Training camp observations: Josh Norman, DeSean Jackson match up

RICHMOND — The Washington Redskins kicked off training camp with their first practice on Thursday afternoon.

After a morning walkthrough, the team hit the field for approximately two hours without pads as the temperature climbed into the mid 90s.

Early in the session, a couple players slipped and got tied up as they figured out what speed to go at as they kicked it up a notch from the slower pace in organized team activities during the spring.

“Once the pads come on, it’s just one speed,” defensive end Ricky Jean Francois said.

Observations:

** Perhaps the most awaited matchup in training camp was wide receiver DeSean Jackson and cornerback Josh Norman. On one play, Jackson pivoted and created space for an easy reception from Kirk Cousins. As 11-on-11 drills wrapped up, Norman was draped on Jackson and broke up the pass as the two fell to the ground.

“It’s always a great addition to have a guy like him over there that has the success he’s had in this league,” Jackson said of Norman. “Ready to be on the opposite side but on the same team as us to go out there for other receivers to hopefully putting a shutdown corner on the other side will help us throughout the season.”

** Outside linebackers Houston Bates, Willie Jefferson and Lynden Trail were thrown right into the mix following the loss of Junior Galette. On one play, Jefferson got good pressure from the left side and likely would’ve sacked Cousins if contact were allowed. Of course, Jefferson’s effort prompted a celebration from Chris Baker. On another play, Trail used his 6-foot-7 frame to bat down Cousins’ pass.

** It’s always interesting to watch rookies transition from college to the NFL. Wide receiver Rashad Ross fell to the ground as caught a pass against rookie Kendall Fuller. The former Virginia cornerback got up and began to jog back to the line of scrimmage and defensive backs coach Perry Fewell yelled, “Gotta touch him down.”

** When the Redskins drafted Steven Daniels in the seventh round, they liked the hard-hitting inside linebacker because of his tenacity. They also liked the way he controlled Boston College’s defense as the “Mike” linebacker and pushed him in that aspect on Thursday. After a cornerback blew an assignment, defensive coordinator Joe Barry reminded Daniels “he drives the bus.”

** Special teams watch: Dustin Hopkins made four of his five field goals. After he missed a 40-yarder, Baker took a knee behind him and yelled, “I’m in your head now.” Hopkins drilled it.