Redskins ended practice with four plays on the goal line and Cousins threw touchdown passes to tight ends Niles Paul and Vernon Davis. After the touchdown to Davis, Cousins raced into the end zone and celebrated with Davis.

At the start of practice, Cousins was quoting “Remember the Titans” during a ball security drill. “Fumble my football and run a mile,” Cousins yelled. “Petey, how many feet are in a mile?”

Here are some other observations from Sunday’s practice:

** It’s difficult to evaluate running backs in practice and the true evaluations will come from the preseason games. That said, Robert Kelley and Mack Brown have been praised lately from the coaching staff. During team drills, Brown had consecutive strong runs, the second of which he broke for approximately 15 yards. Gruden praised him for the way he finished the play.

One thing Gruden said he looks for from the running backs is good pass protection, which is an area Brown excels at.

** Dustin Hopkins continue to look solid in his second season with the Redskins. The kicker made 25 of 28 field goals in his first season and has been consistent in camp. He hit a 55-yarder during a two-minute drill and hit eight of nine attempts in last week’s special team’s practice.

** Each practice seems to be a reminder of how difficult it is to cover Reed. On one play, inside linebacker Mason Foster seemed to be ahead of the play, only for Reed to out-muscle him as he made a diving catch on the sideline. Foster pounded the turf in frustration.

** Rookie defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis had some strong reps in the individual pass drills today. He blasted past second-year tackle Takoby Cofield on one play, drawing praise from his fellow defensive linemen. Position coach Robb Akey said the team has been pleased with the rookie’s work ethic and the way he’s been able to stack positive practices.