Tuesday was Washington’s first day in pads, and now more know of Mason Brooks.
Head coach Ron Rivera had the team doing some one-on-one work in pads. Thus, the linemen in the trenches squared off with intensity.
The Commanders signed Brooks as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL draft. The right guard out of Ole Miss made an impression Tuesday against defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis — Washington’s second-round pick in 2022.
The defensive line has been getting the better of the offensive line thus far in training camp. It should not be surprising. Look how much the Commanders have invested in the defensive line over the offensive line.
But when Brooks got the best of Mathis, offensive coach Juan Castillo became very excited for Brooks. So they ordered the two to go at it again, and Brooks again got the best of Mathis, this time driving Mathis to the ground.
Mason Brooks vs. Phidarian Mathis #HTTC pic.twitter.com/RfOBePzQjm
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Following practice, Mathis was asked about his day.
“It was a good day, man. I feel like the defense came out strong; we played physical, just helping the offense get better today. I think it was a great first day.”
As for the battle with Brooks? Mathis replied,
“It’s just a lot of excitement, man. It’s just the first day getting back at it; just talking a little trash. It’s just trying to get each other better.”
Mathis went down in the season opener last season, spending the rest of the season on injured reserve.
“It was long, it was kind of heartbreaking, just for the first game to go out like that. But at the same time, it was a big humbling experience, just sitting out, getting to watch those guys go out every Sunday and play. It made me look at the game differently. You just never know when it’s your last play, so you got to take everything serious. Never take this game for granted.”
Mathis realizes it is a privilege for him to have fellow tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne:
“Their game is just flawless. Those two guys together, man, they’ll attack a lot of offenses. It’s a blessing for me just to be behind those guys learning each day, just watching their game so I can add it to mine.”
Mathis said he is actually “reminding myself I can do this. This is why I got drafted here. Showing everybody that I was the second pick for a reason. I’m just coming back for what I left on the table. I left a lot out there.”
Mathis hopes to play much more in his second season.
“Whenever my name is called, I’m just trying to go in there and do my job and help out the team.”