News Commanders Team Notes

Daily Slop - 23 May 25 - Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are the NFL’s best in short yardage success

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

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Commanders Wire

Commanders’ president says new stadium will be ‘crown jewel’ of Washington, D.C.


On Monday, we finally heard from Clouse publicly for the first time since arriving in Washington at the Economic Club luncheon. Clouse conveyed that the Commanders have big plans for the new stadium that go beyond football.

“Much more than just simply building a stadium,” Clouse said via Mark Segraves of NBC 4 in Washington, D.C. “This is an opportunity to take 180 acres that should be the crown jewel of the District and turn it into both an economic and community engine that is going to be absolutely part of the roadmap for the future, and living into that, but in a contemporary, relevant way that feels like you are at the absolutely premiere facility in all of sports.”


Commanders team president Mark Clouse spoke at The Economics Club in D.C. today.

Clouse said that he wants to build a new stadium at the RFK site that's, "iconic but yet fierce."

He added, "Mitch, Mark and Josh are like "you gotta make the stands shake."" pic.twitter.com/ZKqbB0AGeA

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) May 19, 2025

“There is a roof on the stadium, and I think that’s gonna enable us to bring, you know, 30-to-40 world-class events,” Clouse said. “I mean, we will be the only roofed facility of this size in the Mid-Atlantic, and so, you know, whether that’s Taylor Swift or the Final Four or — any WWE wrestling fans out there? — WrestleMania could come, but we are going to be able to host everything that’s in the city on a national stage. And because of that roof, it gives us a chance to actually create a pipeline of jobs and development.”


Commanders Wire

D.C. Councilman explains why current stadium deal is bad for the city


It’s important to know that this deal is not official. D.C. and the Commanders need seven members of the city council to vote to approve it. Several members have gone on record saying they will approve the deal. Some members, though, including Council Chair Phil Mendelson, have opposed it. Mendelson, however, is in favor of making a deal work for both sides.

Another D.C. Councilman, Robert White, joined “Grant & Danny” of 106.7 The Fan on Tuesday and explained why he’s against the move.

Commanders schedule 2025: Study the Washington Commanders week-by-week schedule with times, TV and more.

“Most people don’t want to be the face or the voice of somebody raining on the parade, and I don’t either, but I have a responsibility to look at this deal,” White said, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

White noted that he wants a deal to happen and he’s also a fan of the Commanders, but it’s about doing what’s best for the city and its residents above all else.

“That matters a lot, but residents are counting on me to have a full picture, and so when they say they’re comfortable investing $850 million, they’re counting on me to know whether or not the actual cost is a lot more, and if we’re going to make more,” White said. “They’re assuming we’re not making an $850 million gift, but rather an investment, and right now as the deal is structured, it is not an investment, it’s a gift. So, they are counting on us to not get swept away in the excitement. which I’d love to do as a fan, but, but to rather dig into the details. I say put aside politics, because we don’t really need the politics here- a good investment is a good investment, a bad investment is a bad investment, and I think what residents are saying is the same thing I’m saying: yes, if the deal is good for DC, so let’s get there.”


More from DC Council Member Robert White on why he's a no on the RFK 2.0 deal as is, but 'my goal is to improve it so that we can get this done.' pic.twitter.com/c6nBE9Mhb3

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) May 20, 2025

ESPN

Commanders HC Dan Quinn delivers enthusiastic commencement speech


Quinn — who along with wife, Stacey, received an honorary doctorate degree — implored the graduates to be aggressive and seize opportunities. Quinn has long worked with a mental skills coach, which has helped him over the years to channel any negative thoughts into positive solutions.

He told the students to turn any nerves into positive energy.

“Embrace all of it,” Quinn told the crowd. “I want to be really clear about this: The entire world is open to you. My wish and my hope for every single one of you is to not let the world change you. You go and change the world.”

At times, Quinn’s speech resembled what he’d tell his players. He wished the students an “abundance of success” but also said he wished them “some really hard-ass fights because that’s where the growth is, where you will learn and teach from — and where your superpowers will absolutely fully reveal themselves.”

Quinn told them about how after he graduated from Salisbury, where he played on the defensive line, he applied for 115 Division-I football jobs. He received no interviews.


Commanders.com

Trey Amos eager to learn from Lattimore, Sainristil


[T]here are a few similarities between [Amos] and Lattimore. They both excel as perimeter corners — Amos was one of the most successful defensive backs in the SEC with 13 pass breakups in 2024. Like Lattimore, Amos is at his best in man coverage, although general manager Adam Peters believes he is an all-around player. They even have similar body types; Amos is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, while Lattimore is 6-foot and 192 pounds.

Amos is looking forward to getting some pointers from Sainristil, too.

“It’s gonna be real exciting,” Amos said. “I’m gonna be able to learn from his footsteps and learn his tools, learn how to communicate and just be a sponge. Just soaking up all types of information. Really looking forward to it.”


Podcasts & videos


This ‘pretty’ mug on video: going over each position group on O. Are the Commanders better or worse at each spot? ⁦@ESPNRichmondhttps://t.co/O7QHEx8Nl6

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 22, 2025

Top 10 Commanders for the FUTURE | McLaurin CONTRACT Outlook | 2026 Draft Names to Watch​


NFC East links

FOX Sports

Breaking down the tush push: Who can stop the Eagles, and who does short yardage best


Last season, there were nearly 1,200 plays in the NFL on third or fourth down where teams needed exactly one yard to move the chains — the exact scenario where tush is commonly pushed.

In this situation, NFL teams ran the ball 78% of the time, though there’s a wide discrepancy from one extreme to the other.

It makes sense that NFL teams mostly run the ball when needing only one yard, because the numbers show it’s more effective than passing. Last year, teams running on third/fourth-and-1 got first downs 74% of the time, while teams throwing on those plays converted just 57%.

The Eagles actually aren’t the NFL’s best in short-yardage situations

The tush push is arguably the NFL’s most well-branded play, its reputation built over the past three seasons, but the Eagles are not the best team in the league when it comes to short yardage, nor is Hurts the best short-yardage QB.

Give him credit for high volume: Hurts led the NFL with 22 conversions on third/fourth-and-1, but he went 22-for-27, which is a solid 81% conversion rate. Among NFL quarterbacks last year, however, Buffalo’s Josh Allen went 17-for-18 (94%) and Denver rookie Bo Nix went 12-for-14 (86%). Washington QB Jayden Daniels, the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, went a perfect 12-for-12 in the same situation.

If you’re looking for the NFL’s best short-yardage team last year, it wasn’t the Eagles (76.7% on third/fourth-and-1 runs) or even the Bills (77.3%). The Commanders went 38-for-43 for an 88% clip, giving them the confidence to go for it often on fourth down.


NFL league links

Articles​

NFL.com

Ben Johnson loves opportunity to change narrative on Bears QB issues: ‘That’s where great stories are written’


Regardless of rookie hiccups, though, Williams still accomplished the fifth-best passing season in Bears history in terms of yards. He threw for 3,541.

His quick trip up the single-season leaderboard despite a rookie year in which he was overshadowed by multiple signal-callers from his class is representative of the history stacked against Williams and Johnson: The Bears, in existence since 1920, are the only NFL franchise that has never had a QB throw for 30 touchdowns or 4,000 yards in a season.

Whether it’s over a century of statistics to peruse or simply what took place in Chicago last year, Johnson’s only concerned with working in the present to secure a better future. Thus far, he’s gotten every indication Williams is capable of being a key contributor in that objective.

“I wasn’t here last year, so I can’t speak too much in terms of what it was like before he got here and when he got here last year,” Johnson said, “but from my four months on the job, he’s been outstanding to work with, and we just are focusing on getting a little better every day.”

Johnson was perhaps uniquely qualified among candidates in the most recent head-coaching cycle to help kickstart Williams’ growth and snap Chicago’s streak of quarterbacking woe. As Detroit’s offensive coordinator from 2022-24, he helped rewrite Jared Goff’s NFL story from Rams castoff to Lions hero, delivering three consecutive top-four scoring units while Goff averaged 4,547 yards and 32 touchdowns per season under his tutelage.

Could he achieve something similar with Williams?

If he does, any consternation over the QB’s supposed pre-draft desires will soon fade, a footnote in a new Bears era like Williams hopes to make the team’s TD-passing yards plateau.

“Have we talked about it?” Johnson said when asked if he felt obligated to speak to Williams about the recent story. “Yeah, we talked about it last week after it came out. But he’s his own man. He’s going to be treated as such. I think we’re both really looking forward to turning the page on years prior and focusing on the here and now.”


All aTwitter


The 2024 postseason is when Dorance Armstrong turned his pressures into sacks -- he was specifically deadly against the Lions in the divisional round. Run defense could use some work, but Armstrong has flourished under Dan Quinn in Dallas and D.C. 2025 could be big. pic.twitter.com/bDwkplaHZe

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 22, 2025


The tush push may be the NFL's most well-branded play, but the Eagles are not the best team in the league when it comes to short yardage, nor is Hurts the best short-yardage QB.@gregauman took a deeper look ⬇️

Read more: https://t.co/mUvFsJK5Mn pic.twitter.com/MweHqbpJ3u

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) May 22, 2025

Terry take the top off #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/etA64NoB5h

— PAIN (@Xommanders) May 23, 2025


Good turnout this evening at a Ward 7 townhall discussion with @MayorBowser on the proposed RFK stadium deal. She gave her pitch on the $3.7 billion deal, with $1.1 billion coming from D.C. She says the stadium will be an anchor to fuel development on the 174-acre site. pic.twitter.com/cQqYEdYiED

— Martin Austermuhle (@maustermuhle) May 22, 2025

2024 Jayden ‍♂️2025 Jayden #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/xN5d0Ljcte

— Wizskins (@Itswizskins) May 22, 2025

spot the difference pic.twitter.com/sVbddOfQD1

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 22, 2025

"Let it ******* rip"

DQ was this year's commencement speaker at his alma mater @SalisburyU pic.twitter.com/W9jQrla26I

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 22, 2025

Dan Quinn “Let It F***ing Rip!” t-shirt@BreakingT https://t.co/AMn77oIPCO

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 23, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/23...rs-are-the-nfls-best-in-short-yardage-success
 
2024 REWIND: Week 6 - Commanders stumble in road game vs Ravens, fall to 4-2

Washington Commanders v Baltimore Ravens

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Derrick Henry & Lamar Jackson lead Baltimore to 176 rushing yards and a pair of rushing TDs

The Commanders entered the Week 6 game against the Ravens with the top scoring offense in the NFL, a 4-game winning streak, and sole possession of first place in the NFC East. A win in the “Battle of the Beltway” would not only keep Washington in control of the division, but would add a quality win to the team’s resume — the first win of the young season over a team with a winning record.




Ultimately, the Ravens would end up winning this game by 7 points, but the Commanders never had the lead in this football game beyond a first quarter field goal that gave them a 3-point lead. As an early-season test, it showed that the Commanders had some way to go before the team would be able to beat a quality playoff-bound squad, though, in the end, Washington had the better playoff performance, losing in the NFC title game to the eventual super bowl champion Eagles while the Ravens lost to Buffalo in the divisional round.

In this Week 5 game, King Henry flexed his muscles and showed that the Commanders would need to solve issues if the defense hoped to stop a quality rushing attack — an issue that plagued the defense all the way to the conference title game.

First Quarter​


Ravens get the first bite at the apple
The Commanders won the toss and deferred, so the Ravens received the opening kickoff and started their first drive on the 34-yard line following a good 36-yard return.


Zay Flowers with an early 46-yard gain!

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/taeWQ7ZzwF

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

The Washington defense started out by giving up a 44-yard catch and run to Zay Flowers on 2nd & 8. The Ravens were set up with a first down on the Washington 20-yard line.

Mikey Sainristil makes a huge play
On 2nd & 10, Commanders CB Mikey Sainristil grabbed the ball out of the air off of TE Mark Andrews’ fingertips for the team’s first interception of the season. He then returned the ball 38 yards to the Baltimore 49-yard line. The first big break of the game goes to the Commanders.


Mike Sanistril intercepts Lamar Jackson!

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/SGRJQaS1LB

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Commanders
Two plays later, on 3rd & 2, Daniels hit Austin Ekeler on a wheel route to the right, which the RB carried 25 yards to the Baltimore 16-yard line.


3rd and 2 for Washington and Jayden Daniels looks good early.

A quick wheel to Ekeler for the big gain.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/jI3gwXoK5p

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Two plays later, Washington faced 3rd & 7 at the 13-yard line. The Ravens defense came up with a huge play, with Travis Jones sacking Daniels for a loss of 11 yards. Austin Seibert came on the field to attempt the 42-yard field goal. He split the uprights to make the score 3-0 with just over 9 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter.

Ravens
Runs by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson on the Ravens’ 2nd possession brought up 3rd & 1 at the 39-yard line. On the 3rd down play, Lamar Jackson kept the ball himself and ran for 10 yards to earn a fresh set of downs near midfield.

Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry combined to earn a pair of first downs before the Commanders were able to force 3rd & 7 at the 23-yard line. On the 3rd down play, the Ravens fumbled, but recovered the ball. Justin Tucker came on and booted a 45-yard field goal to tie the game with 03:45 left in the first half. The drive lasted 10 plays and covered 43 yards.

Commanders go 3 & out
Washington’s second offensive drive began at the 30-yard line following the touchback.

Two short passes that each gained no yards, followed by a 3rd down incompletion, were the result of good Ravens defense, and Tress Way came on for his 8th punt of the season.

Ravens also go 3 & out
The Ravens took over at their own 20-yard line with 02:20 left in the quarter following a minimal return. So far, aside from the interception, Baltimore has looked to be the better team on the field.

However, the Ravens earned just 1 yard on two plays, and faced 3rd & 9 at their own 21-yard line. Washington came up with a huge play; Dante Fowler broke through the blocking to sack Lamar Jackson for an 11-yard loss, forcing a 3 & out.


SACK

The Commanders Defense correctly identifies the audible at the LOS, and it results in Donte Fowler bringing down Lamar Jackson deep in the Ravens own territory.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/hCQcipAPYz

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Commanders take over following the Fowler sack
Following a 10-yard return by Olamide Zaccheaus, Washington took over at the 50-yard line with just 2 seconds remaining in the quarter.

The 1st quarter came to an end with a 6-yard run by Austin Ekeler.

Second Quarter​


The Commanders offense sputtered.


This was a laser to Zaccheaus but his body turned upfield before his hands did. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/0zJGSVlXxA

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

On the key 3rd down play that followed an injury timeout (Baltimore’s Nate Wiggins), Daniels was unable to complete a deep pass to Terry McLaurin. Tress Way’s punt was downed at the Baltimore 7-yard line with about 13 minutes left in the half.

Ravens score the game’s first touchdown
Washington was unable to stop the Ravens. Jackson hit his receiver Bateman on the left sideline for 13 yards. On the next play, Jackson moved up in the pocket and threw another strike to Bateman, this time in the middle of the field for 22 yards to the 47-yard line. Baltimore’s offense was on the move.

The next play saw Derrick Henry rumble right up the middle for 16 yards and the third 1st-down in as many plays.

The offensive explosion continued with a 14-yard pass completion against man coverage.

After another short gain, it was 3rd & 10 at Washington’s 14-yard line. On the key third down play, Jackson threw incomplete, but Benjamin St-Juste — stop me if you’ve heard this before — was flagged for pass interference, giving Baltimore fresh set of downs at the 3-yard line.

Derrick Henry ran to the right, untouched into the end zone for the game’s first touchdown. Following the PAT, the score was 10-3 with about 8 minutes remaining in the half. The Baltimore drive lasted 9 plays and covered 93 yards.

At this point, the Ravens had made 10 first-downs; Washington had 2. Baltimore had gained 165 total yards — 115 passing — while Washington had gained just 34 — 18 passing and 16 rushing. The only real equalizer in the game was the Sainristil interception.

Washington badly needed a scoring drive here.

Commanders respond with a TD of their own
Baltimore kicked a touchback, and the Commanders started the drive on their 30-yard line. The drive opened with a 15-yard completion to Noah Brown on first-down.

The offense managed just 4 yards on the next two plays, bringing up 3rd & 6 at the 49-yard line. Jayden Daniels dropped back and threw a laser strike to Terry McLaurin on the right sideline for 8 yards and a first down.


McLaurin makes these tough catches look too easy.

But this was a GREAT catch.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6QOfkoCAc8

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

On the first down, the Commanders ran a flea-flicker that went to Austin Ekeler for 25 yards to the 18 yard line.


From Daniels, to McNichols, to Daniels, to Ekeler.

First down.

Okay!#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/weLy0TMXGA

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Before the Ravens’ defense could take a breath, Dyami Brown had a catch & run for 11 yards, setting up 1st & goal at the 7-yard line.

A pass to Luke McCaffrey got the ball to the 2 yard line, but a pre-snap penalty on Andrew Wylie on the following snap pushed the ball back to the 7 yard line. On the subsequent play, Daniels stood tall in the pocket behind good protection and hit Terry McLaurin in the back of the end zone for a key touchdown. With the PAT, the game was tied at 10-10 with 04:16 remaining in the half.


Jayden to Terry! @Commanders tie it up.

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/qqTP2eMS1r

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

It had been an impressive reply by Washington’s offense — an 8-play drive that went 70 yards.

Washington’s good kickoff coverage stopped the Ravens returner at the 22-yard line.

Ravens put together another TD drive
The TV broadcast announced at this point that Washington DE Dorance Armstrong had been to the locker room to be checked, and appeared to return without his uniform.

In the meantime:

  • a defensive holding penalty against Noah Igbinoghene gave the Ravens a first down at the 32-yard line.
  • Igbinoghene was beaten by Zay Flowers for 13 yards and another first down.
  • Another false start penalty (second in the drive) pushed the Ravens back 5 yards; it didn’t matter. Agholor caught another ball in the middle of the field (covered by Quan Martin) for 25 yards as the clock ticked down to the two-minute warning.

As play resumed after the time out, the Ravens were at the Commanders 36-yard line with a fresh set of downs.

  • A few plays later, on 3rd down, Zay Flowers went 15 yards on a catch and run to the Washington 15-yare line.
  • Two plays later, it was 3rd & 8 following an incomplete pass to Isaiah Likely in the end zone on second down.
  • Another key 3rd down, another big play by Lamar Jackson found TE Mark Andrews in the end zone for the Ravens’ first passing touchdown of the game.

After the extra point, it was 17-10 with 53 seconds left in the half.


Mark Andrews TOUCHDOWN.

41st in his career (t-most in Ravens history)

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/x2mP54pgyM

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Based on what I’ve seen of the Commanders so far this season, I’m expecting the offense to be aggressive and try to put points on the board before the half ends. They will also get the ball to start the 2nd-half, holding out the hope of a double-dip on scoring.

Following the kickoff, the Commanders took over for their final drive of the half at the 30-yard line following another touchback.

Washington would have 53 seconds and one timeout available for their drive.

Frustration, as the half ends with a blocked field goal
Jayden Daniels opened the drive with a 9-yard scramble up the middle, followed by an 11-yard completion to Noah Brown on the right sideline.

Daniels then hit Zaccheaus on the right sideline for 11 yards. No. 14 was smart enough to get past the line to gain and then step out of bounds.

It was 1st & 10 at the 39 yard line, and Daniels, with less than 10 seconds on the clock, hit Zaccheaus for 5 yards to set up the field goal with 5 seconds left in the half.

Seibert’s attempt was partially blocked and ended up sailing wide left for no score, ending his perfect run as the Commanders kicker.


Automatic Austin is... no longer automatic.

52 yard FG attempt is tipped at the line.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/K4QgWsKd0u

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

The two teams went to the locker room with Baltimore leading 17-10.


Second half coming @Seatgeek | #WASvsBAL pic.twitter.com/FAUssBnV4U

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 13, 2024

Halftime Stats​



Statistics via ESPN


Third Quarter​


Commanders need a touchdown but score a field goal
The Commanders opened the second half with their 6th offensive drive of the game, badly in need of a touchdown to put the score back on even footing. Aside from one touchdown-scoring drive, nothing has looked easy for the Washington offense so far.

On 2nd down, Daniels dropped back and hit his longest completion of the game for 28 yards to Noah Brown.


Very nice route from Noah Brown, who has been way better to start this season than I was expecting.

Thought he'd be a depth guy, but he's a legitimate piece on this offense.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/4qVI8M72J8

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Washington couldn’t move the ball on the next three plays, so out came Austin Seibert for another field goal attempt — this one from 55 yards following the earlier block on the 53-yard attempt. Seibert made his 14th and longest field goal of the year to pull his team within 4 points at 17-13 with 12:45 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The drive lasted 6 plays and covered 33 yards.

Ravens answer with a field goal of their own
Baltimore’s first drive of the second half began at the 30-yard line after the touchback.

On the 3rd play of the drive, Lamar Jackson took a designed run to the right for 33 yards, virtually untouched until he was tackled near the Washington 29-yard line.


Bad defensive breakdown for the Commanders here;

- They only have two defenders in coverage against a 3 stack of receivers to the left of the LOS
- Lamar scrambles and is untouched for 33 yards pic.twitter.com/H8ItN3lmpn

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

On the next play, Jackson hit Likely for 18 yards and the drive was marching downfield virtually unopposed.

However, on 2nd & 8, Jackson was sacked by Dante Fowler again for a loss of 5 yards. This sack was forced by coverage and good containment, forcing 3rd & 12 at the 13-yard line. Jackson rolled left on 3rd down, seemingly having nowhere to throw.


SACK

This is the first time I've ever seen a defender get buried by the OL, held to the ground, and then pop back up and sack the QB.

Impressive Donte Fowler. This is like the anti-Haynesworth sack.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/GEkFA7dXtS

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

An offensive holding penalty on the play was declined, and the Ravens had to settle for a 32-yard field goal attempt.

Justin Tucker hit the the FG to restore Baltimore’s 7-point lead at 20-13; with 08:19 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The scoring drive was 8 plays and covered 57 yards. The Washington defense had bent (a lot) but not broken on the drive.

Commanders are stopped
Washington couldn’t move the ball, so Tress Way punted, and the ball was downed at the Baltimore 6 yard line.

Ravens open a 14-point lead
The Ravens had a chance to open the game up to a 2-score lead and increase the pressure on the visiting underdog Commanders, but they would need to move the ball from deep in their own territory to do so. They already had a 93-yard TD drive in the game, so the pressure was on the Washington defense.

The Ravens picked up 14 yards in 2 plays to start the drive, setting up a 1st down at the 20-yard line. On the 1st down play, Jackson hit TE Mark Andrews for 15 yards with S Jeremy Chinn in coverage.

Two plays later, the Ravens had reached the 40-yard line facing 3rd & 5. The Washington defense had a chance for a big stop here.

Instead, Benjamin St-Juste was flagged for pass interference on a terrible call to give the Ravens a fresh set of downs at midfield.


St Juste flagged for DPI here because the receiver slipped over.

Sigh.#Raisehail pic.twitter.com/hqyQ1Lbgxh

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

On the first-down play, Jackson hit a wide-open (virtually uncovered) Mark Andrews for 38 yards and another 1st down at the Washington 12 yard line.

Derrick Henry got the ball on 1st & 2nd down, scoring from the 7 yard line on the second carry. With the extra point, Baltimore opened a 14-point lead. The game was in danger of getting completely out of hand.


Derrick Henry's second TD!

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/p2nGwb6vCa

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

With 2:08 remaining in the quarter, there was plenty of time remaining, but the Commanders offense would need a decisive scoring drive right now.

Commanders put together a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to stay in the game
The Commanders started the drive at the 30-yard line. An Ekeler run and Ertz reception earned a 1st down a the Washington 44-yard line.

After a McNichols run, Daniels hit Ertz again for a 24 yard gain to the Baltimore 27-yard line to bring the 3rd quarter to an end.


Jayden Daniels goes over 200 yards passing with this nice throw to Ertz across the middle.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kylfJUQ0NQ

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Fourth Quarter​


Despite trailing by 2 touchdowns, the Commanders offense was showing life, and had moved the ball 43 yards in 4 plays to close out the quarter. The good guys had 15 minutes left on the game clock to go 27 yards for a touchdown, get a defensive stop, and then score another TD to tie or take the lead.

On first down, Jayden Daniels completed a pass to Terry McLaurin at the 13-yard line and the receiver was simply blasted by the DB, but held onto the ball. The officials threw a flag but then picked it up. It was a legal hit by the defender, but a great job to hold onto the ball by Terry.


McLaurin gets SMOKED after the catch here, and the Ravens get flagged for a hit on a defenseless receiver.

The fact McLaurin held on to this football and popped right up is incredible.

What a player. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/PoPly0J1NW

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Two plays later, Washington faced 3rd & 10 at the 13 yard line. The Baltimore crowd came to life with deafening noise, but Daniels was cool as a cucumber, and completed a pass to Zach Ertz at the 1-yard line.


What an absolute laser from Jayden Daniels to Zach Ertz here.

Incredibly difficult throw.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Uh4799WcXl

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

On 4th & goal from the 6-yard line, with the game possibly on the line, Daniels hit Terry McLaurin on one of the greatest passes and contested catches of the season. After the extra point, the Commander had closed the gap to 7 points again, 27-20.


JAYDEN TO TERRY AGAIN.

This time on 4th and Goal!

: #WASvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/jh9GNWMthr

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Josh Harris, Bob Myers, and Adam Peters;

All big fans of Terry McLaurin. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/910IGeledO

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

Ravens eat up nearly 6 mins on the clock and add to their lead
At this point in the game broadcast, it was announced that Jonathan Allen was out with a pec injury.

On the 3rd play of the drive, Jackson completed a pass to Bateman for 17 yards to get the ball across midfield to Washington’s 48 yard line.

Two plays later, Bateman earned another 18 yards on a catch & run in the middle of the field, getting the ball to the Washington 29-yard line.

Two plays later, it was 3rd & 11 following a tackle for loss by Clelin Ferrell on Lamar Jackson.


SACK

Ferrell and Wagner combine for the sack on Lamar Jackson and brings up a 3rd and 11.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/SjdAlwy9DG

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

This is the key play the Commanders need to make. With a good open field tackle, Percy Butler stopped Isaiah Likely 2 yards short of the line to gain. Justin Tucker came on for a 39-yard field goal to make the score 30-20 with 06:18 remaining on the clock. The drive had lasted 9 plays and covered 57 yards.

Washington would need two scores to tie or win the game, so the offense will need to move the ball quickly.

Commanders
At this point in the game, Daniels was 23-34, 261 yards, 2 TDs and no interceptions. He’s had a good day passing.

He was sacked on 2nd down, however, forcing 3rd & 10 — a loss that the team really couldn’t afford. However, the team wasn’t going to punt, so Daniels had two plays to pick up the first down.

An offensive holding call pushed the ball back to the Washington 44-yard line. It would take some rabbit-from-the hat play now with Washington facing 3rd & 20.

Jayden Daniels completed a pass for 8 yards to Zaccheaus, bringing up 4th & 12. To stay in the ball game, the Commanders would have to have this play.

Daniels threw the ball to Noah Brown 23 yards downfield, and a defensive pass interference call kept the drive alive.


With less than 3 minutes remaining, on 3rd down, Daniels scrambled for 3 yards and got out of bounds. It was another 4th down, and, needing ten points to tie, Dan Quinn opted to bring Austin Seibert out for a 49-yard field goal attempt.

Seibert split the post to add 3 points, making the score 30-23 with 02:48 on the clock.

No onside kick; no stop
Faced with the option of kicking off or attempting an onside kick, Quinn opted to kick the ball to the Ravens. Seibert put it into the end zone, and the Ravens set up at the 30-yard line for their final offensive drive of regulation time.

On 2nd down, Henry broke a 27-yard run on a toss to the left side to reach the Washington 41-yard line as the two-minute warning was given.

The Ravens had the ball on 1st down after the break. Both teams had a time out. The result wasn’t yet certain, but the odds of a Commanders win were down to slim and none.

After a 1st down run by Derrick Henry, the league’s leading rusher (who had 127 rushing yards for the game to this point), the Commanders used their final time out with 1:56 remaining.

A 5-yard gain on the next play set up 3rd & 1 with the clock running. On the 3rd down play, with 01:10 on the clock, Lamar Jackson kept the ball and ran for 2 yards, getting hit as he neared the sideline, prompting a bit of a tussle between the tackler (Jeremy Chinn) and the players on the Ravens sideline.


Jeremy Chinn pops Lamar Jackson and the Ravens bench takes umbrage.

But Jackson picks up the first down and that's game over. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/LHbJsGr37U

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) October 13, 2024

With about a minute on the clock, Lamar Jackson merely needed to kneel down twice to end the game.

Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens Game Highlights | NFL 2024 Season Week 6​

Full Game Stats​



Statistics via ESPN



Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/24...rs-stumble-in-road-game-vs-ravens-fall-to-4-2
 
Daily Slop - 24 May 25 - Blogging the Boys writes about the Cowboys: “this year feels different”

Dallas Cowboys Introduce Brian Schottenheimer as New Head Coach

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

NFL.com

Most underappreciated NFL players: Top candidate for each NFC team entering 2025 season

Commanders - Quan Martin​


While we’re talking about underappreciated players, how about an underappreciated NFL pipeline? The Illinois secondary has churned out a bevy of ballers in recent years. The 2021 draft brought Nate Hobbs, who established himself as one of the game’s better nickelbacks in Las Vegas before signing a $48 million deal with Green Bay in March. The 2022 draft offered Kerby Joseph, who just signed an extension with Detroit that made him the highest-paid safety in league history. And then the 2023 draft provided a trio of talents: Devon Witherspoon (a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons), Sydney Brown (a projected starter for the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles) and Jartavius Quan Martin.

Martin took over as a full-time starter in Washington last season, acquitting himself quite well at free safety. He stuffed the stat sheet with 87 tackles, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, one interception … and two separated shoulders? Yup, apparently, he played most of the year with janky joins in each arm before undergoing offseason surgery. I appreciate your preposterous pain tolerance, Quan.


Pro Football Focus

Highest-graded player at every position from the 2024 NFL Draft

QB: Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (89.6)


Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and enjoyed nothing short of one of the greatest rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, and arguably the best. His 89.6 PFF overall grade ranked first among all quarterbacks drafted in 2024 and fifth at the position overall in the regular season. Daniels completed 69.0% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns while leading the Commanders to their best record since 1991.

Even in the playoffs, the rookie never looked out of his depth. His 82.5 PFF overall grade in the postseason ranked fourth among quarterbacks, and his coolness in the pocket, as well as his rushing ability and decision-making skills, have already vaulted him into the conversation of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.


NFL.com

2025 NFL season: Player departures that will have biggest impact on their former teams

Dante Fowler - Dallas Cowboys · Edge​

FORMER TEAM: WASHINGTON COMMANDERS​


Fowler was a tremendous value last season, racking up a team-high 10.5 sacks for Dan Quinn’s defense while playing on a one-year deal for less than $5 million. Fowler was due for a raise and received one from the Cowboys this offseason, while Washington is hoping Dorance Armstrong can step up in his second year with the team after signing a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason. If Armstrong can produce like Fowler did, the change won’t matter much, but Armstrong has never cracked double-digit sacks in his seven-year career.


Commanders.com

Top 5 plays from Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s 2023 season

Croskey-Merritt goes off for 231 yards against Utah State​


Technically, this is a whole game as opposed to one play, but Croskey-Merritt has so many good moments in New Mexico’s 2023 finale against Utah State that it’s hard to leave any out.

Obviously, the stats show that Croskey-Merritt had a good day. He rushed for 233 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, both of which were career highs, but his first explosive run didn’t come until near the end of the first quarter. Most of Croskey-Merritt’s day was spent fighting for tough yards and breaking tackles for small gains to keep New Mexico’s offense churning down the field.

Croskey-Merritt didn’t get much free space against Utah State, but he made them pay when he got the opportunity. It took until three minutes left in the third quarter for him to break loose, and it resulted in a 22-yard touchdown that pulled New Mexico with three points of tying the score.

New Mexico ended the game with a double overtime loss, but it was a strong end for Croskey-Merritt, who also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in the contest.


Podcasts & videos

Mike Golic, Jr. Talks Josh Conerly, Laremy Tunsil, and the Tackle vs Guard Debate | Take Command​


Photos

PHOTOS | Class is in session


Take a look at the Washington Commanders’ coaching staff working with their players during OTAs.









NFC East links

SB Nation

Saquon Barkley made a bold claim on Eagles’ placement in NFL’s greatest teams ever

“I firmly believe when you look at our team that we had last year … I think we’re a top-five team of all time. … If you really look at the season outside of the first four games, it was belt to ass.”

Barkley does make an interesting point. After a shaky 2-2 start to the season, the Eagles won 16 of their last 17 games, including a dominant Super Bowl victory. Their point differential over the course of the season was +160 per Pro Football Reference, which would be higher than the Super Bowl champions from 2018-2021 and outclass legendary teams like the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The playoff run the Eagles had really set them into an elite tier, shutting down legendary players and coaches like Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid on the biggest stage.

However, if we compare them to other historic teams, I’m not sure if the Eagles stack up well. Using FTN Fantasy’s historical DVOA database, the 2024 Eagles’ 21.3% total DVOA wouldn’t even be the highest DVOA from last season, let alone from the Super Bowl winning teams. Their DVOA would be on par with the 2000 Ravens, who were a great team, but probably not the greatest Super Bowl winning team of all time if we’re using DVOA. Those metrics would go to Washington in 1991, the 1985 Bears, and 1996 Green Bay Packers.


Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys are being grossly underestimated by oddsmakers


There is always a disparity between fans and oddsmakers when it comes to the Cowboys this time of year. It’s become a recurring gag for fans to say “this is our year!” when it, in fact, is not. Oddsmakers, as well as the national media, generally know this too.

Still, this year feels different.


The Athletic (paywall)​

In year of transition, Cowboys need Dak Prescott’s best, on and off the field


Lamb isn’t one to torpedo the team if his involvement isn’t up to his standards, but his body language during times he was targeted less has come under a spotlight the last two seasons. Pickens and the Cowboys are embracing the fresh-start narrative for the former Steelers star, but his reputation coming from Pittsburgh is less than glowing.

Aside from playing his position at a high level, managing the dynamic of Lamb and Pickens may be Prescott’s most critical task in 2025.

Although the upcoming season may feel like a continuation for Prescott, it’s going to be a big step in his career. When Prescott entered the NFL, he talked about how crucial All-Pro center Travis Frederick was to the quarterback’s growth and instant success. Frederick, Smith and Martin took care of everything up front, from blocking to setting protections, so it was one less thing on Prescott’s plate.

This season, four of Prescott’s five projected starting offensive linemen have less than four years of NFL experience, including rookie Tyler Booker and second-year players Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe.

A similar sentiment holds true with the wide receiver group. Since Prescott’s third year in the NFL, the wide receiver room has featured the veteran leadership of Amari Cooper or Brandin Cooks in all but one season. Now, Lamb, who turned 26 years old last month and just completed his rookie deal, is the elder statesman of the position. Lamb is an unquestionably elite talent. Now, he’s tasked with tightening things up and carrying a group that includes Pickens, who has a checkered past but will be crucial to any success the Cowboys have in 2025.


ESPN

Giants 2025 roster in better shape than last year


[Out of] a total of 11 position groups, six are better than they were at this time last year; five are the same. None are perceived as worse. Four of the five defensive position groups are improved.

That should, theoretically, make the Giants a better team in 2025, which they hope leads to more wins. It seems pretty clear the Giants have a more talented roster.

“Yeah, on paper,” Schoen said after the draft. “Until we go out and do it, it doesn’t matter. It’s just on paper now.”

Considering we’re in the “on paper” portion of the NFL offseason, it’s better than the alternative. At this point last year, it seemed obvious it was going to be a long season. They finished with three wins.

At least this year, there is more realistic optimism.


NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Talk

Aaron Rodgers drops a hint that he’ll be heading for Pittsburgh


During an appearance last weekend in Austin with a rapper who goes by the stage name of “Mike Stud,” Rodgers was asked whether he’d ever sign with the Bears.

“I believe there’s a team that might play in Chicago this year on a road trip,” Rodgers replied.

The Steelers play in Chicago this year. The Saints do, too, but there has been no link between the quarterback-needy Saints and the free agent who says he’s up for anything and committed to nothing.


All aTwitter


Oh, the places we'll go ️ pic.twitter.com/PYei9RAkoq

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 23, 2025

Familiar faces go head-to-head

https://t.co/h4zlKvbU67 pic.twitter.com/4QXTq4lFqk

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 23, 2025

The #Commanders and No. 29 overall pick Josh Conerly Jr. agreed to terms on his fully guaranteed four-year, $15,681,094 deal.

Just 10 first-round picks are unsigned with training camp still two months away. pic.twitter.com/fFwclA7lm8

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2025

Phase 2 ✔️ pic.twitter.com/005s5C60Fa

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2025

The #Commanders retained their offensive coaching staff and added:

- A 5X Pro Bowl LT
- 1st Round OT
- Deebo Samuel
- Shrine Bowl MVP RB
- 4.3 upside pick WR

To a team with the 5th best offense (PPG) in the league. #RaiseHail https://t.co/RG9a8YOKv7

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) May 23, 2025

Just ANOTHER reason to love Terry McLaurin! #RaiseHail #GMFB pic.twitter.com/vfFNmpo5Vg

— Shelley (@Shellsyeah81) May 23, 2025

They talking about the Washington Commanders being the new America's Team on NFL Network #raisehail    ‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/XDVsWEBz9s

— ARP Reez (@Reez_Delaghetto) May 23, 2025

#RaiseHail UDFA DB Rob McDaniel is a rocked-up 6-foot-2, 213-pound safety.@gojsutigersfb alum leaped a 38.5-inch vertical, a 10-foot-8 broad jump, and ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash.@DaOfficialRob on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/ZSzm4OqrCX

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) May 20, 2025

"The competition committee thought the Tush Push was a dangerous play and there was a lot of momentum toward ending this play..

In the end there just wasn't enough" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/naZj2ln7ZW

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2025


I just finished my interviews with the commanders and it was probably one of the best interview experiences I’ve ever had

— ESPN Tye (@PrettyLuvBird) May 22, 2025

Oh idk if I got the job, it was just a great experience

— ESPN Tye (@PrettyLuvBird) May 22, 2025


Super Saiyan Peanut Punch pic.twitter.com/vO5awv7MxQ

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) May 23, 2025


George Wendt 1948-2025 RIP pic.twitter.com/KxPHSJ0dGy

— Sitcom People (@SitcomPeople) May 20, 2025

In honor of the legendary George Wendt, here is every time Norm Peterson walks into Cheers pic.twitter.com/5qkPUNgFRU

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) May 20, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/24...s-about-the-cowboys-this-year-feels-different
 
Daily Slop - 25 May 25 - Laremy Tunsil, Josh Conerly, Deebo Samuel, Jaylin Lane, Quan Martin featured in today’s stories

NFC Divisional Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Detroit Lions

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Commanders Wire

Commanders’ Laremy Tunsil on the early list for new Protector of the Year award


For the first time in NFL history, the league announced on Wednesday that it will add an annual ‘Protector of the Year’ award to its end-of-year ballots. The award will go to the league’s top offensive lineman in an effort to recognize the league’s big men who are integral to the success of every NFL team.

Of course, as with anything new in the league, NFL analysts and insiders are already giving us an early peek at some of the players we might see on the inaugural ballot at the end of the 2025 season. One of those players is Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Tunsil has been more mercurial than some of the NFL’s most respected left tackles; it’s one reason he’s already been traded twice in his career. Relocating from a messy Houston Texans front to Washington, where the slippery Jayden Daniels is now his quarterback, could shoot his stock to the moon.

ESPN

How the Commanders have helped Jayden Daniels this offseason


While Washington finished fifth in scoring and seventh in yards in 2024, this season will present more challenges. The Commanders play eight games against defenses that finished top-seven in scoring — facing the Eagles twice — and nine vs. teams in the top 10.

They also play in a division that has top defensive linemen such as Dallas Cowboys end Micah Parsons, Eagles tackle Jalen Carter, and a New York Giants front that includes end Brian Burns and tackle Dexter Lawrence II, as well as rookies Abdul Carter and Donovan Ezeiruaku in the draft.

Fixing the line​


Washington could have new starters at three positions this season, and four if you include a temporary fill-in for injured right guard Sam Cosmi. And Cosmi would be the only one still starting from the 2023 season.

The Commanders traded for Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and drafted tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 29th overall pick in the draft last month. This will allow them to move Brandon Coleman, a third-round pick in 2024 who started 15 of their 20 games at left tackle, to guard — a position multiple scouts and analysts said was a better fit for him coming out of college.

Adding playmakers​


Washington re-signed Daniels’ security blanket in tight end Zach Ertz, who caught 66 passes with seven touchdowns in 2024. They also re-signed wide receiver Noah Brown, who caught 35 passes in 11 games before injuring his kidney and being placed on injured reserve. They allowed Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown to leave in free agency.

But the Commanders wanted to add more dynamic ability to their offense.

Washington’s offense ranked 22nd in pass plays of 20 or more yards. To help, Washington traded for Samuel and drafted speedy receiver Jaylin Lane in the fourth round. In the past four years, Samuel has recorded 55 such plays — 18th most in the NFL. But 23 of those occurred in 2021.

Retaining key staff members​


[Jayden] would conduct early-morning walkthroughs three days a week with Kingsbury and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard. Daniels would text them and assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough often. Daniels also had fun with them: Every Friday he and Blough would compete in a quarterback version of Horse — throwing a ball into a net with three targets. They talked trash quite often during these times. But Daniels also said Blough, only 29 and an NFL quarterback as recently as 2023, knew how to motivate him.

With Kingsbury, though, Daniels gets his playcaller back and someone he clicked with from the beginning.

“He’s meant a lot, obviously, for my development and my growth,” Daniels said in December, “from the day I stepped foot here to this point now.”


Sports Illustrated

Quan Martin praised by analyst


“While we’re talking about underappreciated players, how about an underappreciated NFL pipeline? The Illinois secondary has churned out a bevy of ballers in recent years,” NFL.com writer Gennaro Filice wrote.

“Martin took over as a full-time starter in Washington last season, acquitting himself quite well at free safety. He stuffed the stat sheet with 87 tackles, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, one interception … and two separated shoulders? Yup, apparently, he played most of the year with janky joins in each arm before undergoing offseason surgery. I appreciate your preposterous pain tolerance, Quan.”


Podcasts & videos


Episode 1,079 - Guest: @JohnKosko3 of @PFF on his ranking of all 32 NFL QB1s. Has Jayden Daniels No. 6. Explains why. What it'll take to be top-five. Analysis of huge gap between JD5 & other five 2024 first-round QBs. Why Dak Prescott is No. 17. And more.https://t.co/soZiBzbpqE

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) May 23, 2025

Photos

PHOTOS | Commanders begin Phase 3


Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders as they begin Phase 3 of their offseason workout program.






NFC East links

Bleeding Green Nation

How many games on the Eagles’ schedule do they have a quarterback advantage in?


QB vs. QB look at Philadelphia’s 2025 schedule.

Jayden Daniels

  • GS: 17
  • Rec: 12-5
  • TDs/INTs: 25/9
  • Pass completions: 331/480 (69.0%)
  • Yds: 3,568
  • QB Rating: 100.1

Jalen Hurts

  • GS: 15
  • Rec: 12-3
  • TDs/INTs: 18/5
  • Pass completions: 248/361 (68.7%)
  • Yds: 2,903
  • QB Rating: 103.7

Summary: The difference between these two is very thin. Right now, Hurts holds the edge, based mostly on experience. Daniels did wonders his rookie season, including engineering a 36-33 Week 16 win over the Eagles on Dec. 22. The Eagles played the last three quarters of that game without Jalen Hurts, who left with 9:29 left in the first quarter due to a concussion when Washington linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner converged on him after a 13-yard scramble. Though this is what Daniels did against the No. 1 defense in the NFL: 22 fourth-quarter points, five touchdown passes, four combined to Olamide Zaccheaus and Jamison Crowder, who each had not caught a TD pass until that Week 16 game, completing 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards, and coming back from two 14-point deficits, despite Washington turning the ball over five times. Hurts rebounded to lead the Eagles by the Commanders in the NFC championship, making Commanders’ owner Josh Harris hide after scoring a record 55 points in a 55-23 victory. Hurts completed 20 of 28 passes for 246 yards and a touchdown, scoring three touchdowns in getting the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

Winner: Hurts

FINAL TALLY

Hurts is the better QB in 12 of the Eagles’ 17 games in 2025.


Big Blue View

Did the Giants close the talent gap? Ranking NFC East offenses position-by-position


Here are the final results for the NFC East offense:

  • 23 points: Eagles
  • 13 points: Giants
  • 12 points: Cowboys
  • 12 points: Commanders

The Eagles missed a clean sweep thanks to Jayden Daniels, and the NEW YORK GIANTS are second!


Blogging the Boys

Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue predicts he will win Offensive Rookie of the Year


The Dallas Cowboys needed more playmakers on their offense heading into the 2025 season. They got one in the fifth round of the draft by taking running back Jaydon Blue out of Texas. Instantly, the Cowboys get electrifying speed and explosiveness with him on the roster.

Blue wasn’t one of the premier backs coming out of college. However, the 21-year-old isn’t lacking any confidence in his ability as he enters his inaugural NFL campaign. In fact, he predicted that he would win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors earlier this week.


Rookie #Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue predicts that he’ll win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2025, and says his former Texas teammate and now #Broncos DB Jahdae Barron will take home Defensive Rookie of the Year.

: @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/k7oUuoSLdy

— Tommy Yarrish (@tommy_yarrish) May 21, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Talk

14 years after the rookie wage scale, the No. 1 pick’s pay has nearly closed the gap


One of the things the NFL wanted as of 2011 was a rookie wage scale. And the NFL got the restriction it craved on the value of the deals given to new players.

The argument was simple. The prior system allowed busts to take millions out of the system. Those millions could go instead to established player.

Of course, the rookie wage scale also prevented those big contracts from becoming part of the leverage for veterans to get better deals, by pointing to the average annual salary given to a high draft pick at the same position.

But it was far easier to get the current members of the union to pick the pockets of players who weren’t yet in it. Even if it indirectly impacted them. Making the argument even easier was the inherent zero-sum game of the salary cap. If more money goes to a hotshot who has never worn an NFL helmet, less money is available to everyone else.

It worked. And here’s the latest evidence of it. Fourteen years later, with the salary cap skyrocketing from $120.375 million to $279.2 million per team, the value of the contract given to the No. 1 overall pick still hasn’t caught the value of the No. 1 overall pick from 2010, the last year with no rookie wage scale.

In 2010, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford signed a six-year, $78 million contract, with a maximum value of $86 million and $50 million guaranteed.

In 2025, Titans quarterback Cam Ward signed a four-year, fully-guaranteed $48 million contract.

Bradford’s base deal paid $13 million per year. Ward’s pays $12 million annually. Bradford got more in guarantees, although it’s likely that the $50 million wasn’t fully guaranteed. (The reporting on and analysis of contracts in 2010 didn’t delve into such details the way it does now.)

Yes, Ward is committed for only four years, not six. But the Titans have a fifth-year option, so the contract puts him on the market (or gets him franchise tagged) only one year sooner.

Here’s the broader point. It has taken nearly 15 years to get the No. 1 overall pick to the contract the No. 1 overall pick received in 2010. Even though the salary cap has increased since 2011 by 231.9 percent.

Which means that the rookie wage scale was a massive win for the NFL and its owners.


Pro Football Rumors

Details Revealed Regarding Shemar Stewart-Bengals Contract Dispute


Specifically, the Bengals want to include a clause in Stewart’s contract “that causes a default in the current year to trigger a default in all remaining years,” per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Essentially, if Stewart were to default in one year of his contract, the rest of his contract would automatically default, voiding the remaining money on his fully guaranteed rookie deal.

Mims does not have the same language in his contract, though he was taken with the 18th pick in 2024 and Stewart was drafted one spot earlier at No. 17 this year. The recently signed contracts of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins don’t contain a similar default clause, either.

Defaults are rare in the NFL. They happen when a player breaches the terms of his contract, typically by sustaining an injury while participating in a prohibited activity or committing conduct detrimental to the team. Stewart certainly has no intention of triggering a default, but it remains a possibility against which he wants to protect himself.

But why refuse to participate at all over a relatively minor contract detail? Stewart could still sign his rookie waiver and get on the field, but he appears to be standing on principle and holding the Bengals to their contract precedent. Cincinnati has typically lagged behind the rest of the NFL when negotiating with players, particularly in terms of guaranteed money. Stewart is witnessing firsthand the struggle of fellow edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to reach a favorable agreement with the team and is sending a clear message that he will not accept a contract with unfavorable terms, now or in the future.

Stewart also has leverage in this situation. If Hendrickson refuses to budge, the Bengals could be without their best defensive player heading into the regular season. At that point, Stewart would be called upon to step up as a pass rusher and may struggle to produce if he misses valuable developmental time this summer. His profile as a raw athlete with unrefined technique suggests that Cincinnati has extra motivation to get him practicing as soon as possible.

NFL Contract Notes: OL Award, Olympics, Rookie Bonuses, Collusion


The NFL is creating a new end-of-year award for offensive linemen called Protector of the Year, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. Troy Vincent, the league’s executive vice president of football operations, said that current Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins and former Rams and Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth were key advocates for establishing the new honor.

Protector of the Year will be a welcome addition to the NFL’s annual awards season, which has largely focused on quarterbacks for Most Valuable Player and skill positions for Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. Offensive linemen typically have to settle for for Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods, as they almost never contend for the main awards slate despite their impact on the field.

Protector of the Year will be determined by a prestigious panel of former NFL offensive linemen based on the following five criteria (via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe): “skills, metrics, impact, leadership, ability, and strength of the opponents.”

Whitworth, who helped developed the award, will be on the panel. It also includes Orlando Pace and Will Shields, who are already in the Hall of Fame, and Jason Kelce, who is all but certain to join them once he’s eligible. The last two members, LeCharles Bentley and Shaun O’Hara, are less legendary offensive linemen, but both earned at least two Pro Bowls in their career and have remained connected with the league since their retirement.


All aTwitter


The Hogfarmers Charitable Foundation can’t happen without you! Join our monthly donor campaign to support our pediatric cancer families during a difficult time.

Pledge a monthly amount: $5, $10, $20. Any amount makes a difference.

https://t.co/Kekkkl5TIh pic.twitter.com/mJvv6WeLwE

— Hogfarmers Charitable Foundation (@TheHogfarmers) May 24, 2025

year 1️⃣ and year 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/oJbIdpwplP

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2025

Class is in session

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2025

Nice press and hip mobility from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who I like a lot more than my iPhone’s spell correction…#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/WuFqvSVs3J

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) August 13, 2024

Only Trey Amos remains unsigned from Washington's 5-man draft class https://t.co/WHiDPeD6HU

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) May 24, 2025

The 2024 top 20 plays on defense were a dandy pic.twitter.com/qaNzV4F3dq

— NFL (@NFL) May 24, 2025

Coach Todd Bowles says the Bucs didn't sign 400-plus-pound DT Desmond Watson to counter the tush push. (Still, if he's lined up next to Vita Vea when the Eagles run it in Week 4, things could get interesting.) https://t.co/CkTX37XdJ1

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 24, 2025

Two months from today, all 32 NFL teams will be back together, and back on the field, for the first full weekend of training camp.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) May 24, 2025

Eagles LB Nakobe Dean using ballet as he rehabs from injury: "It's definitely something that's helping"https://t.co/cozW0n0P5H

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 25, 2025

NFC Notes: Josh Conerly, Micah Parsons, Commanders, Cowboys, Giants https://t.co/oxRSHm3IUN

— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) May 24, 2025

“There are no formal plans on any discussions. We obviously continue to be in close communication with the union on a variety of matters, but no start of negotiations have been set or are under consideration really at this point. We did spend time today talking, at length, about… https://t.co/HNLViEfnZq

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 24, 2025


Dan Quinn “Let It F***ing Rip!” t-shirt@BreakingT https://t.co/AMn77oIPCO

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 23, 2025

106 days away @Commanders #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kwXq9Ai62T

— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) May 24, 2025

Nothing beats a seat cushion shower

https://t.co/M1hSSgGsln pic.twitter.com/3uPYvfbkJV

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2025

Really good win for the Nats.

⚾️ James Wood’s 13th HR
⚾️ Jake Irvin: 8 shutout, 7 Ks.
⚾️ Daylen Lile: Hit, diving catch.
⚾️ Robert Hassell: 1st MLB RBI

That’s 6 of 7 and 7 of 9 for the good guys. pic.twitter.com/LdvTGfGuUx

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) May 24, 2025

Terps advance to their 18th National Championship game in program history!

: https://t.co/Hu0dIjoIIJ#BeTheBest pic.twitter.com/4clh0Q5s7x

— Maryland Men's Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) May 24, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/25...samuel-jaylin-lane-quan-martin-featured-today
 
Daily Slop - 26 May 25 - PFF ranks the NFC East 5th in overall strength in 2025

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

The Athletic (paywall)​

Two former Seahawks stars challenged each other. They show how relationships really grow


I have known Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright for a dozen years now, which is hard to believe.

For much of that time, Wagner and Wright were linebackers for the Seattle Seahawks during the franchise’s golden years, while I was a young reporter for The Seattle Times and The Athletic.

[T]hey are entertaining as a pair, equal parts complimenting each other and bickering in the way lots of friendships will recognize. Second, I wanted to hear how they navigated the intersection of their personal and professional relationships — how they held each other accountable in the workplace while remaining close away from it.

Today, Wright is an assistant for the San Francisco 49ers in the early days of his coaching career. Wagner is about to enter his 14th season and is the leader of the Washington Commanders.

[KJ] Wright: (Laughs). Bobby [Wagner] had an injured hamstring. I had a concussion that game so I didn’t play. I was sitting there looking at this dude, and he’s limping and hitching on the field before the game. He asked me how he looked. I said, “Uh uh. No, dog, you ain’t right.” He walks away from me. Alright, whatever. Fast forward, the game happens and Todd Gurley runs a little route, and Bobby is still limping and hitching. Gurley scores a touchdown.

I walked up to Bobby, and I don’t know what I said, but I believe Bobby interpreted it as, “You’re costing the team. You’re costing us right now.” Maybe I came off that way. He comes out of the game, and I go into the locker room during the game and follow him. He said something along the lines of: “Bro, get out of my face.”

I didn’t talk to him the Monday after the game, but I think Bobby called me that Tuesday and said: “Bro, I appreciate that. Thank you for being honest.”


NFL.com

2025 NFL season: Player departures that will have biggest impact on their former teams

Dante Fowler - Dallas Cowboys · Edge​

FORMER TEAM: WASHINGTON COMMANDERS​


Fowler was a tremendous value last season, racking up a team-high 10.5 sacks for Dan Quinn’s defense while playing on a one-year deal for less than $5 million. Fowler was due for a raise and received one from the Cowboys this offseason, while Washington is hoping Dorance Armstrong can step up in his second year with the team after signing a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason. If Armstrong can produce like Fowler did, the change won’t matter much, but Armstrong has never cracked double-digit sacks in his seven-year career.


Riggo’s Rag

Commanders must get more from Brian Robinson Jr. in a contract year


The former Alabama star is on the chopping block, make no mistake about that. There’s little chance Robinson won’t be on the 53-man roster, but his future beyond the current campaign will be murky unless his performance levels become more consistent.

Robinson stated the 2024 season superbly. He looked well on course for his first 1,000-yard rushing campaign before tailing off down the stretch and into the playoffs. The offensive line’s regression didn’t help, but the explosiveness and purpose that saw him catch fire early deserted the player when the Commanders needed it most.

The Commanders are keeping faith with Robinson. They believe there is more to come, and the added urgency is there for all to see in pursuit of another financial commitment from the franchise.

Some believe Robinson has been unfairly criticized. Sections of the Commanders’ fan base wanted Peters to use his first-round pick on a running back. Those pleas fell on deaf ears, but this doesn’t detract from the significant challenge awaiting the fourth-year pro when competitive action commences.

Austin Ekeler will be a useful pass-catching outlet. Jeremy McNichols could feature if he secures his roster spot. Croskey-Merritt hasn’t come to make up the numbers despite his lowly draft status. He wants to silence his doubters and become a potential focal point to build around long-term.


Pro Football Focus

Ranking the NFL divisions by strength heading into 2025

5. NFC EAST: EAGLES, COMMANDERS, COWBOYS, GIANTS


Cumulative over/under win total: 34

The NFC East sent both representatives to the NFC championship game last January, but those two teams — the Eagles and Commanders — are carrying most of the weight for the division as a whole.

Philadelphia lost key talent in free agency, but reloaded effectively enough to remain one of the favorites to return to the Super Bowl in 2025. Washington, meanwhile, struck gold with Jayden Daniels, who earned PFF’s Rookie of the Year honors. The offense looks promising, but the defense must improve after ranking 29th in team grade (60.0), including a 54.2 run-defense grade and just 258 total pressures (21st). Upgrades in the front seven are a step in the right direction.

The Cowboys were derailed by injuries at quarterback last season, and while the arrival of Brian Schottenheimer as head coach brings some uncertainty, they still have the talent to be competitive — especially if the run defense, which graded out at a league-worst 49.3 in 2024, can bounce back.

As for the Giants, their quarterback situation remains unresolved, with three players currently in contention for the starting role. The offensive line hasn’t seen meaningful improvement, which raises concerns regardless of who starts under center. However, the additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland should help bolster a secondary that ranked 26th in coverage grade (52.5) last season.


Podcasts & videos


Going over the Commanders’ D, trying to gauge if they’re better or worse at each group. And will it be enough? Needed to bolster 1 key area this offseason. I think they have. Stay tuned. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/BGetYBdl3s

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 25, 2025

NFC East links

Blogging the Boys

Predicting the result of every game on the Cowboys 2025 regular season schedule

Week 7: Sunday, October 19, vs. Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX


Holleran: While the Commanders did have an outstanding season last year, the Cowboys played very well against them in their two matchups. I see Dallas having the same success this year, keeping their winning streak intact, logging their fourth-straight victory. Give me Dallas, 27-24.

Current Record: 5-2

Howman: The Commanders officially moved into contender status last year, but they lost one game to the Cowboys and nearly lost the second one too. Dallas matches up well here, and with them riding a hot streak they’ll continue to roll and get the win

Current Record: 6-1

Week 17: Thursday, Dec. 25, at Washington Commanders, 1 p.m. ET, Netflix


Holleran: If the Cowboys want any shot of making the playoffs, this game against Washington on Christmas Day becomes a must-win. Even on a short travel week, Dallas defies the odds, led by Dak Prescott tossing four touchdown passes, walking out with a huge win. Give me Dallas, 34-27.

Current Record: 9-7

Final Record: 10-7

Howman: A short turnaround and going to the nation’s capitol on Christmas day? That’s hardly an ideal turn of events in the calendar, even without considering how good the Commanders are now. Dallas drops this one, splitting the series.

Current Record: 10-6

Final Record: 11-6


Barstool Sports

There’s No Way Abdul Carter Can Be A Bust After Watching The Giants Bring In Justin Tuck And Lawrence Taylor To Teach Him How To Be A Star


[W]hat ]the Giants] did in the Draft and how they are going about actually making smart moves is something I haven’t felt since the Super Bowl days.

Part of that is Abdul Carter. Part of it is the fact the Giants didn’t overthink it. The freak in the Draft was just sitting there at 3, you take him. Whether it was listening to my grandfather talk, my dad talk, any older family member talk or just watching through the 38 years of my life the Giants have always been a defense first team. Go back to the best era with LT, Pepper Johnson, Carl Banks, to Strahan and Armstead to Jason Sehorn to Tuck, Osi, JPP and the NASCAR package. It’s defense. That’s why you take Abdul Carter and more importantly why you do this


Special visit from the greatest NFL player pic.twitter.com/Vm6eAh3Bzu

— New York Giants (@Giants) May 22, 2025

Justin Tuck in the building pic.twitter.com/pRaVAchCBM

— New York Giants (@Giants) May 23, 2025

You bring in the greatest football player of all time and the another all-time Giants legend to teach the next star. There’s no excuse for this defense to be bad with what they have. Plus, Justin Tuck might be the number 1 pick in terms of guys in sports who were made to give speeches in the huddle.


NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Talk

Darrell “Housh” Doucette hopes flag football players get an opportunity to make Olympic team


Doucette and other flag football players ostensibly will get their chance, if the tryout process for the 2028 Olympics gives them a fair chance to compete with active NFL players.

The flag guys deserve their opportunity,” Doucette told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. “That’s all we want. We felt like we worked hard to get the sport to where it’s at, and then when the NFL guys spoke about it, it was like we were getting kicked to the side. I felt like I was the guy who could speak out for my peers, for my brothers that’s been working hard to get to this level, for us not to be forgotten.”

Doucette believes that the current complement of American flag football players is good enough to win gold, without NFL players horning in.

“This is a sport that we’ve played for a long time, and we feel like we are the best at it and we don’t need other guys,” Doucette said. “But we all have one goal in mind, and that’s to represent our country. We’re definitely open to all competition. If those guys come in and ball out and they’re better than us, hats off to them. Go win that gold medal for our country.”

Doucette’s confidence comes from the inherent differences between flag football and tackle football. “It’s entirely two different games,” Doucette said. “You can’t really compare flag football and tackle football.”

“These are things that we practice and we work on to become great,” Doucette said. “Those guys, they don’t understand it yet.”

The looming opponents of the U.S. men’s team believe the NFL players will figure it out.

Chad Palmer, the head coach of the Canadian men’s national flag football team for eight years, would rather face Doucette and his teammates than an all-star collection of NFL talent.

“We have a better chance of beating the flag players than the NFLers,” Palmer told Kilgore. “I say that with a fair bit of confidence.”

Palmer believes the Canadian team also will consist of primarily NFL players, too.

“I don’t think the current guys who have been doing it for a long time will hold a candle to the pros,” Palmer said.


Discussion topics

Pro Football Talk

Roger Goodell hints that next CBA will address owner concerns about cap system, rising costs


During Commissioner Roger Goodell’s press conference to cap this week’s ownership meetings, he was asked about potential discussions on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. With the NFL intent on expanding to 18 regular-season games (the current CBA allows 17) and 16 annual international games (the current CBA allows 10), a new deal with the NFL Players Association becomes a must.

And a new deal can be done, in theory, at any time.

“There are no formal plans on any discussions,” Goodell told reporters. “We obviously continue to be in close communication with the union on a variety of matters, but no start of negotiations have been set or are under consideration really at this point. We did spend time today talking, at length, about areas of our Collective Bargaining Agreement that we want to focus on. The two areas that we spent time on were really the cap system itself, the integrity of that system, how’s it working, where do we need to address that in the context of collective bargaining, when that does happen. That was a very lengthy discussion.”

Go back and read those last three sentences again.

“The second is just the rising cost, the cost of stadiums, the cost to facilities, the cost of operation, the cost of investment, and how dramatically that’s impacting the ownership view,” Goodell said. “So, I think both of those will form what I would call our priorities. Going into any negotiation whenever that occurs. So that was the extent of our discussion today. [the] 18-and-two [season format] did not even come up.”

This is how it starts. With fewer than five years to go before the current CBA expires, the league is signaling its eventual objectives.

Reading between the lines, Goodell seems to be saying that the owners are considering whether the current split of revenue between players and owners possibly isn’t working. Really, why have a “very lengthy discussion” if things are going swimmingly?

Here’s the basic reality. The owners learned in 2011 that, when push comes to shove, the players will do a deal. They’ll huff and they’ll puff but they won’t miss game checks. It creates an imbalance in bargaining power that the owners — who would shut a season down in a heartbeat without blinking — have yet to fully leverage.

With the salary cap now at $279.2 million per team, some owners surely think that too much is being spent on players. That, as the NFL continues to make more and more and more money, the players no longer need half.

It’s one thing for the NFL to make record revenues. It’s another thing to turn those revenues into maximum profits. And it’s safe to say that more than a few owners could be thinking that the ongoing explosion in cash (as mentioned earlier today, the cap has increased more than 130 percent since 2011) may be getting to the point at which the franchises should be retaining more than half of the money.

If nothing else, the NFLPA is on notice.


Translation - the league is likely concerned that cash rich owners use void years and rolling option bonuses to continuously push contracts higher and higher in terms of cash flow, but lower in terms of cap hits, and "poorer" owners can't really replicate that. https://t.co/TxDtK3Ps25

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) May 25, 2025

Bingo. This is the thing most don't understand. There are cash rich owners and cash "poo" owners. They move very differently as it pertains to contracts as the escrow hits hard on big, new deals.

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) May 25, 2025

Had a few questions about Goodell's comments on the cap...my gut feeling is those are about the current level of manipulation that exists with void years.

The nfl has always been a reactive league when it comes to rules. Changes often occur when too many teams skirt the rules

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 25, 2025

The other portion of the comments sound like he is looking for the next cba to be modified to reflect more credits for new stadiums/renovations and maybe a change to revenue formulas overall.

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 25, 2025

Given all the turnover at the NFLPA if there was a time to look for a change in revenue accounting now would be the time

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 25, 2025

All aTwitter


Sophomore season showdown

https://t.co/xvOI22HKkc pic.twitter.com/KGUW71QSlC

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 25, 2025

pic.twitter.com/TFTSZvpBzi

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders DL Sheldon Day (@SheldonDay_91) is wearing number 98. Last assigned to Phidarian Mathis. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/SsTtyOs3hO

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders WR Mike Strachan (@Mike_Playmaker) is wearing number 84. Last assigned to Mitchell Tinsley. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/tshM36DL2C

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders DL Norell Pollard (@rell_honcho) is wearing number 64. Last assigned to Sheldon Day. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/g3NHBJYnKw

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders WR Kazmeir Allen is wearing number 24. Currently shared with Fentrell Cypress. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ijHx0AORdQ

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders DB Allan George (@A11ANG) is wearing number 38. Last assigned to Kevon Seymour. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/bpAI74h69y

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

Washington Commanders DB Kevon Seymour (@KevonSeymour) is wearing number 29. Last assigned to Chigozie Anusiem. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/bT2HuPdCNy

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 25, 2025

105 days away @Commanders #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/a0xAct5Oi3

— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) May 25, 2025


After playing through an MCL sprain, a meniscus issue, and a knee fracture, 34-year-old Morgan Moses underwent offseason knee surgery to get ready for 2025:https://t.co/d33MlQo0Q8

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) May 25, 2025

: Ryan Clark has released a new apology video apologizing to his wife and family for speaking about Robert Griffin III and his wife in a negative light.

Clark apologizes to his wife, Yonka, for being dragged the entire week, and to his biracial daughter, Jaden.… pic.twitter.com/EHqkOGD9RR

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 26, 2025


Wild: Former Raiders HC Antonio Pierce reveals the untold story of what led to Josh McDaniels's firing and how he became the Interim Head Coach.

“I’ve never heard players talk about coaches like that, like players like that, so bluntly honest.”

AP is such a good storyteller… pic.twitter.com/76alg7e8To

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 26, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/26...-the-nfc-east-5th-in-overall-strength-in-2025
 
Update: The Washington Commanders agree to terms with fourth player from their 2025 draft class

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 07 Big Ten Championship Game - Penn State vs Oregon

Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Draft picks are signing!

Update: Josh Conerly Jr has agreed to rookie deal, expected to sign Tuesday


The #Commanders and No. 29 overall pick Josh Conerly Jr. agreed to terms on his fully guaranteed four-year, $15,681,094 deal.

Just 10 first-round picks are unsigned with training camp still two months away. pic.twitter.com/fFwclA7lm8

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2025

Former Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr has reportedly agreed to terms on a 4-year, $15,681,094 deal with the Washington Commanders. He was the 29th overall pick in this year's draft and is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job during training camp with Laremy Tunsil taking over at LT. Swcond-round pick CB Trey Amos is the only draft pick to remain unsigned.



The Washington Commanders announced they have signed the first player from this year’s draft class. Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane was selected in the 4th round with the 128th overall pick. General manager Adam Peters told Lane after he was picked that he had the Commanders tag and was the highest-rated punt returner on their board. Lane is expected to compete for that role on special teams, along with trying to move his way up the WR depth chart. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are the top names going into the season, and Washington also re-signed Noah Brown and has Luke McCaffrey going into his second season.

Lane signed a 4-year, $5.11 million contract with a $913,840 signing bonus. He is set to have a $1.06 million cap hit during his rookie season, and a $1.46 million cap hit during the final year of his rookie deal.

New era begins@j_lane_2 | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/VVbooMuTZu

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025


Jaylin Lane got the Commander tag and was the top punt returner on Washington's boardpic.twitter.com/7yiBuULfn5

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) April 26, 2025


The Washington Commanders also announced the signing of former UCLA LB Kain Medrano. He was a sixth-round pick(205th overall), and the only player the Commanders drafted that Hogs Haven didn’t do a pre-draft profile or write-up on! Medrano is very familiar with LB coach Ken Norton Jr. who has his coach in college.

Kain Medrano(6’3”, 220 lbs) is a 6th-year senior who was with UCLA for his entire college career. He had his best season last year with 72 combined tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. He will join a Commanders team that is continuing to upgrade their defense as the look to build on their NFC Championship game season. Medrano will likely start his career on special teams, and he told reporters after getting drafted that that is his thing.
Rookie deal inked@Kain_05 | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/W84MS0S9P2

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025


Ken Norton Jr gets his guy!pic.twitter.com/2u0aZic72J

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) April 27, 2025


The Washington Commanders announced a third signing from this year’s five-man draft class. Former Arizona RB Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick(245th overall), and the final pick for Adam Peters in this year’s draft.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt only played one game for Arizona before the NCAA ruled him ineligible after transferring from New Mexico by way of Alabama State. He has really good burst, can make explosive cuts, and accelerate quickly. If he can’t get around the defender, he can deliver some punishment to secondary defenders. At 24 years old, he might be close to his ceiling, but he could be a good rotational RB in a gap scheme.
Making it official@JacoryMerritt15 | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/izjyBC3zLM

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 9, 2025

"You represent everything we do" Adam Peters to Jacory Croskey-Merritt on his draft callpic.twitter.com/KUL2jfLsPH

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) April 27, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/9/...ign-first-players-from-their-2025-draft-class
 
Daily Slop - 27 May 25 - Survey results: Commanders name is now more popular with DC area residents

Falcons at Commanders

Photo by John McDonnell/ for The Washington Post via Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Washington Post​

As Commanders won on the field, support for the team’s name soared


According to a Washington Post-Schar School poll, half of all D.C.-area adults now ‘like’ or ‘love’ the team’s name, up from 34 percent a year ago.

According to a Washington Post-Schar School poll, 61 percent of D.C.-area sports fans are fans of the Commanders, up from 45 percent of area sports fans a year ago. Among all D.C.-area residents, 53 percent say they are Commanders fans, while 45 percent do not root for the team. In 2023, 31 percent of D.C.-area residents said they were Commanders fans or that the Commanders were their favorite local team.

What’s more: Half of all D.C.-area adults now “like” or “love” the team’s name, which was changed in 2022 and became a hot-button issue for many fans who either clamored for a return to the franchise’s previous name, Redskins, or sought an alternative. In 2024, only 34 percent liked or loved the new name.

About a third of area residents do not like the name (36 percent), with 9 percent saying they “hate” it.



Harris made it clear in February, however, that the team will stick with Commanders.

“I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff,” he said. “And so we’re going with that.”

Team merchandise sales through retail giant Fanatics from April 1, 2024, through the end of March were up 163 percent, according to a team spokesperson, and Daniels’s jersey ended the regular season as the site’s top-selling NFL jersey.

“It’s cool. It’s catchy,” said Kady Wilson, a D.C. resident and Commanders fan. “I like it better than the Redskins.”



The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders ahead of OTAs: Potential awards to hand out during practice sessions


Connections abound in Washington for Welker, a four-time All-Pro and NFL assistant coach since 2017, when he joined the organization as a personnel analyst in April. The receiver-returner formed a dynamic combination at Texas Tech with his college quarterback, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Welker served on three NFL staffs with general manager Adam Peters. Welker hooked up with the Commanders weeks after the trade for Samuel, a former pupil in San Francisco.

Welker’s 2019-2021 stint as the 49ers receivers coach coincided with Samuel’s first three NFL seasons and lone Pro Bowl nod.

Terry McLaurin’s extension​


Wake me up if there’s no new agreement before training camp. Unless McLaurin’s age (30 in September) becomes an outsized factor — Tyreek Hill (31) is the only receiver among the 15 highest paid older than the 2024 second-team All-Pro — the eventual deal will likely fall somewhere between annual salaries for Tee Higgins ($28.75 million) and D.K. Metcalf ($33 million).

Brandon Coleman​


Coleman could still land on the right side as Cosmi’s injury replacement, assuming the guard misses training camp and some portions of the regular season. Or, rather than a short-term shift, how about the 24-year-old battling Nick Allegretti for left guard duties?

Coleman will likely receive work at all four spots this spring and summer. The final decision affects several other linemen. The most interesting big-picture outcome is him lining up between Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz, with Cosmi and Conerly eventually forming a right-side tag team.


Riggo’s Rag

Carl Davis’ arrival turns up the heat on another Commanders veteran


The Commanders brought back a familiar face in the form of Carl Davis. He joined the club last season, playing three games and logging 23 percent of the team’s defensive snaps when active. The former third-round pick out of Iowa is a decent asset against the run. His athletic limitations are evident at 33 years old, but Washington saw enough in the player to warrant another look as preparations gather pace.

This could be nothing more than a camp body. However, it could also indicate that another recent arrival’s time with the Commanders is in danger of ending before it begins.

Washington signed Eddie Goldman in free agency. He’s got similar traits to Davis and should be fresher after missing a lot of football over the last five years. It would be a surprise if he didn’t make the squad, but this extra level of fierce competition must be successfully navigated.

It’s not costing the Commanders much to find out who’s worth taking through onto the squad. Goldman and Davis are both on the vet minimum, so disposing of either comes with almost no salary-cap ramifications. This is also what Peters wants — to raise competition for places and let the best man win.

Anyone not pulling their weight will be shown the door. The Commanders have Daron Payne, Johnny Newton, and free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw leading their defensive tackle room in 2025. But this group needs productive depth, so it might be the case of one or the other where Davis and Goldman are concerned.


ESPN

100 days to the 2025 NFL season: Things to know, predictions


Here’s something I struggle to put into words (yes, always good to write that sentence just before publishing something). Jayden Daniels had a historically productive rookie quarterback season. The Commanders’ fan base and team brass should feel confident and inspired about the future of the position. However, I’m still as — if not more — impressed by how well Drake Maye played on that terrible Patriots offense last season.

Statistically, he didn’t hold a candle. But degree of difficulty? Maye was playing a completely different sport. I’ll put it this way and hope metropolitan D.C. doesn’t come for my head: Patriots fans should feel as confident and inspired about their future at quarterback as Commanders fans do right now.

The Commanders’ best pass rusher right now is Frankie Luvu, which is a little weird because he’s an off-ball linebacker. The actual defensive ends are Dorance Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Clelin Ferrell and Deatrich Wise Jr. I ... don’t love that for a presumed Super Bowl hopeful!


Podcasts & videos

“Come get me!” - Kain Medrano has UNFINISHED BUSINESS | RHWTR | Washington Commanders | NFL Draft​



On video with the great Santana Moss. Talking Deebo Samuel and Jaylin Lane; Terry McLaurin and more. Also: what Clinton Portis offers as a coach ⁦@ESPNRichmondhttps://t.co/zT4Y2YPEo6

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 27, 2025

S Jeremy Reaves on Accountability, NFL Dynamic Duos & Mascot Takes | Get Loud | Commanders​


NFC East links

Acme Packing Co

NFL commish Roger Goodell questions ‘integrity’ of current salary cap system


NFL owners probably do no like the Philadelphia Eagles’ financial strategy

The recent success of the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that spent $115 million more in cash than the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and is set to be a top-seven cash spender in the NFL again in 2025, almost certainly is an issue for some ownership groups. The Eagles’ mantra has been to extend players early on their rookie contracts, sometimes immediately after their third year in the league is over, and to consistently convert their salaries into signing bonuses to spread the cap payments over several years, by which point cap dollars will be more diluted. The timing of their contracts all escalate up to the 2029 season, which is when the NFL is expected to opt out of their current broadcast deals and sign a massive new set of contracts with streaming services.

In the world the Eagles are operating in, it’s a legitimate strategy to be hyper-aggressive at the start of new broadcast contracts and then slowly make cap payments on those teams as you reach the end of the deal. That only works if owners are willing to pay that kind of big cash immediately, though, which we’ve seen teams like the Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals balk at over the last decade.

The game is different when people are playing the game. The idea of the “hard cap” made sense up until Covid, but now teams are well aware of how salary conversions and void years can be used to manipulate the current cap system. If I were to guess as to what Goodell was referring to, the “integrity” question that league members are asking themselves is whether how the NFL treats the accounting of signing bonus and/or roster bonus dollars on the cap should be changed under the next collective bargaining agreement.

Funnily enough, the biggest benefactor of this might be the Eagles, the team that has taken advantage of this strategy more than anyone. A change to the cap system will mean that teams will no longer be able to do what Philadelphia executed, all the way to a Super Bowl.


Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys need to upgrade the cornerback spot, but not with Jalen Ramsey


At 30 years old, Ramsey is approaching the twilight of his career, though he did make a triumphant return from a torn meniscus early in 2023, playing all 17 games this past year.

That said, there are reasons why Ramsey simply doesn’t make sense in Dallas.

For starters, as is usually the case with the Cowboys, the money is an issue. Ramsey signed an extension with the Dolphins just last year that gave him $24.23 million in guaranteed money. He’ll carry a cap hit of $16.67 million for this season, and it’ll balloon to just over $25 million in 2026; the contract tops out with a $36.17 million cap hit in the final year, which isn’t until 2028.

It should be noted that Ramsey’s contract has an out after this next season, with potential cap savings up to $18.29 million. However, given his age and injury history, does it really make sense to give up assets (likely draft capital) for a one-year rental? The Cowboys just did that with Pickens, but he’s six years younger and $13 million cheaper.


Big Blue View

Is Week 1 a must-win game for the Giants?


Their history since their last Super Bowl says so

In the years since [the Giants] last Super Bowl especially, Game 1 has been a harbinger of the season, and usually not a good one.

[They’ve had] 12 consecutive seasons in which the Game 1 result perfectly predicted a winning or losing season, and 13 consecutive years in which it predicted making or missing the playoffs. That’s amazing. Last season, the Ravens, Broncos, Rams, Packers, and Commanders, all playoff teams, lost in Week 1, while the Saints, Patriots, Dolphins, Seahawks, Cowboys, and 49ers, all non-playoff teams, won. That unpredictability is supposed to be part of the NFL’s DNA (“On any given Sunday”). Not for the Giants, though.

So forget about the fact that the Giants have the toughest overall schedule in the league in the 2025 season.

All that really matters is the first game, apparently. Recent history says that if the Giants don’t win in Washington in Week 1, the season is doomed. And if you don’t believe that, the following week they play in Dallas, where they never win, so good luck with that.


NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Talk

30 second-round picks are unsigned after top two got fully guaranteed contracts


More than three-fourths of the players picked in the 2025 NFL draft have signed their rookie contracts. But only two of the 32 second-round picks have signed, likely because of disputes between teams and agents about fully guaranteed contracts.

On May 8, the Texans gave Jayden Higgins, the second pick of the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, the first fully guaranteed contract ever for a second-round pick. On May 9, the Browns reportedly gave the first pick of the second round, Carson Schwesinger, a fully guaranteed contract as well.

Since then, no second-round picks have signed. That’s likely because other teams don’t want to follow the Browns’ and Texans’ lead and give fully guaranteed contracts to second-round picks. And agents are asking those teams, If other second-round picks are getting fully guaranteed contracts, why should my player take anything less?

The 30 unsigned second-round picks represent most of the rookies who haven’t yet signed. In the other six rounds combined, only 26 draft picks have not yet signed their rookie contracts: Via Spotrac.com, there are 12 unsigned first-round picks, four unsigned third-round picks, nine unsigned fourth-round picks and one unsigned sixth-round pick. Every other draft pick has signed his rookie contract.


NFL.com

2025 NFL preseason: Complete team-by-team opponents

Washington Commanders

  • Week 1: at New England Patriots, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
  • Week 3: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Aug. 23 at 12 p.m. ET

Commanders’ complete regular-season schedule


Discussion topics

Over the Cap

Changes the NFL Could Consider with the Salary Cap and CBA


[T]he salary cap was extremely predictable from 2011 to 2019. During that time the salary cap rose by 56.4%. By comparison, from 2001 to 2009 the salary cap rose by 82.5%.

The salary cap and owners were certainly impacted by COVID a few years ago which saw most stadiums remain empty resulting in a major loss of revenues. That has made the salary cap growth harder to really project since it was only this year that the NFL and NFLPA began to exhaust various salary cap deferrals related to COVID. However, growth rates between 2020, where the initial cap was not impacted by COVID, and 2025 average out to about 8% per year. Since 2017 the growth is at about 67% which is worse for the owners than the prior CBA though not as bad as the earlier CBA’s. I think when we look at those numbers we can see why the owners are thinking a clawback in revenue accounting should happen.

Now going back to his comments about the salary cap itself, I think we have a number of things that are in play but the primary focus is probably what is considered the high usage of void years in contracts which are used to defer salary cap costs and turn the salary cap into less of a deterrent than perhaps it was meant to be.

While void years have existed forever, the current use level of those is absurdly high relative to the past. Here are the estimates for the use of void years since 2013



The initial use of void years during the 2011 CBA was pretty low. In part that was because teams actually tried different strategies with their contracts, dramatically lowering prorated money and trying to work on a cap equals cash basis before realizing that was too inflexible of a strategy. Still during the time the NFL geared up for the 2020 CBA negotiations, the void year use was still low. In 2018 not even half of the NFL had at least one contract with a void year. The number grew in 2019 as teams prepared for potential salary cap changes if the CBA was not extended in 2020, but it was still relatively low relative to the salary cap.

Things dramatically changed in 2021 due to Covid. 30 teams now had a contract with at least one void year and the average league cost was nearly 20% of the cap that year. In the last three year, long after the real impact of the Covid year we are around 25%.

While the NFL will often talk about competitive balance I am not sure that the void year really changes that (plenty of teams that overuse the void years stink) but owners are almost always thinking about costs and the use of the void years arguably drives contract prices up.

While the NFL salary cap has always been capable of being manipulated it did present a block at times for constantly re-signing all of your best players. In part it was because those players knew they could receive more on the open market than from their current team especially since many teams did not have the flexibility within their salary cap to make an offer. That was an era where you saw some higher end free agents actually switch teams and most positions across the leagues have more of a stable market structure. Now you get teams with owners who are willing to spend, dominate the salary scale and give other teams new salary marks they have to deal with.

For example the Bengals likely never would have had a market close to $29M a year to consider with Tee Higgins if the Eagles, Dolphins, and 49ers do not do the Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Brandon Aiyuk contracts which were filled with voids on teams with significant deferred cap dollars.

In the early days of the 2011 CBA cash and cap spending were basically identical on average through 2017. We saw a slight uptick in 2018, 2019, and 2020 which was when void years were starting to increase. Owners got no relief during Covid and now that the cap has settled they were at nearly 108% spending last year. Spending is down in 2025 though it is too early to commit to a number since the summer is usually full of extensions. Still it should be significantly higher than the pre 2020 numbers which is what the NFL would prefer.

On a positional basis the league has clearly “lost” with some positions. Here is how much the top 10 salaries have changed between 2015 and 2025



A number of positions have really outpaced the cap and while it should, in theory, be harder to fit in many of those same players within the cap, teams are certainly not having that issue right now. In a league looking for steady state movement they would rather see these things tied more to the cap than they currently seem to be.

I think it is clear that as the NFL approaches their next CBA they have already identified areas that they may want to discuss tweaking to try to bring things back to how the NFL functioned and spent from 2011 to 2018. Some teams would certainly be strongly against these changes but many I think would support changing things if it means finding ways to reduce player compensation and bring costs down more in line to what the NFL owners felt was fair about a decade ago.


All aTwitter


Preseason schedule is set ✍️

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 27, 2025

We have signed DT Carl Davis

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 27, 2025

It’s always more than a game for these players and Cowboys DT @Trenchwork94 is proving that daily.

He and his aunt have been creating housing opportunities for homeless veterans since 2019. Super dope catching up with him and learning about the process, day to day operations… pic.twitter.com/kyX3fsVPQK

— Nicole Hutchison (@nhutchisontv) May 7, 2024

Sophomore season showdown

https://t.co/xvOI22HKkc pic.twitter.com/KGUW71QSlC

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 25, 2025

Also spent time with Washington last season. Started on practice squad and was on 53-man roster late in season and in the playoffs.#RaiseHail https://t.co/sABs36vAAg

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) May 27, 2025


Deebo Samuel’s new IG post:

“This time ima show em get in a whole different bag; everybody can talk it but they ain’t standing how I stand!!!”

pic.twitter.com/bW2sXTbWWl

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 26, 2025

#Commanders WR Deebo Samuel has recorded 55 explosive plays over the last four seasons.

He also averaged 8.8 Yards after the catch since 2021. This ranks #1 in the league over the past four years.

Source: John Keimhttps://t.co/pjLJObog4o pic.twitter.com/2laSmbtSfT

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) May 27, 2025

Brandon Coleman struggled on the edge in pass protection last season as a rookie, however his Run Block Win Rate (222 wins in 281 attempts) was 7th in the NFL among all offensive tackles.

All this points to him being a better interior player than being put out on an island.

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) May 27, 2025

#Commanders had a top five offense last season then went out and:

added a franchise LT in Tunsil

spent a first round pick on an elite prospect to play RT with Conerly Jr.

replaced WRs Dyami Brown + Olamide Zaccheaus with Deebo Samuel + explosive 4th round pick Jaylin Lane pic.twitter.com/qXH712bK8r

— P.W. McDonnell (@burdknowsball) May 27, 2025


Rick Snider’s Washington has five offensive players to watch when Washington Commanders open OTAs. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/nCsYUJOpq6

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) May 27, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/27...-name-now-more-popular-with-dc-area-residents
 
Washington Commanders Free Agency: Defensive line depth added before OTAs

Philadelphia Eagles v Washington Commanders

Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images

Carl Davis is back!

The Washington Commanders announced another roster move before offseason activities (OTAs) start on Wednesday. Carl Davis was one of the former Dallas Cowboys that made their way onto the roster after Dan Quinn was hired to be the Commanders head coach last year. Davis wasn't a priority signing or a starter, but he provided depth later in the season as the team dealt with Jonathan Allen's injury. Davis was signed to the practice squad three days after Allen's pec injury, and was active for three games during the regular season and during the NFC Championship game when Daron Payne was inactive.


We have signed DT Carl Davis

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 27, 2025
TacklesSnap Counts
RkGcarGtmWeekDateTeamOppResultGSSkCombSoloAstTFLQBHitsSftyOffSnpOff%DefSnpDef%STSnpST%
772024-10-20WAS CARW, 40-7Did Not Play
882024-10-27WAS CHIW, 18-15Did Not Play
992024-11-03WAS@NYGW, 27-22Did Not Play
10102024-11-10WAS PITL, 27-28Did Not Play
11112024-11-14WAS@PHIL, 18-26Did Not Play
12122024-11-24WAS DALL, 26-34Did Not Play
17613132024-12-01WASTENW, 42-190.000000000.01425.5310.7
27714152024-12-15WAS@NORW, 20-190.000000000.01018.2312.0
37815162024-12-22WASPHIW, 36-330.031200000.01925.7928.1
3 16172024-12-29WAS ATLW, 30-24 (OT)Did Not Play
3 17182025-01-05WAS@DALW, 23-19Did Not Play
3-0 0.031200000.04323.41517.6

2024 Regular Season Table
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/27/2025.
Def InterceptionsFumblesTackles
SeasonAgeTeamLgPosGGSIntYdsIntTDLngPDFFFmbFRYdsFRTDSkCombSoloAstTFLQBHitsSftyAVAwards
201523BALNFLDT13300002000000.011470002
201725BALNFLRDE15900001000000.5191272105
201826CLENFLDT5000000000000.01010000
2019272TMNFLDT3000000000000.01100000
201927INDNFLDT1000000000000.00000000
201927JAXNFLDT2000000000000.01100000
202028NWENFLDT3100000000000.03301001
202129NWENFLDT17400000000001.0191271103
202230NWENFLDT162000000011701.011381103
202331DALNFLNT3000000000000.03030000
202432WASNFLDE3000000000000.03120000
9 Yrs7819000030011702.571363553014
17 Game Avg17400001000400.515881103
NWE (3 Yrs)367000000011702.03318153207
BAL (2 Yrs)281200003000000.53016142107
CLE (1 Yr)5000000000000.01010000
DAL (1 Yr)3000000000000.03030000
WAS (1 Yr)3000000000000.03120000
JAX (1 Yr)2000000000000.01100000
IND (1 Yr)1000000000000.00000000

Defense & Fumbles Table
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 5/27/2025.

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/27...agency-defensive-line-depth-added-before-otas
 
The Washington Commanders will have joint practices with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens

New England Patriots v Washington Commanders

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Washington gets more joint practices

The Washington Commanders open the 2025 preseason with an away game vs the New England Patriots. New Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Commanders head coach Dan Quinn both said they wanted to have joint practices and that plan is reportedly going to happen. Last season Washington had joint practices with the Jets and Ravens, and that trend continues in Quinn’s second season with the Commanders.

“I think for sure that the Washington Commanders will come here and then they’ll play us,” Vrabel said. “And then we are excited to go to Minnesota. It’s a good setup that they have. It allows for great work. The Vikings have an excellent football team, and we have worked with them before, so we’re excited to go back up there.”

#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says that the #Commanders will visit New England for a joint practice and preseason game.

The Patriots will then travel to Minnesota for a joint practice with the #Vikings before playing a preseason game against them.

( : @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/L4Xy5x19hd

— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) May 20, 2025

Preseason


Week 1 - @ New England Patriots (Friday, August 8th, 7:30 p.m., CBS/WUSA9)

Week 2 - vs Cincinnati Bengals (Monday, August 18th, 8 p.m., MNF on ESPN)

Week 3 - vs Baltimore Ravens (Saturday, August 23rd, 12 p.m., CBS/WUSA9)

Quinn said he’s talked to a few teams about a joint practice this summer including the Patriots.

— John Keim (@john_keim) April 1, 2025
According to a report by Mike Reiss of ESPN, Vrabel’s team is exploring the possibility of holding up to two sets of joint sessions this summer. The Patriots have spoken with the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings about joining forces at some point in August.

The Patriots have had conversations about holding joint practices with Washington (would be home) and Minnesota (would be away). Nothing is official as there is a process that requires NFL approval because the practices are married up with preseason games/scheduling. The league generally grants teams at least one request.

If the Patriots’ joint practices get approved, they would begin with the Commanders coming to town; New England is expected to host its preseason opener before going on the road for its second and third exhibition contests.

This would mean a possible Commanders joint practice would take place somewhere between Monday, August 4 and Friday, August 8. The Vikings joint practices would then be held in one of the subsequent two weeks.

Little nugget from Mike Vrabel - "Washington I think would like to come up" - Patriots expect to have Washington up to Foxboro for a joint practice and a preseason game. Not locked in yet.
(h/t @MikeReiss)

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 31, 2025


The Washington Commanders will also have a day of joint practices with their annual preseason opponent, the Baltimore Ravens. Washington didn’t visit Baltimore before their preseason finale matchup last year, but they did in 2023. It will only be a one-day session when the Ravens visit the Commanders in Ashburn, VA before they close the season out on Saturday, August 23rd at noon. Washington also has a very short week, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals for Monday Night Football five days before the preseason finale.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh says they’ll have a day each of joint practice with the Colts and Commanders this summer. #RavensFlock

— Melissa Y. Kim (@melissaykim) May 28, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/28...ith-the-new-england-patriots-baltimore-ravens
 
Dan Quinn Presser: “There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels”; Sam Cosmi is hitting all the markers

Screenshot_2025_05_28_144734.0.png


Dan Quinn talks to reporters after practice

The Washington Commanders are back in Ashburn for Phase 3 of offseason activities(OTAs). which started yesterday. Today was the first day of media availability, and Dan Quinn spoke to reporters after Jayden Daniels and several other players. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also got a chance to answer questions before today’s practice in the bubble.

Dan Quinn said “There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels” and he puts in a lot of work that people don’t see. The success he had in his rookie year hasn’t changed him, and he is still driven to improve every aspect of his game. Quinn was asked about teams now having tape on Jayden Daniels and Washington’s offense, and he said they haven’t seen all of the Commanders playbook, and there are new players in the mix this year. He was also asked about being the hunters last year and now being hunted. Quinn quickly cut the reporter off to say they are always the hunters.

OTAs are voluntary, but there were several players missing from today’s practice. Terry McLaurin has been in the headlines lately since missing a practice last week, and looking for a new deal as he enters the final year of his second contract with Washington. Two players the Commanders recently traded for(LT Laremy Tunsil, CB Marshon Lattimore) were also absent today, but Quinn said there are different reasons why players didn’t attend, and he has spoken with every player.

Quinn was also asked about right guard Sam Cosmi’s recovery from a torn ACL during the playoffs in January. The veteran offensive lineman has been hitting all the markers, and is doing excellent in the process. Quinn didn’t offer a timeline, but Cosmi is expected to start training camp, and probably the season on the physically unable to perform(PUP) list.

LIVE: HC Dan Quinn speaks to the media after today's OTA https://t.co/eMfGlTHwXX

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 28, 2025

Brian Mitchell working with the returners at practice:


The legend @BMITCHLIVE30 pic.twitter.com/of5UheYjKu

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 28, 2025
Dan Quinn asked Brian Mitchell to join the returners at practice: "I couldn't think of a more ideal person." https://t.co/3FiIPmHtUd

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2025

Jayden Daniels in year 2:

DQ: “There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels.”

— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) May 28, 2025
Dan Quinn: “There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels.”

Daniels puts in a lot of work people don’t see, he added, and he hasn’t changed bc he’s a bigger star now. pic.twitter.com/9pYYNo6xir

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) May 28, 2025

Teams having tape on Jayden Daniels and Washington’s offense:

Dan Quinn on other teams having a full year of tape on Jayden Daniels: "There's a lot of the playbook people haven’t seen... featuring new players in different spots.:

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025

Players missing OTAs:

Dan Quinn says it’s “not a one size fits all” approach to players that miss OTA sessions (McLaurin, Tunsil, Lattimore) but DQ adds he’s talked to every player on the team. pic.twitter.com/sr4TZSnv3q

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2025

Terry McLaurin:

Quinn said WR Terry McLaurin has had a "great offseason."

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025

Sam Cosmi’s recovery from torn ACL:

Dan Quinn said G Sam Cosmi is doing "excellent" in his recovering from knee surgery and "is off to a really strong start and hitting all the markers he's supposed to now."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) May 28, 2025
Dan Quinn on Sam Cosmi. Said he is "doing excellent' with his recovery from January's ACL surgery. Hitting all the markers. Did not offer a timeline.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2025

Working with Adam Peters:

Dan Quinn and Adam Peters are in constant communication and that includes updates on contract talks. DQ joked he didn’t have any updates for the rest of us

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 28, 2025

“We’re always the hunters”:

.@Scott7news started his question to Dan Quinn about how "last year you were the hunters..." Quinn then stopped him, anticipating what would be said next and said simply, "We're always the hunters."

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025
Dan Quinn cuts off a question about Washington being the hunted this year.

"We're always the hunters... It's a mindset. Delivering, going for it. That doesn't change."

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2025
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is already in mid-season form.

Hunters vs. the Hunted

I tried to ask that question today and DQ pounced.

He is setting the tone early telling me, "we are always the hunters...we've got a lot to prove." pic.twitter.com/lG5kqjOq7t

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) May 28, 2025

Leadership:


Leaders lead and also need support as well. I asked #Commanders HC Dan Quinn about his leadership style and where/what he draws from to create the culture we all hear so much about. Take a listen/watch. pic.twitter.com/ogcSQBKzwR

— CWallSports (@cwallse) May 29, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/28...-daniels-sam-cosmi-is-hitting-all-the-markers
 
Daily Slop - 29 May 25 - Commanders Log: Season 4, Episode 4 has dropped

temp_commanders_log.0.jpg


A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

The Athletic (paywall)​

Commanders OTA practice features a ‘little bit thicker’ version of Jayden Daniels


“Put on a little muscle, huh? Yeah, for sure,” said center Tyler Biadasz, one of the blockers tasked with protecting the Washington Commanders’ franchise quarterback. “He said what he was going to do, and he did it.”

Let’s be clear: Daniels will never be confused physically with quarterback behemoths like reigning MVP Josh Allen or Cam Newton, even if the 210-pounder’s arms appeared a smidge bulkier Wednesday at the start of organized team activities. The coaching staff did not demand that the Southern California native spend his offseason lifting weights at Los Angeles’ famed Muscle Beach.

Still, fans were abuzz on social media about a potentially swole Daniels. The always even-keeled quarterback smiled when asked about his fitness regimen.

“I was just in the weight room working out,” Daniels said. “You always try to improve in different areas, but I don’t know what to say. I’ll let people talk about it.”


Washington Post (paywall)​

Terry McLaurin is absent for start of Commanders’ voluntary OTAs


At the start of organized team activities, the Washington Commanders were missing one of their stars. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who participated in on-field work during the first two phases of the offseason program, was not on the field Wednesday for the start of the third phase.

The workouts are voluntary, but McLaurin, 29, has been a regular participant since he arrived in Washington — save for the 2022 offseason, when he had a year left on his rookie contract and declined to participate in offseason meetings or workouts as he sought a new deal. He signed a three-year extension worth close to $70 million about a month before training camp that year.

McLaurin is in the final year of that contract, with a $15.5 million base salary this year that ranks fourth among NFL wide receivers. But his 2025 figure ($19.65 million in salary and bonuses) ranks 14th at his position, and the deal as a whole ranks 16th among wideouts in average annual value.

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore and recently acquired left tackle Laremy Tunsil also were absent from Wednesday’s workout.


Commanders.com

OTA Notebook | Jayden Daniels’ standard remains high


Trey Amos is already turning heads this offseason, as he grabbed an interception off a pass to Michael Gallup and nearly grabbed another one later in a seven-on-seven series. His interception was the result of Gallup and him getting tripped up, but Amos was able to stay upright to make the grab.

Mike Sainristil was lined up at nickel as opposed to the outside, where he often played last season. That was the position Sainristil was supposed to play as a rookie, so perhaps he will return there now that Trey Amos is part of the secondary.

Deebo Samuel is gelling well with his new wide receiver teammates and was routinely at the front of the line for individual drills. He and Daniels didn’t connect much, but it’s clear they are already developing their rapport.


Commanders.com

Croskey-Merritt wants to do ‘everything’ needed to be great


There’s a good chance Jacory Croskey-Merritt would not have been a Day 3 pick had he either played more in 2024 or even entered the NFL Draft after the 2023 season.

Croskey-Merritt, who spent his last college season at Arizona, does not have the same name recognition as first-round pick Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton, but the Alabama native put up respectable numbers in his last full season. He had 1,190 yards on 189 carries at New Mexico and scored 17 touchdowns, which ranked fifth among FBS running backs in 2023.

[Q]uestions about Croskey-Merritt’s eligibility led to him playing just one game for Arizona in 2024.

It was a frustrating moment for Croskey-Merritt, who was pulled from participating in games after putting up 106 yards and a touchdown for Arizona in Week 1. The only thing he could do was practice, and rather than give up on the year, he poured everything into what he could do to help his team win games. He was attentive in meetings and still prepared as if he was going to play, which earned praise from Arizona’s coaching staff.

It also got the Commanders’ attention during their draft process.

“He turned a situation that was unfortunate into a real positive,” said assistant general manager Lance Newmark. “You talk to the people at Arizona and you talk to him when he was here, and they have so much respect for how he stayed engaged the whole way through the season. He was a great teammate; was a great practice player; was in meetings. It was like he knew he wasn’t going to play on Saturday, but you would never know it by the way he acted and prepared.”


Podcasts & videos

Finding the Newest BMFs | Commanders Log: Season 4, Episode 4​



What I saw and heard at Commanders' OTA. Jayden Daniels is ready for the upcoming challenge. No Terry McLaurin. Trey Amos' day. UDFA sleeper. More.https://t.co/DZLMzIVi4F

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 29, 2025


Observations from the Commanders’ OTA practice. On Jayden Daniel’s; Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, @BMITCHLIVE30 and more. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/XRaEz7woEA

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025

NFC East links

Big Blue View

Malik Nabers not practicing for Giants due to toe injury

  • Safety Anthony Johnson has a shoulder injury and was held out of practice. Daboll did not specify the severity.
  • Left tackle Andrew Thomas, recovering from Lisfranc surgery, did not take part in any of the 7 on 7 or 11 on 11 drills.
  • Tight end Theo Johnson, also recovering from Lisfranc surgery, was a full practice participant. Johnson seemed to be moving with no restrictions.
  • Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who finished the 2024 season on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow, worked in individual drills and seemed fine. Lawrence did not participate in team drills, which were in shorts and t-shirts.
  • Jon Runyan Jr., who dealt with a separated shoulder last season, did individual drills.

#Giants practice is over.

Final team drill QB rep breakdown (7o7 & 11o11).

Russell Wilson: 15 reps, all with starters
Jameis Winston: 15 reps, all with backups
Jaxson Dart: 14 reps, 3 with starters
Tommy DeVito: 4 reps, all with reserve team

Stats to come.

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) May 28, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​

NFL.com

Bears QB Caleb Williams stresses desire to be in Chicago following book details


“This whole storm that happened, it wasn’t something that we wanted to happen at this point,” Williams said. “We’re focused on the present, we’re focused on now. We’re focused on, you know, trying to get this ship moving in the right direction. And I think, so far, that’s what we’ve been doing. But for this to come out, it’s been a distraction, so, coming up here and talking about it and addressing it is important today, and so that’s what we’re here to do.”

In the soon-to-be-released “American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback,” ESPN reporter and author Seth Wickersham details how Williams and his father, Carl Williams, looked into potential ways they could circumvent being drafted by the historically quarterback-challenged Bears at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Williams’ rookie campaign was an arduous one in which the Bears went 5-12. He was sacked 68 times (third-most in NFL history) and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus were each fired during the season.

Following a 4-2 start, the Bears lost 10 in a row before a season-ending win over the archrival Green Bay Packers.


Discussion topics


The solution is very simple: the national flag football team versus the NFL flag football team in the Coliseum on July 4th of 2027 on ESPN, winner goes to the Olympics https://t.co/ldmBxM2pfO

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) May 26, 2025

From Barstool Sports:

I can’t stress how much I love this idea. There’s been a lot of talk from Darrell Doucette wanting to play in the Olympics. He wants to represent USA because he’s the quarterback of the USA Flag Football Team. I get it. The dude has won, this is his ‘sport’ in the sense of playing flag football vs regular football. But, come on. We know if NFL players want to play in the Olympics, you send the names that everyone knows.

Make them play each other. It’s that simple. It’s the easiest way to end an argument when it comes to sports. You think your team is better, line up, go 7 on 7 or whatever the rules are and see if you can beat the NFL team. Love the idea of playing it on July 4, but I’d say it should be a Sunday night in the summer. Make it feel like Sunday Night Football and trick our brains for a second that it’s not just flag football with the rights to represent America. There’s also nothing better than a winner-takes-all game.

I don’t even think Mahomes would be the pick here for QB1 of the NFL flag football team. He’s awesome, but wouldn’t it be someone like Jayden Daniels or Lamar? Guys who can scramble a whole lot more are made to be flag football QB stars. But either way, you can settle the argument one way or another with this game. Make it happen, it’s the best idea by far I saw from the weekend. Or just send the NFL team like they are going to do anyways. But at least give us something to watch out of it and settle the argument.


All aTwitter


Start of #Commanders practice fun with Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota and company@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ZvOD3mqHzy

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 28, 2025


.@LRiddickESPN went in-depth on three goals for the Commanders to avoid a Jayden Daniels' sophomore slump

"He is the least of my worries." pic.twitter.com/FoDvjMpLOJ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 28, 2025

MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Cool stuff here as legendary return man @BMITCHLIVE30 shares advice with rookie @j_lane_2, who is expected to compete for a role in the return game this year

Lane combined for 4381 yds returning punts & kicks with @HokiesFB & @MT_FB@JPFinlayNBCS#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/4vCy94WlTj

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 28, 2025

Deebo Samuel on:

-Commanders culture
-Jayden ("the man can make every throw")
-Kingsbury ("offensive guru")
-McLaurin not being there
-Getting in better shape
-Quinn
-Peters@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/N6gxk1kjgT

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 28, 2025

Commanders fourth-round receiver Jaylin Lane was impressive today. Has 4.34 speed and showed it in OTA. Made two nice catches. He could be a sleeper.

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) May 29, 2025

❤️ https://t.co/oWv18ZMmu8

— Jacory Croskey - Merritt (@JacoryMerritt15) May 28, 2025

Quinn said Sam Cosmi has been hitting "all the markers" in his recovery.

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025

Brian Mitchell helping out, providing tips to the returners. pic.twitter.com/dlO2U75ZXl

— John Keim (@john_keim) May 28, 2025

Bob Myers in the #Commanders draft room#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/EFUbnLI9Z1

— Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) May 29, 2025


We saw even more evidence today that the #Dolphins could just be waiting to trade CB Jalen Ramsey until after June 1 for salary cap reasons:https://t.co/HNl3EDomVg

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) May 29, 2025


This is awesome: New Bears running back coach Eric Bieniemy is bringing the DAWG back to the Chicago RB room this season:

“You moving like a old A** man,” to Kyle Monangai.

pic.twitter.com/WEdxDWWUKP

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 29, 2025

When life gives you monsoon season… grab a floatie and ride it like a pro ☔pic.twitter.com/BAzmzpIspK

— Dear Farang (@dearfarang) May 29, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/29...commanders-log-season-4-episode-4-has-dropped
 
20 years later, the Santana Moss trade was a huge win for Washington

Minnesota Vikings v Washington Redskins

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Looking back on a pivotal trade between the Jets and Washington that brought Santana Moss to Washington.

Following an improbable and exciting run to the NFC Championship game, all eyes are on the Washington Commanders this offseason to see if they can maintain their success into 2025. To their credit, the Commanders have been hard at work in acquiring talent through free agency and the NFL Draft. Washington also made a big-time trade for a veteran wide receiver, landing Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers to help build out the receiver room around quarterback Jayden Daniels.

As this marks 20 years since another pivotal wide receiver trade involving Washington, it seemed like an ideal time to look back at the Santana Moss/Laveranues Coles trade from all the way back in 2005. While Moss’s legacy in Washington is well documented at this point, it’s easy to forget that this trade was a bit of a risk back in the day. Laveranues Coles had been the more consistent player at this point in his career, while Moss was two years younger and presented a potentially higher ceiling.

Let’s look back on the famous trade and definitively answer who came out on top.

Original terms of the Santana Moss/Laveranues Coles trade​


Washington receives: WR Santana Moss
Jets receive: WR Laveranues Coles

How was Santana Moss’s performance for Washington?​


Santana Moss immediately hit the ground running in Washington, putting together the best season of his career in 2005. Moss piled up an incredible 1483 yards on 84 receptions (17.7 YPR) and 9 TDs. He would achieve his lone Pro Bowl and All-Pro (second-team) honors that year. While he never again reached those elite heights, Moss remained a very good and consistent starter for the next nine seasons. All-in-all, Moss appeared in 146 games for Washington and contributed 581 receptions for 7867 yards to go along with 47 TDs.

That career placed Moss at fourth on the career receiving yardage list for Washington, cementing his legacy as a franchise cornerstone.

How was Laveranues Coles’ performance for the Jets?​


Laveranues Coles began his career with New York before a two-year stint with Washington. The Jets clearly wanted him back, making the trade to secure his return in 2005. Coles would go on to play four more seasons with the Jets from 2005-2008. His best year came in 2006, where Coles put together 91 receptions for 1098 yards (12.1 YPR) and 6 TDs. While Coles was a good starting receiver and a consistent presence in New York’s passing attack, he never quite regained the elite form he showed earlier in his career.

Who won the Santana Moss/Laveranues Coles trade between Washington and the Jets?​


This trade is pretty straightforward. While both sides of the deal got a consistently good starting receiver, Washington came out ahead with Santana Moss. Moss’s 2005 season was better than anything the Jets got from Coles, and Moss managed to become a franchise icon over a long and distinguished career with Washington. Sticking with a single team for nine years is an impressive feat no matter how you slice it, and Moss’s legacy is undeniably impressive.

That’s not to say that the Jets got a bad deal with Laveranues Coles. He did manage several impressive seasons in New York after the trade and was ultimately a good player for the Jets. He just didn’t have the longevity and legacy that Moss managed to achieve in Washington.

WINNER: Washington

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/30...-huge-win-for-washington-jetslaveranues-coles
 
Daily Slop - 30 May 25 - One-on-one with 2nd-year Commanders QB Jayden Daniels

temp_JD5_next_man_up.0.jpg


A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)​

The Commanders have plenty of weapons, and only one football


Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has a good problem: How to keep all his talented players happy.

Historical data suggests the Commanders will take about 1,100 offensive snaps over the course of the season. There will probably more passes than runs. In what’s known as “score-neutral situations” — when the clock and scoreboard don’t dictate run or pass — Kingsbury called passes about 56 percent of the time last season, according to RBSDM.com, which was the eighth-highest rate in the league. While the Commanders could run more if they get better at it, it’s still safe to bet Kingsbury, a former Air Raid quarterback, will keep the ball in the skies.

So if last year is a guide, there should be about 620 passing snaps this season. The top priorities will be star receiver Terry McLaurin, who has averaged about 125 targets over the past four seasons, and quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s an elite scrambler and will inevitably take some sacks, too. If he sustains last year’s pace and remains healthy, Daniels will likely scramble about 75 times and take about 45 sacks.

Overall, it seems likely Daniels, McLaurin and Samuel will account for a little more than half of the 620 passing snaps.

The other 300ish? They will be battled over by the rest of the skill players, including a couple whom Kingsbury probably had in mind when he imagined getting cussed out.

“I’ve never had a great player that didn’t want the ball, and so that kind of comes with the territory,” he said this week. “But that’s one thing I think that [Coach Dan Quinn] has created, where it’s the team above anything else. And these guys that had their success last year and got their touches, they know bringing [receiver] Deebo [Samuel] in, there’s going to be [fewer touches for them]. But we’re going to be better. And I think when they’re able to sacrifice for that and understand that the ultimate goal is winning, then it all works itself out. But you want those guys. I mean, I’ll get cussed out a few games, but it just comes with the territory. You’d rather have really good players cussing you out than bad players cussing you out.”


Commanders.com

3 standouts from Commanders OTAs


The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

Trey Amos​


There’s no telling at this point just how many snaps the second-round pick will get as a rookie or where he will land on depth chart, but Amos made the most of his snaps in seven-on-seven drills.

Amos, who the Commanders considered taking with their first-round pick, held his own against several of the team’s veterans. In one of his more impressive plays, he managed to stay upright after his feet got tangled with Michael Gallup and got under a tipped pass for an interception on the second play of the drill. He nearly got a second one later in the day while working against Luke McCaffrey and kept up with Deebo Samuel when lined up against him.

Although general manager Adam Peters said Amos is an all-around cornerback, the Commanders primarily view him as a perimeter defender. As shown during his reps against Samuel, his large frame allows him to be physical at the line of scrimmage with bigger receivers. Amos still has months before he is ready to be a regular defensive contributor, but he’s off to a good start.


Riggo’s Rag

Jaylin Lane blazing an imposing early trail at Commanders OTAs


Commanders fourth-round receiver Jaylin Lane was impressive today. Has 4.34 speed and showed it in OTA. Made two nice catches. He could be a sleeper.

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) May 29, 2025

Washington believes it has a steal on its hands with Lane, who was somehow available for the Commanders to take at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed, elusiveness, and dynamic traits provide quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels with another versatile weapon. The former Virginia Tech star also has his sights set on immediate involvement in some capacity.

[T]he Commanders are getting an outstanding playmaker capable of being influential in more ways than one.​


It won’t be easy to force his way into the team’s offensive plans, but he cannot do anything more than he already is. After that, it’s a case of giving Kliff Kingsbury enough confidence to see targets come his way.


Commanders Wire

Former Washington standout to be inducted into Virginia Tech Hall of Fame


Kendall Fuller came to Virginia Tech as a rare five-star recruit and immediately made a difference. He was named the ACC Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013 and was later a second-team All-American before the then-Washington Redskins selected Fuller in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Fuller quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s top slot cornerbacks in his first two NFL seasons before he was abruptly included in the trade for Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith in 2018. Fuller played two seasons with the Chiefs, won a Super Bowl and returned to Washington on a four-year deal.


Riggo’s Rag

Commanders’ mentality stays the same entering Year 2 under Dan Quinn


Most perceive the Commanders as the hunted rather than the hunters entering the new campaign. That’s not an opinion shared by Quinn, who stated that the mindset remains the same in pursuit of similar or even greater accomplishments when competitive action begins again.

“We are always the hunters. We’ve got a lot to prove. We’re going after it. The hunter is a mindset. That doesn’t change.”

Dan Quinn via Yardbarker

This is what Washington’s passionate fan base wanted to hear. Nobody is getting complacent in the building. Nobody is reveling in their achievements from the previous season. That’s firmly in the rearview mirror. The focus is firmly on the next chapter and nothing more.


Podcasts & videos

Why QB1 Jayden Daniels “Added to His Armor” This Offseason | Next Man UP | Washington Commanders​


Takeaways from Commanders OTAs | Trap or Dive Podcast​



All Ears, the OTA edition!

Check out the latest episode of “All Ears with @JPFinlayNBCS,” as we hear from Commanders players and coaches at the first OTA session in Ashburn, including Jayden Daniels and new WR Deebo Samuel Sr.#RaiseHailhttps://t.co/iZrekMXrIL

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 29, 2025

Photos


Washington #Commanders Voluntary OTA’s (5-28-25) #raisehail #nfl #bowietv #explorepage #explore Part 1

:Darrell Owens-Bowie TV pic.twitter.com/0RTFZeDuVm

— Bowie TV Sports (@BowieTVSports) May 29, 2025

Washington #Commanders Voluntary OTA’s (5-28-25) #raisehail #nfl #bowietv #explorepage #explore Part 2

:Darrell Owens-Bowie TV pic.twitter.com/cr802BuXnm

— Bowie TV Sports (@BowieTVSports) May 30, 2025

Washington #Commanders Voluntary OTA’s (5-28-25) #raisehail #nfl #bowietv #explorepage #explore Part 3

:Darrell Owens-Bowie TV pic.twitter.com/l5LbmZXcQs

— Bowie TV Sports (@BowieTVSports) May 30, 2025

Washington #Commanders Voluntary OTA’s (5-28-25) #raisehail #nfl #bowietv #explorepage #explore Part 4

:Darrell Owens-Bowie TV pic.twitter.com/YxcTuTmoUr

— Bowie TV Sports (@BowieTVSports) May 30, 2025

Washington #Commanders Voluntary OTA’s (5-28-25) #raisehail #nfl #bowietv #explorepage #explore Part 5

:Darrell Owens-Bowie TV pic.twitter.com/2H6uOcx5L1

— Bowie TV Sports (@BowieTVSports) May 30, 2025

NFC East links

ESPN

2025 NFL offseason: NFC teams’ best and worst deals, picks, more

Dallas Cowboys​


The superlative: Most likely to look at their old scouting reports

Team owner Jerry Jones generally drafts his stars and holds on to them until they retire.

If a franchise believes in its scouting process, it might believe there’s an opportunity to exploit. If another team takes the player it wanted on draft day and he struggles with that organization, it might seem like that player could thrive in a better situation with a fresh start. Throw in the fact that most of the player’s contract will have already been paid by the former team and it has a recipe for what many refer to as a “second draft” philosophy.

I wrote all about this last year when the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for 2023 second-rounder Jonathan Mingo. The Cowboys still believe in Mingo, though, and their offseason was full of bets on highly drafted players who have struggled to start their careers, players they presumably had excellent grades on coming out of college.

New York Giants​


The superlative: Most likely to throw deep more often

Even the best versions of the Daniel Jones-era Giants offense were more about checking down and turning small profits than creating explosive plays. Jones ranked last in the league in air yards per pass attempt during his career-best 2022 campaign, and as the Giants tried to expand their offense to be more spectacular in 2023 and 2024, his propensity to hold the ball and a middling offensive line usually meant those attempts were futile. They ranked 24th in deep pass rate last season and were 26th in QBR on the deep throws they attempted. They rank 30th in deep pass rate over the past three seasons.

The Giants will throw deep more often, but can they do it effectively?

Philadelphia Eagles​


The superlative: Most likely to inspire jealousy in other teams

Roseman is set to spend a whopping $217.3 million on the offensive side of the ball in 2025. That’s $30 million more than any other team, with the Chiefs in second at $187.2 million. Burrow’s Bengals, having paid wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins after Burrow’s public suggestions to do so, are in third at $186.3 million. (Cincinnati is apparently following Burrow’s request to emulate the Eagles very closely by not paying edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.)

Is heavily spending on one side of the ball a wise plan? Well, it certainly worked for the Eagles last season. If a team was going to choose a side of the ball to focus on, offense would be the wiser choice. Research by Football Outsiders found that offensive performance was more consistent from year to year than defense, suggesting an organization is more likely to get what it paid for by leaning into spending on the guys who put up the points.

And if anyone has seen that play out in reality, it’s the Eagles: While their offense has ranked seventh or better in points scored per possession over the past three seasons, their defense has gone from 11th in 2022 to 30th in 2023 before improving all the way to second last season.

Washington Commanders​


The superlative: Most likely to eat an early dinner and go to sleep at a sensible time

Tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Bobby Wagner, offensive lineman Andrew Wylie and pass rusher Dante Fowler Jr. all held their own in propelling Washington to an unexpected playoff berth.

Those four all have something in common: They’re over 30. Owing to the imported veterans filling out starting roles on both sides of the ball, the Commanders were the league’s seventh-oldest team on a snap-weighted age basis. They were one of just four to rank in the top 10 for snap-weighted age on both offense and defense, joining the Vikings, Falcons and Browns.

On top of that, the Commanders didn’t get appreciably younger this offseason. Most of the veterans Peters brought in who played well in 2024 were brought back for another season. They and the rest of the remaining members of the roster will be a year older. This organization had only three top-200 picks in April’s draft by virtue of several Peters trades, which means the team won’t have an influx of young talent throughout the roster from the draft.

The offseason moves made by the organization didn’t make them younger, either.


Blogging the Boys

ESPN’s FPI model suggests Dallas Cowboys will be below average team in 2025


Here is how the worldwide leader is defining FPI relative to the preseason (in terms of before the season, not the literal time with the exhibition games) is concerned.

In the preseason, FPI’s overall predictive ratings are primarily based on win totals from the betting market in conjunction with each team’s schedule — along with factors such as the difference between a team’s starting and backup quarterback and a special teams rating that incorporates specific kickers. We use these ratings to simulate the season thousands of times, with the results forming our projections.

The projections are out for 2025 and they are not fond of the Dallas Cowboys.

We have noted several times here at BTB that projected win totals for the Cowboys are rather low. Oddsmakers tend to have Dallas around 7.5 projected wins....If we look at the FPI assessment a little bit more in depth we can see that the model is predicting somewhere between 7.9-9.0 wins for the Cowboys this season


First look at NFL FPI ratings for the 2025 season! pic.twitter.com/k6s2fg40X7

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) May 27, 2025

The numbers you are seeing are each team’s FPI rating. It is intended to assess the strength of each team. If it isn’t obvious, you do not want to be in the negatives like Dallas is.



I will have a post up later today with the full numbers but some people asked about returning snaps of "starters". Using a 30% playtime threshold the #Giants lead the NFL with 91% returning which is wild considering how bad they were last season.

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 29, 2025

When I look at their roster I could feasibly see how having a better QB than they've had since Eli Manning could be a rising tide that lifts the rest of the boats on offense.

— Nick Korte (@nickkorte) May 29, 2025

Its their only hope but they need Dart to be ready from day 1 if thats the case because I cant see Wilson/Winston providing that kind of boost

— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) May 29, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Talk

“Exceptionally high demand” crashes NFL’s London ticketing system


The NFL began selling tickets to its 2025 London games on Thursday. It has not gone well.

As of 8:30 a.m. ET, the NFL’s U.K and Ireland Twitter account posted this: “Due to exceptionally high demand for NFL London Games tickets, Ticketmaster has temporarily paused sales to monitor the queue and ensure genuine fans are able to purchase tickets. Your place in the queue is secure and there are still tickets available. We understand how frustrating this is and appreciate your patience.”

The mention of “genuine fans” is a reference to the infiltration of resellers and their bots. Based on some of the anecdotal evidence posted on social media, it appears that some believe the bots are still gobbling up tickets and putting them up for sale even when the queue for the “genuine fans” is paused.

We tried to enter the queue. The wait time is “more than an hour,” with 247,734 people already in line.

“Our tech teams spotted bad actors and we are working to keep them out,” the message explains.


The NFL put tickets on sale today for its London games at 12pm local time — and chaos followed. Fans were placed in a queue with over 250,000 people (!!) ahead of them.

Ticketmaster has now temporarily paused sales to monitor the queue and ensure real fans can buy tickets.… pic.twitter.com/55kRmkwRXA

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 29, 2025

NFL.com

Free-agent pass rusher Von Miller plans to play in 2025


Von Miller has no designs on retiring in 2025.

The 36-year-old free agent said Wednesday that he still has plenty to offer and wants to continue sacking quarterbacks.

“I’m a locker-room guy through and through, and I can still roll out of the bed and rush the passer,” Miller said, via The Associated Press. “That’s what I got.”

The Buffalo Bills released Miller earlier this year after three seasons. Since suffering a knee injury in 2022, the former Pro Bowler hasn’t been the same. In 2024, he played in 13 games, making zero starts and sacking the quarterback six times.


Discussion topics

Pro Football Talk

Could the NFL draft eventually go away?


As explained in one of the 100-plus essays in Playmakers, the draft is fundamentally anti-American. Thirty-two independent businesses come together and control the entire labor market, parsing out employees based on a system under which the most inept of them get dibs on the best of the players.

My 86-the-draft take has been dubbed derisively as a “crusade” by others in the media, whose relevance and income are coincidentally tied to its ongoing existence. And I’ve come to accept the simple reality that, over the past decade, the draft has become too big to die.

Understandably, then, I nearly fell out of my chair this morning when Peter King (making a return for the full two hours of PFT Live) suggested that the draft could go away in our lifetime. Personally, I don’t buy it — but I like the sound of it.

The folks at AwfulAnnouncing.com typed up the key quotes so I didn’t have to. Peter’s broader point is that, if the draft would at some point go away, the NFL would come up with something to replace the draft. And that thing would become as big, if no bigger.

However it may play out, it’s not impossible. Peter thinks it’s very possible. And while that will rile up many who are under the honor-and-a-privilege spell, the NFL would find a way to make a post-draft existence work — and to make whatever replaces it the league’s biggest offseason event.


All aTwitter

Favorite clip from the latest Commanders Log as Adam Peters turns down another GM trade interest to pick WR Jaylin Lane.

Adam Peters: "Yeah we're gonna pick. We're gonna play it Steve."

Josh Harris: "Adam F***ing Peters!"

Dan Quinn: "Let Adam Cook"https://t.co/tT7kP5nnfB

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 30, 2025

Washington Commanders DL Carl Davis (@Trenchwork94) is wearing number 77. Last assigned to Braeden Daniels. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/evH1u1upR0

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 30, 2025


Commanders running Q trap out of empty. Great angles for the trap and the climbs against the dbl 3 technique fronts you see on passing downs/against empty. @minakimes mentioned it during the season but when you can run out of empty it stops the D from treating it like empty pic.twitter.com/29wgm9sNTe

— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) May 29, 2025

Getting coached up by the best pic.twitter.com/R822v9N3yz

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 29, 2025

picking up the pace pic.twitter.com/AqWMxwhGLU

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 29, 2025

WHOLESOME: A local reporter asked #Commanders QB Jayden Daniels how he was doing after his best friend Kyren Lacy passed away last month.

We need more people in the media like this!
pic.twitter.com/9ByPAydPLK

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 29, 2025

Commanders fans may be surprised (or not) to learn that Washington ranks in the lower half of the NFL in roster turnover from '24 to '25.

WAS returns 76% of the overall roster and 80% of players who played significant snaps last season.#RaiseHail https://t.co/hLCCXXzHUz

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) May 30, 2025


Uh Oh: Browns DE Ogbo Okoronkwo liked a post on IG that talked about Myles Garrett not being a good leader for the team.

The post criticizes Myles for being in Japan and not at OTAs.

pic.twitter.com/VlD02oAxLf

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 29, 2025

The NFL put tickets on sale today for its London games at 12pm local time — and chaos followed. Fans were placed in a queue with over 250,000 people (!!) ahead of them.

Ticketmaster has now temporarily paused sales to monitor the queue and ensure real fans can buy tickets.… pic.twitter.com/55kRmkwRXA

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 29, 2025


Make that ✌️Fullers! Congratulations to Kendall Fuller on being inducted into the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame! #ThisIsHome | #TeamOverMe | @KeFu11er pic.twitter.com/ZMry6BpDr8

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) May 28, 2025

Up late thinking about how underrated JD McKissic was

Dude could BALL #RaiseHail
pic.twitter.com/TnPqfnQlTQ

— DC Rising (@DC__Rising) May 30, 2025

So… what were some of y’all saying again about Jayden Daniels? #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/slDyP5bTO5

— DC Sports Experience (@DCsportsXP) May 30, 2025

This picture bring me so much joy #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/tC7E470oH8

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 28, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/30...-year-washington-commanders-qb-jayden-daniels
 
Daily Slop - 31 May 25 - 4 Commanders named to list of the 100 most important NFL players of 2025

NFL: Super Bowl LIX-NFL Honors Red Carpet

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Commanders.com

Commanders’ coaching stability boosts team success


It is normal for NFL teams, especially ones that have had recent success, to see some of their coaches move on to other opportunities and perhaps even fill head coaching vacancies. That was not the case for the Commanders, who had their entire coaching staff return for the second season of the Peters-Quinn regime.

The reason: the quality of culture Washington has is hard to find, even in the NFL, and people want to help it continue to grow.

“DQ [Quinn] has created a tremendous culture,” said offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. “The organization has as well, just starting at the top with [Managing Partner] Josh [Harris] and then AP [Peter], the type of people they brought in.”

When asked last season about his interest in being a head coach again, Kingsbury said he would “at some point” but was also happy with his current situation.

“This has been an awesome place,” Kingsbury said, “and has really helped me rekindle my love for the sport.”

Of course, Kingsbury ended up staying with the Commanders after their loss in the NFC Championship, and the significance of that decision is not lost on Quinn, who showed his appreciation for the entire coaching staff choosing to stay in Washington.

‘He’s very smart’: Deebo Samuel impressed with Jayden Daniels


It’s going to take some time for that connection to develop and may not fully bloom until after the season begins in September, but Samuel is already impressed with the second-year signal-caller.

“I feel like the man’s been here forever,” Samuel said. “He’s comfortable; he knows what’s going on; he knows where the ball needs to go. I just think he’s very smart.”

The Commanders’ acquisition of Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers was one of the team’s first moves to help him accomplish that. Samuel was a versatile weapon for the 49ers since he was drafted in 2019, amassing nearly 6,000 scrimmage yards and 42 touchdowns. His best skill set is what he can do with the ball in his hands; although his depth of target is only 6.4 yards, he has 3,594 yards after contact, which represents 61% of his total production.

It seems like a perfect partnership for Daniels, who excels at ball placement and puts his weapons in the best position to succeed. He and Samuel are still developing their chemistry, although there were flashes of what it could be during Washington’s OTA practice on May 28. Samuel used his 215-pound frame to get in front of a defender and turned a slant route into a decent gain.


CBS Sports

100 days until 2025 NFL kickoff: 100 most important players in upcoming season


[T]o celebrate 100 days until the NFL returns, here are the 100 most important players for the 2025 NFL season:

6. Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels is coming off one of the most dazzling debuts in NFL history, and the Commanders have gone all in on improving his supporting cast. Of all the aspects that stood out in 2024, perhaps his calm under pressure (four game-winning drives) was most impressive, and he can be a legitimate MVP candidate this year.

7. and 8. The Commanders traded for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel this offseason. Both are coming off down seasons — Tunsil committed an NFL-high 17 accepted penalties, and Samuel had his second-fewest yards from scrimmage — but they’re big talents, too. Tunsil’s addition (plus first-round tackle Josh Conerly Jr.) helps fix an inconsistent offensive line, and Samuel, if healthy, could thrive in Kliff Kingsbury’s screen-heavy offense. But we give second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin the slight nod over Samuel in terms of importance. Washington would love if both prove very important.

9. We can add Marshon Lattimore to that group as well. Acquired at the trade deadline, Lattimore had a nagging hamstring issue and wasn’t effective even when on the field. But hopes remain high that he, Mike Sainristil and rookie Trey Amos can form a solid cornerback trio.

Podcasts & videos


Episode 1,084 - Guest: Logan Paulsen .
- the next step for Jayden Daniels & the offense
- why Logan now is even more bullish on Deebo Samuel
- why Josh Conerly starting at guard is a possibility
- emerging TEs who could overtake Ben Sinnott for TE3...https://t.co/r3WqkM04he

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) May 30, 2025

QB sneaks are up 319% and it’s terrible.​


Photos

PHOTOS | Washington’s 2025 OTA roster


Take a look at the Washington Commanders’ roster as it currently stands.







NFC East links

NFL.com

Sando: My favorite offseason move by every NFL team

Dallas Cowboys​


Re-signing defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa was important for new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, whose scheme leans on strong play from the three-technique position. Eberflus struggled to fill the role with Chicago, where the Bears reached an agreement with free agent Larry Ogunjobi in March 2022, only to fail him on his physical, nixing the deal. Having an established young player at the position removes some of that uncertainty.

New York Giants​


Selecting Abdul Carter with the third pick in the draft and still having their choice of available quarterbacks when the Giants selected Jaxson Dart at No. 25 showed the team read the market correctly. Whether Dart will succeed is another question entirely, and history is not on the Giants’ side (in the salary-cap era, which dates to 1993, only three of 15 quarterbacks drafted in the first round after pick No. 19 signed long-term extensions with their original teams). Even so, the process seemed sound for the Giants, a welcome change from the previous two offseasons, which featured a Daniel Jones extension (2023) and Saquon Barkley’s departure (2024).

Philadelphia Eagles​


The Eagles’ all-out effort to keep the tush push legal, complete with in-person lobbying from owner Jeffrey Lurie and former center Jason Kelce, helped Philly preserve its offensive identity, maintaining an important edge. Buying at least another year for the tush push felt like an upset victory for the Eagles after momentum built to ban the play.

Washington Commanders​


Acquiring Laremy Tunsil from Houston could solve the Commanders’ left tackle position through quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract and beyond. Tunsil, who turns 31 in August, has earned Pro Bowl honors five times in the past six seasons. He’s younger than left tackles Duane Brown and Trent Williams were when Seattle and San Francisco acquired them, respectively. Brown and Williams were solid through their age-36 seasons. This could be a very good move if Tunsil holds up similarly.


Eagles edge rusher Bryce Huff traded to San Francisco​


Eagles trading Bryce Huff to the Niners is kind of a roller coaster.

Ross Report™️ presented by https://t.co/BL9o1lfyXZ pic.twitter.com/VuO5k7C4Xb

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) May 30, 2025

From Over the Cap


The trade, which will be processed after June 1, will result in the Eagles taking on $4.94 million in dead money this year. They will defer $16.6 million to next season. While there is a lot of chatter about the Eagles creating over $15 million in space this year the reality is Huff’s original cap number was just $7.4 million so really the team is only $2.4 million better off than originally expected. They will be about $5 million worse off in 2026 than his original contract’s salary cap number. I believe the Eagles will get a $250,000 cap credit in 2026 for a guaranteed workout bonus that already counted on the cap for the Eagles.

Overall the signing of Huff from the Jets was a miss for the Eagles. Huff was a specialist player in New York that the Eagles thought could play a bigger role. He ended up playing in just 12 games and only had 2.5 sacks while appearing in about 40% of the snaps, the same use level as with New York. The final bill for the Eagles will be $26.05 million for those 12 games making this one of the bottom free agent deals of recent times.

The 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, was Huff’s head coach in New York and was able to find a role for Huff where he could thrive as a wide pass rusher. He exploded in his walk year for 10 sacks which earned him the contract with the Eagles. The 49ers will be responsible for $7.95 million in salary this year, of which, I believe, $7.7 million will count on the cap and $250,000 will be a downward adjustment to the 2026 salary cap. His 2026 salary will be $17 million if that remains unchanged, essentially making this a contract year again for Huff.



What are realistic expectations for @Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart in his first season? @RapSheet and @judybattista discuss on The Insiders ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/iKTdJ1DzO9

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 30, 2025


.@minakimes is "really optimistic" about the Cowboys' offense after acquiring George Pickens, BUT @bykevinclark says the Cowboys are still the "third-best" team in the NFC East pic.twitter.com/e5lKPufzGF

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 30, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​

Over the Cap

2025 NFL Roster Turnover


It is always interesting to look at stability year to year in NFL rosters. It can give you a good indication of what front offices and coaching staff’s really thought of last year’s roster and in some cases what salary cap/budgetary constraints can do to a roster. There are two good times to look at these numbers. The first is now as we get into OTA’s and can get a feel for how many different faces will be trying out for the football team in training camp. The second is two days after the final roster cutdown when we actually see who made the team.

I wanted to give two looks at this. The first is overall roster turnover from last year. What we are looking at is every player who was under contract to the team as of the final regular season game of 2024 (not including the practice squad) and what their status is for 2026. The second will be players who played significant snaps for the team in the 2024. I used a 30% threshold as usually that is the sign of a contributor on offense or defense.

Overall Rate of Return

(The chart on the OTC article is sortable on all columns)



Top of the Roster Rate of Return

The Giants lead the NFL with 90% of their top players returning in 2025. That number is amazing considering how bad the team was last year. They have all of the players on offense returning (though Daniel Jones did not count at the end of the year so he was a switch) and rank 10th in returning players on defense. The Giants are clearly banking on the QB being the main problem from last year and that better play will keep the team from spiraling.

(The chart on the OTC article is sortable on all columns)



All aTwitter


Just a reminder that Phase 3 of Commanders OTAs continue this week#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/bkSVPQEofd

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) May 31, 2025

something about dynamic duos... pic.twitter.com/ekwG94RhxS

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 30, 2025

.@Commanders @Buccaneers @JayD__5 to @TheTerry_25 for the go ahead TD on 4th-2 in the 4th Q. Ice Water in his veins. The future is so bright. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/qDI9GYnVUz

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) May 30, 2025

@KJ_Osborn | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ZkwKT4zo9B

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 30, 2025

My assumption is because he ran a 4.65 and had really poor short-area quickness and explosion numbers. https://t.co/6WmPz3vIVx

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) May 30, 2025

Brian Robinson Jr. is ranked 30th amongst #NFL running backs per @PFF
"Robinson’s stats don’t wow, but he’s a hard-nosed runner who has recorded yards-after-contact averages of 2.93 & 3.0 in past two seasons, respectively, with yards-per-attempt averages of 4.1 and 4.2, as well."

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) May 30, 2025

Tress Way didn't give #5 up for nothing https://t.co/ejKEw3fykX

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 30, 2025

ESPN sources: 49ers and Eagles are working to finalize a trade that will send edge rusher Bryce Huff to San Francisco for a mid-round pick. The trade cannot and would not be processed until after June 1. But both sides are working to make it happen, and Huff already has reworked… pic.twitter.com/FJeGc9Cfwx

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2025

"If I'm Nick Bosa, I'm thrilled with this signing... Robert Saleh isn't a big blitzer. He wants his front four to win and I think Bryce Huff is a player that can help Nick Bosa get back to where he needs to be."

- @BaldyNFL via @SteinyGuru957.

https://t.co/sYaUCFpUtD pic.twitter.com/EbDE7EDae7

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 30, 2025

Eagles Bryce Huff highlight reel. pic.twitter.com/LJyZuLrwZA

— The Tape Don’t Lie ️ (@eaglesfilmstudy) May 30, 2025

Here’s a look at Bryce Huff’s pass rushing skills with the Eagles
pic.twitter.com/ZMI35LSQzu

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) May 30, 2025


@TomPelissero

The Aaron Rodgers Waiting Game continues... will it end with the 4x MVP in Pittsburgh? And if so, when?#NFL #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/CvypqtWj2F

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 30, 2025


highest % of receiver error causing incompletions

1. Green Bay Packers
2. New York Jets
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. New York Giants
5. Cleveland Browns
6. Los Angeles Chargers
7. New Orleans Saints
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Atlanta Falcons
10. Carolina Panthers
11. Houston Texans…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 30, 2025

% of attempts that were incomplete due to receiver errors, such as receiver drops, lost control at the ground, didn't get both feet inbounds but should have, fell down and a couple other smaller instanceshttps://t.co/G0DGUX78Hq

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 30, 2025


Dan Campbell thinks Lions schedule is "right kind of brutal." https://t.co/RZnSrz19kU

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 30, 2025


100 days from now = NFL RedZone.

(& for those wondering: Yes, I *will* be there. We have A LOT of Touchdowns to watch together!) #NFLRedZone

— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) May 30, 2025


.@Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn is in the house to support the @WashMystics at his first Mystics game

NYL-WAS | ION pic.twitter.com/wdUWylPhKn

— WNBA (@WNBA) May 31, 2025

Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ownrNnt4Aw

— The NBS Sports Hour (@NBSSportsHour) May 31, 2025

Nastya Ovechkina says her husband Alex Ovechkin will play out the final year of his contract with the Capitals and then return home: "We will stay in Russia, yes"

S/T @HockeyNewsHub https://t.co/BCixxYrFWr

— RMNB (@rmnb) May 30, 2025

James Wood is the only player in MLB history to have a .380+ OBP with 15+ homers and 9+ steals in his team’s first 56 games before turning 23. pic.twitter.com/x508YIqMgs

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) May 30, 2025

James Wood Washington Nationals City Connect Jersey Bobblehead from @FOCOusa https://t.co/uHAFs85d1x pic.twitter.com/eZCdfxSxGm

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) May 30, 2025

NFC East Tier List: Offense pic.twitter.com/UgLGhgByyt

— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) May 30, 2025

Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on seminal TV comedy “MASH,” died Friday at her home in New York City. She was 87.https://t.co/jXQRir5oH5

— Variety (@Variety) May 30, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/5/31...of-the-100-most-important-nfl-players-of-2025
 
Daily Slop - 1 Jun 25 - Bill Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez, Jeremy McNichols: which running back(s) make Commanders roster in ‘25?

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Riggo’s Rag

Chris Rodriguez Jr. must defy the odds again to make Commanders’ roster


Rodriguez was in a similar position entering last season, and even initially didn’t make Washington’s 53-man roster as the team placed him on the practice squad. However, as Robinson and Ekeler both missed a handful of games due to injuries, he was elevated for much of the second half of the campaign. He also accumulated offensive snaps in seven different contests.

His best performance was against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13, rushing for 94 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Rodriguez also found the end zone in Washington’s playoff-sealing Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons. But opportunities were limited.

In addition to Robinson and Ekeler, Rodriguez was also slotted behind veteran Jeremy McNichols on Washington’s depth chart for most of 2024. He also re-signed with the Commanders for 2025, which will only make the third-year pro’s work that much harder.

Only one of McNichols, Croskey-Merritt, and Rodriguez will likely make Washington’s opening 53-man roster.


Commanders Wire

Which UDFA is a player to watch for Commanders?


After the 2025 NFL draft, the Commanders signed former Florida State cornerback Fentrell Cypress II as an undrafted free agent.

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso thinks that could be a sneaky good move for Washington.

Fentrell Cypress II is a man-coverage specialist with the athletic attributes to play that role in the NFL. While not ridiculously long, the former Florida State star is 6-foot-1 and 181 pounds with 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump and tremendous agility illustrated by his 6.84-second time in the three-cone drill at the Seminole pro day.

Sometimes that natural talent is all a cornerback needs to impress coaches enough to go from undrafted to on the roster in Year 1.

Hogs Haven

Running Late: The Success of Mason-Brennan RBs


Roughly two-thirds of Mason Brennan candidates failed to meet their preseason Hype! with a third of those flaming out spectacularly.

As the first Mason-Brennan back of the Peters’ era, some may contend Bill is a different animal, but the history of late round backs can’t be denied. For every Alfred Morris there are multiple players that never log a regular season stat. As mentioned in the [linked] Chris Rodriguez article, just about every season there does seem to be one late round running back that surprises the league so fans may continue to hope that is JCM this year.

Setting the bar too high makes it almost impossible for the nominee to have any chance of clearing it.

How are we doing with tempering expectations for Jacory Croskey-Merritt so far?

Based on a recent interview with the 7th Round back on a podcast quoted by SI… not well.

Making the team, going out there and producing, helping the team win a Super Bowl—that’s my rookie goal,” he said. “I feel like if we go out there and do that, then the other stuff will come. Rookie Player of the Year and all the other stuff, you feel me? So I feel like just going out there and winning and helping, and just letting the other goals fall into place.”

Bill’s not interested in managing the Hype! any more than the fans. So for now, we can sit back and enjoy the preseason excitement and wait to see if he adds yet another rating to the Hype! Meter. Rookie Player of the Year.


Podcasts & videos

Locked on Commanders: Deatrich Wise Jr. Talks Commanders FIT, LEADERSHIP & Run Defense FIX​


This is a very good 20-minute one-on-one interview with Washington’s DE Deatrich Wise — a great chance to learn about the former Patriot and current Commander (and brother of former Washington player, Daniel Wise)


NFC East links

Pro Football Focus

2025 NFL Roster Rankings: Strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for every starting lineup

1. Philadelphia Eagles


Biggest strength in 2024: Defense

So much went right for the Eagles during their incredible championship run. Chief among their accomplishments is that their defense led the NFL in PFF overall grade and PFF coverage grade while placing second in PFF pass-rush grade and PFF run-defense grade. Philadelphia lost a handful of key contributors this offseason but should still boast an elite defensive unit under Vic Fangio in 2025.

Biggest weakness in 2024: Passing game

Though their defense and running game were elite, the Eagles’ passing attack wasn’t as consistent as it could’ve been last season. Much of that burden falls on quarterback Jalen Hurts, who ranked 23rd among qualifiers in PFF passing grade despite an outstanding final two games of the season. The biggest drop-off came in the dropback game, where Hurts posted a 64.6 non-play-action PFF passing grade, tied for 27th in the NFL.

X-factor for 2025: EDGE Nolan Smith

Rookie to watch: LB Jihaad Campbell

11. Washington Commanders


Biggest strength in 2024: Jayden Daniels

Daniels was the centerpiece of Washington’s miraculous run to the NFC Championship game last season after going second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels’ dynamic dual-threat ability allowed him to rank fifth among qualified quarterbacks with a 90.6 PFF overall grade. He posted a league-best 1.5% turnover-worthy play rate and led all quarterbacks with 52 missed tackles forced.

Biggest weakness in 2024: Defensive line

The Commanders’ defensive line ranked 31st in the NFL in PFF grade last season, largely because of poor run defense (39.1 PFF run-defense grade). Edge defender Dorance Armstrong was the only qualified player within the unit who earned at least a 65.0 PFF overall grade. Washington didn’t make a ton of defensive line acquisitions, either, so the unit could struggle once again when facing the league’s elite offensive lines, namely Philadelphia’s.

X-factor for 2025: CB Marshon Lattimore

Rookie to watch: T Josh Conerly Jr.


15. Dallas Cowboys


Biggest strength in 2024: Pass rush

Dallas ranked fourth in the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade despite Micah Parsons missing four games due to injury. Of course, Parsons did his part when healthy, posting an elite 91.6 PFF pass-rush grade that ranked third among qualified edge defenders. The other big contributor was defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who placed among the league’s top interior defenders with 60 pressures and a 78.5 PFF pass-rush grade.

Biggest weakness in 2024: Run defense

Dallas’ performance in run defense was among the NFL’s worst. Only Carolina posted a lower PFF run-defense grade. Linebacker Eric Kendricks and safety Malik Hooker were the Cowboys’ only qualified players to earn at least a 70.0 PFF run-defense grade. New defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus needs to make the team’s run defense a priority if this team is going to compete with the likes of Philadelphia and Washington.

X-factor for 2025: QB Dak Prescott

Rookie to watch: G Tyler Booker

27. New York Giants


Biggest strength in 2024: Defensive line

Led by standouts Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, the Giants’ defensive line ranked 11th in the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade last season. They likely would’ve placed higher had Lawrence’s season not been cut short in Week 13 due to injury. The additions of talented rookies Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander could make this one of the most dangerous units in the NFL in 2025.

Biggest weakness in 2024: Quarterback

The Giants’ passing game simply couldn’t function consistently in 2024 with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy Devito and Tim Boyle throwing passes. The team ranked 30th in the NFL in PFF passing grade while accumulating just 15 big-time throws and 24 turnover-worthy plays. Luckily, they’ve overhauled their quarterback room by adding veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, along with first-round pick Jaxson Dart, who led the FBS with a 91.9 PFF passing grade in 2024

X-factor for 2025: S Jevon Holland

Rookie to watch: EDGE Abdul Carter


Over the Cap

Eagles Do Something Different with a Rookie Contract


[T]he Eagles guaranteed [6th round draft pick Cameron] Williams $475,000 of his salary, bringing his total guarantee to $676,568 rather than the $201,568 that would normally come from the slot. The guarantee is split as $375,000 in 2025 and $125,000 in 2026. There is also a small salary increase in the first two years of the contract.

In return for the salary guarantee the Eagles have a split salary in the 3rd year of the contract, which is not typical of drafted player contracts. A split salary brings a player’s salary down if he lands on a reserve list.

Why would the Eagles want to do this? You can’t rework a rookie’s contract until year 4 so if a player has an injury history you cant modify the deal to account for that. Philly has often done this with their players in year 4 if the situation calls for it so it would make sense if they are attempting to get it covered for year 3 as well by including it in their rookie deals.

The additional guarantee to the Eagles is almost meaningless. A $375,000 guarantee in 2025 is not much higher than a Practice Squad salary so most of the salary is covered. Plus the odds are against cutting a 6th round pick that early, and even if they did the guarantee would then transfer. A $125K guarantee in 2026 is really only meaningful if he is out of the league next year.

There is more Williams could have pushed for. He could have maxed out his contract value in 2026 and 2027 the way the picks in the first three rounds maximize their contract value. He could have pushed all of the guarantee to 2026 or 2027 which would have been more meaningful since those are years more likely to be released and potentially not land back on an active roster.

A pretty minor development but considering how many teams are giving UDFA’s big P5 bonuses this could end up being a strategy other teams besides the Eagles use moving forward to try to get more injury protection on the back end of a rookie contract.


Bleeding Green Nation

Philadelphia Eagles will open significant salary cap space this weekend


Cap space from the Darius Slay and James Bradberry cuts will be available by Monday morning.

Darius Slay has a whopping $22.75 million in dead money incurred from his release, with $9.44 million slated to be paid in 2025 and another $13.26 million in 2026. James Bradberry has $10.81 million in dead money remaining, with $3.1 million set to be paid this season and another $7.72 million in 2026. That’s a total of nearly $21 million in dead cap that must be paid next season.

This is simply the cost of doing business for the Eagles, who are one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL at deferring salary cap to future years using signing bonuses, option bonuses, and void years to limit the cap hit in the early seasons of the deal. Philadelphia is currently third in the NFL in total dead money, and could climb even higher once these two post-June 1st releases hit the books.

Obviously the strategy has worked extremely well for Philadelphia in recent years, but look no further than another NFC team for an example of how things can go horribly wrong: the New Orleans Saints.


NFL league links

Articles​

Pro Football Focus

Will someone call the Dolphins after June 1 about a trade for Tyreek Hill?


When Dolphins G.M. Chris Grier was asked in April about a potential trade of receiver Tyreek Hill, Grier didn’t shoot it down.

“If someone wants to come and give me two first round picks then we’d consider it,” Grier said. “But, as of right now, it’s not something we’re considering.”

That could change in a couple of days. Given the realities of Hill’s contract (re-done in 2024), it makes sense for the Dolphins to hold Hill until June 2 or later. That’s when the cap consequences can be spread over two years.

For now, Hill has $28.296 million in unallocated bonus money that will hit the cap. A pre-June 1 trade means all of it lands in 2025. A post-June 1 trade limits the 2025 dead money to $12.728 million, with the remaining $15.568 million landing on the cap in 2026.

The same dynamic has always meant cornerback Jalen Ramsey won’t be traded until after June 1. And it means that any potential trade of Hill wouldn’t happen until after June 1, too.

It all comes down to whether a team is waiting for the calendar to migrate past May before making the call. And, more broadly, to whether another team is interested in taking on Hill’s contract, which pays out $25.85 million fully guaranteed in 2025.

While no one will offer a pair of first-round picks for Hill, Grier’s comment from mid-April operates as an invitation to make an offer. Although Grier has disputed that the Dolphins are in a rebuilding year, the sudden interest in moving Ramsey suggests they are at least refocusing.


The Athletic (paywall)​

A renovated Arrowhead or a dome in Kansas? Inside the Chiefs’ looming stadium decision


The Chiefs’ stadium question is about to reach a couple of key checkpoints. By the end of June, the franchise hopes to decide which side of the Missouri-Kansas state line the team will play its home games after the 2030 season. With that timeframe in mind, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has called the general assembly back for a Tuesday special session, in part to discuss the stadium tax-incentive program.

The most ambitious option for the Chiefs — who are considering renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a state-of-the-art venue — involves the construction of a dome in Kansas that would cost an estimated $3 billion.

That option has already led Hunt and team president Mark Donovan to answer the question of whether a dome in Kansas would guarantee higher profits for the Chiefs and lead to more lucrative, alluring opportunities for the region.

“Yes,” Donovan said at the league meeting. “It’s definitely part of the conversations in Kansas. This is one of the reasons you do this.”

“Both options are very much in play,” Hunt said of renovating Arrowhead or building a dome in Kansas. “Really, our timeline is driven more by having enough time to do the renovation work or the construction so that we can be in the new or renovated building in the summer of 2031. To really comfortably stay on schedule, it would be best to have some direction by the summer.”


Terry McLaurin’s agent took out an ad


Good Morning

Here’s a Thread of Terry Mclaurin’s Best Moments

PAY HIM !!!#RaiseHail @TheTerry_25 RIPDH ️ pic.twitter.com/Vfjc26XFHC

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/B1K630UbkQ

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/fyWD2nSqtU

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/c5vP5Vw7pB

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/NOxnIGjhN3

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/KdjroUZBXE

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/f0L8HfLgVb

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/e41Pfa1DMU

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/mhCLJqxENm

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/ZThbUAZJgl

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

pic.twitter.com/ij9pGIDJy9

— CommanderDev3x (@CommanderDev3x) May 31, 2025

All aTwitter


Loading… pic.twitter.com/NhnKVJre5m

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 31, 2025

national smile day pic.twitter.com/3txi1DrpZd

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 31, 2025

Throwback to one of the best games this past postseason.

Sent them back to their rooms in their own gotdamn den. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/PRbZEcYp35

— Hilary (@HilareeBanks) May 29, 2025

The Athletics' @SandoNFL highlights Laremy Tunsil as the most impactful offseason addition for the #Commanders.

He highlights that Tunsil was younger than Trent Williams and Duane Brown when they initially changed teams. Yet, they're still productive. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/J9nNkL6GgP

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) May 31, 2025

Rick Snider’s Washington talks Washington Commanders receivers. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/My5oY8h6KG

— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) May 31, 2025


Big thank you to the @Commanders and Coach Quinn for letting me spend the day with them yesterday. I enjoyed watching the OTA, talking football and connecting with a bunch of long-time friends in the organization. There is a good vibe in that building. Thanks again. pic.twitter.com/9sjOskwpgx

— Terry Heffernan (@Coach_TerryHeff) May 31, 2025

I believe the 91 Skins were the only team in history to have a top 5 defense,offense, and special teams. We would have whooped that ass! The problem with Pat’s fans is they believe the history, the NFL started 2000. https://t.co/pmqv7nH43l

— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) May 30, 2025


After winning it all in 2025, the #Eagles have a number of positions that they'll need to fill following departures in the offseason. Here's a look at how some of those positions are shaping up:https://t.co/W6QFjfiaWm

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) May 31, 2025

Lavonte David wants a rematch with Bobby Wagner’s Commanders.

"Hopefully, we'll meet up again. That first-round playoff game was heartbreaking."@heykayadams | @LavonteDavid54 | @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/52VJx7bG47

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 30, 2025

Pierre Garçon knew Jayden Daniels was that guy the moment he dropped a dime to “Scary Terry” for the go-ahead touchdown Week 3 against the Bengals on MNF. @heykayadams | @PierreGarcon | @Commanders pic.twitter.com/H0g9xgDgK5

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 20, 2025

Knowing when to let it rip is half the battle pic.twitter.com/V8j4MeC9TL

— Steven Patton (@PattonAnalytics) May 30, 2025

Jayden Daniels is incredible pic.twitter.com/lVsKn90aJR

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) May 30, 2025


Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ownrNnt4Aw

— The NBS Sports Hour (@NBSSportsHour) May 31, 2025

some of them were NOT safe pic.twitter.com/BPZFLggy9C

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 30, 2025

Think they can get a few more on? pic.twitter.com/8uvuqU7hSA

— Dear Farang (@dearfarang) May 31, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/1/...ez-jeremy-mcnichols-which-rb-makes-commanders
 
Daily Slop - 2 Jun 25 - Commanders resume Phase 3 of OTAs today

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Riggo’s Rag

Luke McCaffrey already fighting to stay relevant in loaded Commanders offense


Last year’s third-round pick got plenty of reps as a rookie. Targets on the offensive rotation were in short supply throughout the campaign, but this experience should serve him well. Even so, McCaffrey cannot take his foot off the gas in pursuit of carving out a bigger role for himself in 2025.

The Commanders selected Jaylin Lane at No. 128 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s explosive with similar traits to McCaffrey. One could even make a strong case for his physical prowess being more impressive, which could lead to surging above the former Rice standout on the depth chart and as a kick returner.

NFL analyst places Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey on the hot seat​


Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points placed the microscope on McCaffrey’s predicament in greater detail. The analyst highlighted his lack of production last season, coupled with other wideouts catching the eye at organized team activities, as reasons why alarm bells are being raised. Something he believes is a bad sign for his overall outlook.

“For all of the good things that were written and said about [Luke] McCaffrey, it never showed up on the field. Keep in mind, too, that McCaffrey had a dynamic quarterback on the field with him. Jayden Daniels turned average receivers into playmakers with his performances. But not McCaffrey. McCaffrey is already out of excuses despite being in just his second NFL season. Sometimes players can take a leap from year one to year two, but most of the buzz from the Commanders revolves around the new receivers. McCaffrey’s name hasn’t come up much. That’s a bad sign.”

Douglas Fritz

McCaffrey will make the squad. The Commanders aren’t going to throw in the towel on his potential so soon into his NFL journey. But unless progress arrives quickly, there’s a chance he could be buried down the depth chart.

Trey Amos predicted to bring aggressive mindset to Commanders’ defense


Douglas Fritz from Clutch Points placed more hype on Amos, naming him among Washington’s hidden gems that fans should get to know quickly. The analyst expects the defensive back to give Dan Quinn’s defense an aggressive spark. Something that could make a significant difference against some imposing passing attacks on the 2025 schedule.

“Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had things easier on the defensive side of the ball when his cornerbacks made life miserable for opposing offenses. But the personnel didn’t match Quinn’s approach in 2024. The hope for the Commanders is [Trey] Amos will provide an aggressive spark. Plus, he can bait the QB, read from across the field, and converge on the ball.”

Douglas Fritz

This is all immensely positive. The Commanders will give Amos all he can handle throughout the summer in pursuit of honing his craft. If he passes these tests, especially going up against the likes of Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr., that should inspire enough confidence.


Commanders Wire

Will Washington Commanders’ aging roster hold them back in 2025?


[ESPN’s Bill Barnwell discussed] the age of the Commanders’ team and their lack of youthful talent. At the end, he talks about how the Houston Texans surrounded C.J. Stroud with one of the oldest rosters, and while they won the division and a playoff game, it was a struggle all season long and not the season they had hoped for.

Barnwell concludes by saying that this ‘might be more of a consolidation year than one in which they challenge for a Super Bowl.’

He could be right, but he could also be wrong. There are some very big differences between the Commanders and the Texans. For one, C.J. Stroud is not Jayden Daniels. They don’t play the same style of football, and their coaches ask them to do different things. Stroud isn’t quite as talented as Daniels, and the weapons they have to throw to aren’t the same. Also, the Texans don’t have offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Yes, there is a fine line between being a veteran at his peak and being near the end of your career, but that also doesn’t mean that being at the end of your career means you’re not playing at a high level. Age is a secondary consideration in 2025 as we continue to see players on the field into their late 30s and even 40s, so while the Commanders’ roster may be on the older end, it certainly doesn’t mean they won’t take a step forward in 2025.


Sports Illustrated

Could the Commanders still make a move at cornerback?


Some believe the Washington Commanders need to do more for their cornerback room before the season begins. Despite additions and returning players like Marshon Lattimore and Mike Sainristil, some believe the team could still benefit from a big-name veteran, especially in a division with A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Malik Nabers running around.

One of the more recent names attached to the Commanders in trade speculations has been Jalen Ramsey, who is expected to be moved by the Miami Dolphins as early as Monday morning.

But there’s another cornerback out there who might be available, and Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports thinks Washington could be in the hunt for Green Bay Packers’ star Jaire Alexander.

“All offseason, the Green Bay Packers have publicly anticipated a breakup with Alexander, who’s simultaneously been one of the NFL’s best — and most injured — cover men,” says Benjamin. “Both sides hinted at a split in free agency, either via trade or release. Now the Packers apparently have a new contract offer on the table, but if the Pro Bowler doesn’t bite at a pay cut, Green Bay could save $17 million by cutting or trading the cornerback after June 1. That’s an increase of $9.5 million from prior to June 1.”

With his injury history, he’s not going to fetch a ton on the open market, and if the Commanders see as much need in their cornerback group as some outsiders do, they could take a gamble on much worse players out there.

In fact, Alexander’s reduced price tag might just be reason enough for a team with good corners on the roster already to make a run at him, in a low-risk, high-upside approach. Perhaps, a team like the Commanders, which has done wonders with other veterans, thought some were past their prime.


Podcasts & videos

Inside the Commanders DC Deal With Owner Josh Harris | The Deal​


I watched this beginning to end. If you’ve got the patience to listen to a lot of business talk, there’s a lot of insight in this interview into how Harris perceives and values sports investment; if not, you may find this a dry discussion after the first few minutes.


Photos

PHOTOS | In the lab for Phase 3


Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders during their OTA practice in the bubble on May 28.







NFC East links

Big Blue View

Did the Giants close the talent gap? Ranking NFC East defenses position-by-position

Defensive line​

  • 4 points: Commanders
  • 3 points: Eagles
  • 2 points: Giants
  • 1 point: Cowboys

Still, the Giants came in third because of Philadelphia and the Commanders, who I surprisingly ranked first (four points). I respect Daron Payne, but he’s no Dexter Lawrence or even Jalen Carter, yet he’s complemented by Johnny Newton, Deatrich Wise, and Sheldon Day. Eddie Goldman is also on the roster, but he’s struggled his last two seasons. Wise came over from New England and brings a level of physicality to the line as a 280-pounder who aligns as a 5-technique at times. Johnny Newton was injured through training camp and got a late start to the season — I remain high on his skill set. I’m not the biggest fan of Javon Kinlaw’s game but he’s another defensive line asset that was added through free agency. The combination of Payne, Wise, Newton, Day, Kinlaw, and Goldman is just deeper than what the Giants and Eagles have, so I gave the nod to Washington for four-points.

Final thoughts​


Let’s see the NFC East defensive point totals:

  • 14 points: Eagles
  • 13 points: Cowboys
  • 12 points: Giants
  • 11 points: Commanders

The Eagles steal the top spot again, with Dallas finishing with one more point than the Giants. Washington finished one point behind the Giants on defense in this very meticulous exercise. Here are the combined offensive and defensive points:

  • 37 points: Eagles
  • 25 points: Giants
  • 25 points: Cowboys
  • 23 points: Commanders

The Eagles finished with 12 more points than the Giants and Cowboys, who tied with 25. Washington finished with two fewer points than New York and Dallas, with 23 total points. This means the Giants will be a better team than the Commanders


Blogging the Boys

Like Byron Jones before him, the Cowboys should let DaRon Bland walk next summer


The Dallas Cowboys are about to have a lot of decisions to make. Micah Parsons’s contract has already been the subject of much discussion, but other players entering the final year of their current deal include George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, Jake Ferguson, Hunter Luepke, Brandon Aubrey, Sam Williams, Donovan Wilson, and DaRon Bland.

Of all of those names, though, Bland may be the most intriguing.

A fifth-round pick in 2022, Bland was pushed into a starting role as a rookie when slot corner Jourdan Lewis suffered a season-ending injury. He played well enough to earn the starting job opposite Trevon Diggs the next year, though Diggs would suffer an injury of his own early into the season.

Bland, who had led the team with five picks the year before, lit the league on fire with a league-leading nine interceptions, breaking a record by returning five of them for a touchdown. Unsurprisingly, Bland was named a First-Team All-Pro that year.

However, Bland’s follow-up campaign wasn’t as special. He failed to record an interception all year, though he missed more than half the season with a foot injury. Even when he did play, though, Bland didn’t look like himself.

He gave up a completion two thirds of the time quarterbacks threw at him, and Bland’s passer rating allowed clocked in at 116.1, which is easily the worst mark in his career. In fact, only seven cornerbacks had a worse passer rating when targeted last year.

Of course, none of this is to say that Bland is a bad player - the injury and the scheme change are two big factors to consider - but it does complicate the question of Bland’s market as contract negotiations approach.

Bland’s 2023 was spectacular, and he’s already got his name in the NFL record books. It won’t surprise anyone if his agent tries to make Bland the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Honestly, anything less than top five would be a shock.

In other words, Bland could very easily end up securing a contract that pays him more than $24 million a year.

Whatever the actual number ends up being, though, it shouldn’t be with the Cowboys.


Pro Football Talk

Odell Beckham Jr. says he “never, ever wanted to leave the Giants”


In late August of 2018, the Giants signed receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to a contract extension. Within weeks, things got weird. Within months, the Giants traded Beckham to the Browns.

On Saturday, Beckham said he didn’t want to go.

I never, ever wanted to leave the New York Giants,” Beckham said during the CBS coverage of the UEFA Champions League final, via Fox News.com. “The reason you heard me talking about what was going on was because I was pissed because, where I come from in college, if we lost one game, our season was over.”

Asked at the time whether he [was]happy in New York, Beckham said, “That’s a tough question.”

Even after Beckham was traded, he spoke openly about his unhappiness in New York.

I can’t do this anymore,” Beckham told GQ regarding his mindset during his last year in New York. “I just can’t do it. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t in a good place. And like I told you earlier, I feel like everything is about happiness, and I just was not.”

He wasn’t happy. But he never, ever wanted to leave?

The reality is that he had it worse with the Browns, who eventually released him after the 2021 trade deadline.

He...missed all of 2022, spent 2023 with the Ravens, and had a disappointing 2024 with the Dolphins, who cut him late in the year. He had no takers and still has been linked to no NFL team.

[W]ith 579 catches and 7,987 career receiving yards, a career that once seemed destined for Canton will likely be remembered primarily for one very memorable one-handed catch in 2014 and otherwise unfulfilled potential.


All aTwitter


Football is for everyone pic.twitter.com/QkIrj96NeU

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 1, 2025

A man of the people!!!

Jayden Daniels making dreams come true! #RaiseHail

pic.twitter.com/XO2YYNjLoS

— SJM (@DMVCommanders) June 2, 2025


The defensive players who will take the biggest step forward in 2025 pic.twitter.com/InoUSv358E

— PFF (@PFF) June 1, 2025

The Top 10 Offensive Tackles in the NFL today pic.twitter.com/GUoA1WVkIN

— PFF (@PFF) May 31, 2025

Bounce-back candidates for every team in the NFC East pic.twitter.com/Bve3U79aaX

— PFF (@PFF) May 29, 2025

The Top 32 Linebackers going into the 2025 season pic.twitter.com/8iR9SaSMld

— PFF (@PFF) May 28, 2025

We've seen that the #Falcons have been fielding trade calls on TE Kyle Pitts, but Pitts, reportedly, has not requested a trade:https://t.co/jAW39s48kF

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 1, 2025

NFLPA says it's not "actively preparing" for a four-team European division. https://t.co/kq4lmI6B6g

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) June 1, 2025


Secret is out now https://t.co/1SqKeNiK3D

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) June 1, 2025


Congrats to our Girls Flag team who represented the Commanders at this year's Big 33 tournament on a hard-fought effort! pic.twitter.com/nm2mfntf5L

— Washington Commanders Community (@commandersCR) June 1, 2025

This photo from the @Commanders main handle is pretty iconic.

Not only does it capture Chris Cooley in the background, but it also shows Moss scoring the game winning TD against JAX in OT

Moss had 4 catches, 138 yds and 3 TDs in this game

HBD to the "Cowboy Killa" #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/l4ON2tMCQy

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) June 2, 2025

Ed Reed was an absolute freak back in the day
pic.twitter.com/vX1jWezVJ4

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) May 31, 2025

The #Nats were up 10-0 in the blink of an eye on Saturday night on their way to their 4th straight victory.@MarkZuckerman (From Phoenix) & @AlGaldi after the 11-7 win:https://t.co/09AWqX4pXW

— Nats Chat Podcast (@Nats_Chat) June 1, 2025

Also per @EliasSports, it is the first time the Nationals have ever batted around in the first inning without recording an out.

Montreal did so once on June 27, 1971.

— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) June 1, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/2/...un-25-commanders-resume-phase-3-of-otas-today
 
Commanders Reacts Survey: Rookie out-performance and veteran absence from OTAs

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Poll questions!!

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Washington Commanders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.



This week we have two questions in the Reacts survey.

Question 1


Drafted players all have expectations in their rookie seasons, but those expectations may vary wildly based on draft position. A year ago, for example, many (but not all) Commanders fans expected Jayden Daniels to spend his rookie season establishing himself as the team’s “franchise quarterback”. Expectations for the third-round tackle, Brandon Coleman, were much less ambitious, while fans feelings about seventh round pick Javontae Jean-Baptiste might’ve been described more as ‘hope’ than ‘expectation’.

Despite being subject to the highest expectations of the 9-man group, Jayden Daniels probably did the most to out-perform those expectations in his rookie year.

The team drafted five more young men this offseason. Our question today is: Which of them is likely to most out-perform the expectations of his draft position as a rookie?

Question 2


The media was invited to attend a single day of Phase 3 OTAs last week, and, as always, they shared their observations, providing a single brief snapshot of the situation at the Commanders training facility.

One notable area of reporting last week was that three veteran players — WR Terry McLaurin, OT Laremy Tunsil, and CB Marshon Lattimore — were not present.

It seemed clear that McLaurin’s absence was related to his ongoing contract extension negotiations with the team. There had been plenty of angst about his absence under similar circumstances in 2022, but that all resolved itself in a positive manner. The feeling from most people seems to be that McLaurin has more than earned the benefit of the doubt — that he is simply ‘taking care of business’ and that everything will get worked out quickly. In short, nothing to see here.

The situation with the other two veterans, each acquired via trade since the start of November, is less clear cut. Either or both could be attempting to negotiate new contract terms since both have 2 seasons remaining with little or no guaranteed money but there have been no reports that Adam Peters is negotiating revised contracts with either player. Neither was with the team last offseason when Dan Quinn was talking openly about the importance of the offseason program.

Tunsil’s situation seems to get put into perspective by two mitigating factors. First, he had a history of not attending offseason programs in Houston. Second, he was a pro bowl player in each of the last three seasons. If he has been successful in the recent past without attending Spring training sessions, many fans seem ready to accept that this is just part of the package that comes with this top-tier left tackle.

Lattimore’s situation is different in that he has been on the Commanders roster since the middle of the ‘24 season. Due to injury at the time of the mid-season trade, he missed more games than he played, but when he was on the field, there was a lot of poor play and far too many penalties. He rarely looked like the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year, 4-time Pro Bowler, and ‘shut down’ corner that fans hoped he would be when Peters traded for him. Lattimore’s rocky start with the Commanders means that some people — not all — feel that he is on a shorter leash and has not earned the same benefit of the doubt as Tunsil and McLaurin. Others feel little or no concern about an 8-year veteran missing voluntary Spring workouts.

In today’s second question, we explore that by asking how concerned you are by the fact that CB Marshon Lattimore was reported to have missed the voluntary OTAs.

Comments & Results


Of course, we invite you to answer the survey questions below, but also feel free to expand on your answers and provide nuance in the comments section. I rely on those comments when discussing the results of the survey when they are posted in a separate article the next few days.

POLL QUESTIONS


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/3/...out-performance-and-veteran-absence-from-otas
 
Daily Slop - 5 Jun 25 - Trench Thursday: Brandon Coleman, Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman & more

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Bullock’s Film Room

How will Brandon Coleman handle shifting to guard?


The good news for Coleman is that he has some experience playing left guard already, having played some in college. Many draft analysts projected him as a guard at the next level. The Commanders have been bullish on his ability to play tackle, but with Tunsil and Conerly likely the bookend tackles, the only available spot for Coleman to start at is guard. But is Coleman actually better suited to guard and how will that move mesh with his strengths and weaknesses? Let’s take a closer look.

Run blocking

As a run blocker, Coleman showed a lot of tenacity and the ability to move defenders off their spot last season. In a lot of their gap scheme runs, Coleman would be responsible for helping a guard secure a block inside before working up to the second level, which he proved effective at.

However, at guard, Coleman’s responsibility on a lot of these gap run schemes will be slightly different. Instead of helping the guard secure a block and then working up to the second level, Coleman will be the guard that has to secure the block on the defensive tackle inside. Fortunately, there were a few different instances where he had to do just that last season.


Commanders.com

OTA notebook | Quan Martin could become one of NFL’s ‘better safeties’


Martin, a second-round pick from the 2023 season, had the best campaign of his career so far, recording 87 tackles in the regular season and two total interceptions, one of which was the touchdown he scored in the Divisional round against the Detroit Lions. He started 16 games, compared to just five in 2023, and forced three fumbles as the team’s strong safety.

But Martin’s growth has been a work in progress under Whitt and his defensive staff. Whitt had him playing with the second group during last year’s OTAs, primarily because he was making mistakes that the defensive coordinator said, “We can’t afford to make.”

After that, Martin ripped off three consecutive strong practices. He worked his way back onto the starting defense, which is when he made one of the more impressive plays of the offseason by catching an interception behind his back.

Now, Martin has taken his development a step further and become a leader in terms of communicating on the field with his teammates.


Washington Post (paywall)​

‘We got some big ol’ guys’: Why the Commanders’ defensive line bulked up


After last season’s struggles to stop the run, Washington has spent the offseason confronting some weighty issues

After losing longtime tackle Jonathan Allen and last season’s sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., in free agency, the Commanders bulked up by signing defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who combined weigh close to half a ton and stand 6-foot-4 on average.

Washington also brought back 335-pound interior lineman Carl Davis and saw returning tackle Sheldon Day tack on a few pounds — he’s now listed at 294, up from 285. And the team still has 2018 first-round pick Daron Payne anchoring the interior at a svelte 320.

“We wanted to get bigger and longer, and we definitely did that up front,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said ahead of Wednesday’s workout. “The vision of how we want to play and how we want to be and how we will look, you’re seeing more of it right now from a size and length and speed standpoint.”


The Athletic (paywall)​

Commanders’ Daron Payne is leading by example with his inspiring offseason work


“(Payne) looks really good. He looks in tempo,” Whitt said. “Like, every day this dude is — I’m having to tell him, ‘Hey, man, let’s calm down.’”

Washington fans previously witnessed Payne playing the role of interior monster. The 2022 version collapsed pockets and engulfed ball carriers en route to earning his lone Pro Bowl selection with 11 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The 2018 first-round pick signed a four-year, $90 million contract the following offseason. Whitt and Quinn will become unabashed cheerleaders if Payne’s performances sniff that level.

While solid in the subsequent two seasons, Payne’s combined sack (8) and tackles for loss (18) numbers didn’t pop. There were a few individual standout moments during Washington’s all-smiles 12-win regular season. Maintaining this intensity when the games count would help regain that form.

“I walked past (Payne) today and said, ‘Man, you’ve had a remarkable offseason,’” Quinn said following Wednesday’s session. “I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill (work). You just see something that jumps out differently. … I felt that from him coming into this offseason, and I’ve certainly been impressed by what I’ve seen so far.”


Yardbarker

Commanders need big year from Daron Payne


Washington is now rebuilding the line for the second straight year around Payne. However, Payne’s play was lackluster the past two seasons, with four sacks each year. While interior linemen’s contributions aren’t completely seen on a stat sheet, Payne has underperformed.

“I’ve been really pleased,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt said of Payne. “[Payne] is leading by example. This year you can see him taking that leadership role to the next step.”

The Commanders focused on interior defensive linemen for depth hoping to bolster their run defense, which ranked third-worst leaguewide (137.5 yards per game) last season. They added Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin in free agency.

If Washington is to improve, it’s up to Payne and his pupils.


Washington Business Journal (paywall)​

Commanders conducting preliminary search for D.C. stadium architect


The spokesperson said that because of D.C.’s height limit, the stadium “cannot be built with a ‘straight up’ design similar to other modern stadiums and still achieve the 65,000-seat capacity the team is seeking.” But they added that those limitations “will allow the team to ‘do some really interesting things both from the experience inside the stadium as well as the aesthetics of it outside the stadium.’”


Podcasts & videos


On video wrapping up the Commanders’ OTA practice (while legendary NBC Washington sports photog ⁦@dckerNBC4⁩ quietly works a few feet away!). Deebo Samuel; Jayden Daniels, Will Harris, big nickels, Croskey-Merritt and more. ⁦@ESPNRichmondhttps://t.co/4Q7ZwiKD0B

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 5, 2025

Commanders Defense in SPOTLIGHT as Jayden Daniels Shines in Red Zone​


NFC East links

The Athletic (paywall)​

The Scotsman who helped the Eagles perfect the tush push: ‘Nobody else is doing what I do’


“I’ve spent the last 20 years working on how to move bodies: angles, force, height, weight, you name it,” Gray says. “So on watching it we kind of ripped the whole play to bits and built it back up again, and out of that conversation, I’m sure there were two or three things the group took and added to the play.

“The play is over three levels, firstly, the offensive line. You’ve got some phenomenal O-line athletes at the Eagles, one of the heaviest in the league, some huge humans. You’ve then got Jalen Hurts, who is pound-for-pound one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league, so the play is completely made for his body type.” Hurts squatted 600 pounds (272 kilograms) while in college at Alabama.

“Then you’ve got two players in behind him who actually don’t add that much at all in the push. It’s called the push, but if you watch it, there’s actually not a lot of pushing involved in it. It’s thought of as a pushing play, but a lot of the time, those two back pushers never get to Hurts. The job’s done before then. I always class it as organised mass.”



KJ Henry used NIL to save his father’s life. Signing with the Eagles brought him closer to the nonprofit that helped. https://t.co/8tUAhZpgJw

— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) May 20, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​

NFL.com

Derek Carr on decision to retire: I didn’t want to ‘just take the Saints money’


“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and — it sounds crazy but — just take the Saints money,” Carr told David Rumsey of Front Office Sports.

Carr framed his May 10 decision to walk away as being in the best interest of all parties.

“I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery,” Carr said. “And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”

The Saints and Carr came to the decision that the quarterback would retire, leaving $30 million guaranteed that he would have received in 2025, and the club wouldn’t pursue the $10 million roster bonus that would have been forfeited by retiring.


Discussion topics

Washington Post (paywall)​

Are cold plunges good for you? Here’s what the science says.


Cold plunges are very popular, but a new study shows they may interfere with muscle recovery and growth.

Ice baths and cold plunges — interchangeable terms for soaking in near-freezing water — have grown wildly popular in recent years, thanks to podcasters, social media influencers, professional athletes and others touting their uses for exercise recovery and personal wellness.

But do they actually work?

That question was at the heart of a new study of frigid water and resistance training. The study’s authors found that plunging your limbs into icy water after lifting weights slows blood flow to muscles, hampering their ability to recover and grow, potentially reducing the benefits of the workout.

“It looks like it’s not a great idea” to soak in freezing water after lifting weights, said Milan Betz, a doctoral student at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, who led the study.

The findings add to mounting evidence that ice baths may undermine the effects of lifting and also raise the provocative issue of when, if ever, ice baths are a great idea.

cientists in Australia asked 21 men to lift weights twice a week. Half of the men cold plunged after every session; the others didn’t. After three months, the cold plungers’ muscles were nearly 20 percent smaller and weaker than the other men’s, although everyone followed the same exercise routine.

The review’s authors speculated that frigid temperatures shrink blood vessels, impeding blood flow to muscles. Blood carries nutrients, including protein, that muscles rely on to rebuild and bulk up after draining exercise. Less blood flow means less protein and a feebler recovery.

[In one recent study] volunteers...sweated though a tough session of leg press and leg extension exercises, before immediately clambering onto a bicycle-like contraption with large buckets where the pedals should be. One contained tepid 80-degree water, the other icy 30-degree water. The men slid a leg into each bucket, so one limb cold plunged, the other didn’t, and stayed there for 20 minutes.

Afterward, the volunteers drank a recovery shake containing protein molecules marked with a biochemical tracer. Researchers could track the tracer to see whether the proteins wound up in muscles or not. The scientists also checked blood flow with an ultrasound several more times over the next few hours.

What they found was that blood flow dropped substantially in the volunteers’ cold-plunged leg, compared to their other limb, and stayed low for hours. The muscles in that chilled leg consequently received and absorbed far less protein from the shake. Over time, this reduced protein intake would likely mean blunted gains in strength and muscle mass from the lifting.

Some people also ice bathe for reasons unrelated to exercise recovery, including to make themselves feel mentally stronger and more resilient. The new study did not consider psychological outcomes from chilling out, Betz said, and, if you find comfort in cold plunges, “there’s no reason to change your mind.”

But, to get the most gains from weight training, he said, the bulk of the available evidence, including the new study, suggest you should probably skip an ice bath soon afterward.


Pro Football Focus

Ranking each NFL team’s top QB-WR/TE duo ahead of the 2025 season

2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: JALEN HURTS & A.J. BROWN


Brown came in at No. 1 in PFF’s wide receiver rankings, thanks to his dominant 96.5 PFF receiving grade versus single coverage over the past three seasons. Hurts hasn’t always been the most efficient quarterback, but he bounced back from some bad PFF passing grades under pressure to start 2024 and became a Super Bowl champion.

3. HOUSTON TEXANS: C.J. STROUD & NICO COLLINS


Stroud’s 2024 campaign was largely the same as his rookie year in terms of PFF grade (80.4 PFF passing grade in 2023 compared to 77.5 in 2024), and Nico Collins has been his safety blanket. Collins has generated a 117.8 passer rating when targeted over the past two seasons with Stroud, which ranks sixth in the NFL.

4. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: JAYDEN DANIELS & TERRY McLAURIN


Daniels came in at No. 6 in PFF’s quarterback rankings for the 2025 season, while McLaurin cracked the top 10 of the wide receiver rankings. What puts this duo even higher on this list as a collective is the fact that Daniels earned an elite 92.9 PFF passing grade when targeting McLaurin and Marcus Mariota earned an elite 93.2 PFF passing grade when targeting McLaurin while Daniels was hurt.


All aTwitter


we outsideeeee pic.twitter.com/Qh66T9F1Ms

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025

a little B-Rob for your Wednesday pic.twitter.com/QC3KqHPcDv

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025

Truly blessed to be here!! https://t.co/93ho468B6X

— Jacory Croskey - Merritt (@JacoryMerritt15) June 4, 2025

See the ball, be the ball pic.twitter.com/DUwI1jJ0vb

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025

Interesting note from Joe Whitt on Commanders rookie LB Kain Medrano wanting to see if he's more of an LB or safety - "Is he Frankie or is he Jeremy?"

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) June 4, 2025

And now y’all have your reasons why AP didn’t go “all-in” at EDGE https://t.co/aKacDCItnq

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) June 4, 2025

#Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil has been putting in work behind the scenes

(H/t:deanoproduction via IG) pic.twitter.com/jl43qucjyN

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 4, 2025

Washington Commanders post practice work:

WR Deebo Samuel and CB Mike Sainristil pic.twitter.com/PVW9EnMlwP

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 4, 2025


Daron Payne on the #Commanders being on an upward trajectory, getting a lot of primetime games next season:

"I know they used to single us out, because they think they'd get an easy win, now they want to beat us, so it's just been fun"@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/rmFijbokYb

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) June 4, 2025

Year 13 in the NFL for Commanders TE Zach Ertz.

The dude is hungrier than ever and had a lot of great things to say about Jayden Daniels.

On Jayden, Ertz said, "A lot of guys love playing for him." pic.twitter.com/NQODhDA5M0

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) June 4, 2025


Harbaugh definitely said one day practice https://t.co/SAaRmh0q1e

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) June 4, 2025

Th #Jaguars have released running back Keilan Robinson, per source. A fifth-round pick last year now set for waivers.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 4, 2025

Browns cut Andre Szmyt, leaving Dustin Hopkins as sole kicker on rosterhttps://t.co/wKQt5CPWb9 pic.twitter.com/BwJaB6bGIA

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 4, 2025


Eight teams have seen cap-space bumps thanks to post-June 1 cuts. The #Eagles saw Brandon Graham's retirement change their June number, while the #Saints splitting Derek Carr's retirement bill over two years also affected their 2025 cap sheet https://t.co/evaO2kFzLo

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 4, 2025


What are the chances Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers doesn’t happen?

Charlie Batch weighs in @heykayadams | @CharlieBatch16 pic.twitter.com/uzlp8NjiAy

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 4, 2025

Even as the #Steelers show signs of desperation in their Aaron Rodgers pursuit, this effort is not indicative of a coach on the hot seat. Mike Tomlin remains secure as he approaches the 20-year mark as the Pittsburgh HC https://t.co/2eKkqPHJG8

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 4, 2025

While nothing is imminent, the #Falcons do appear prepared to listen to offers on Kyle Pitts. A Day 2 pick is viewed as the baseline for the former 1,000-yard TE https://t.co/jAW39s4Gad

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) June 4, 2025


games won without ever trailing:

7 - GB, BAL, PHI
6 - DET, HOU
5 - BUF, WAS, TB, NO, MIN, CIN
4 - KC, DEN, ARI, LAC, MIA
3 - SEA, SF, CAR
2 - IND, LAR, PIT, DAL, NE
1 - CLE, TEN, JAX, ATL, NYJ
0 - NYG, LV, CHI

*2024 regular season

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 4, 2025


Before he was the CEO of Fanatics and worth $10B, @MichaelRubin was a member of Josh Harris’ ownership group of the 76ers and Devils.

We asked him about Harris and Fanatics’ No. 2 jersey selling NFL athlete, Jayden Daniels. pic.twitter.com/fqddh1PqkX

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) June 4, 2025


#Ravens RB Derrick Henry told Dan Patrick that Adam Sandler is his favorite actor.

Patrick made a deal: Rush for 2,000 yards again this season, and he’ll get Sandler to put him in a movie.

Henry’s response: “Say no more.”

(via @dpshow, @KingHenry_2) pic.twitter.com/vL5mNLrvCw

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 4, 2025

chief vibes officer @Javontae_JB pic.twitter.com/ZY6SG9dKXM

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2025

Fun fact. The HOF RB in this photo is the only one not to win an NFL MVP award. pic.twitter.com/5PGKC2yhXk

— FB_Helmet_Guy (@FB_Helmet_Guy) June 2, 2025

Well deserved. #Mystics rookie Kiki Ifiafen has been named the WNBA's Rookie of the Month.

Ifiafen is the FIRST Mystics player to earn that honor.

She is currently averaging over 14 ppg, shooting over 50% from the field. @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/KN63EsvsmD

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 4, 2025



Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/5/...n-daron-payne-javon-kinlaw-eddie-goldman-more
 
Daily Slop - 6 Jun 25 - Revisiting the pre- and post-draft excitement about 2nd-year LB Jordan Magee

Dallas Cowboys v Washington Commanders

Kara Durrette/Getty Images

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)​

Deebo Samuel, Mike Sainristil and a promising sign for the Commanders


Can we learn something about the Commanders from one post-practice workout involving a veteran receiver and a young defensive back?

After the Washington Commanders finished practice Wednesday, veteran receiver Deebo Samuel and second-year cornerback Mike Sainristil kept working out together in a moment that encapsulated the state of the team.

Samuel, who’s entering his seventh season, ran about a dozen routes to show the young corner how receivers could use different release techniques at the line of scrimmage to create separation against him.

One big focus was refining how to stick to receivers who use an outside release to set up an inside route. Sainristil has seen such moves before, of course, but he wanted to see them again and again so his reactions would become automatic.

The moment was a metaphor. The team is Sainristil, a young upstart with lots of promise, and it wants to be Samuel, a proven winner and consistent presence in the biggest playoff games.

“You would’ve thought he’s been here the past five years of his career the way he’s adjusted,” Sainristil said of Samuel. “He’s a guy that loves extra work, loves football, loves to win. So, any way I can pick his brain about what receivers do to help myself, I’m going to do exactly that.”


Commanders.com

3 Commanders standouts from Week 2 of Phase 3


The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.

Another week of OTAs is in the books for the Washington Commanders, and there were once again a few players who had solid performances during the team’s practice that was viewed by media members on Wednesday. Here are three players who caught our eye.

Noah Brown​


Brown said when he was re-signed that he felt healthy and ready to go for his second season with the Commanders. The veteran wideout looked healthy last week, and he followed it up this week with one of the most impressive catches of the day.

After starting practice with special teams drills, the offensive and defensive skill players broke away to do some seven-on-seven work near the goal line. After getting three completions in his first series, Jayden Daniels started his second set of plays by targeting Brown in the back of the end zone. The pass required Brown to extend his arms a bit more than normal, but he did come down with the grab and maintained possession despite brushing against the goal post on his way to the ground.

Brown, who the team signed after training camp last year, was on his way to a career performance before suffering a kidney injury against the Tennessee Titans. He proved himself as a strong security blanket for Daniels and drew multiple pass interference calls because of how he used his size and quickness. It looks like he could be primed for another impactful campaign with a full offseason in Washington’s system.

Chris Moore​


The Commanders’ receiver position is a crowded group, and there might be only one or two spots for players to fight for. There are a few players who could compete to round out the bottom of the depth chart, and Moore is already making his case.

Moore, a fourth-round pick in 2016, has bounced around the league and played for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. His past shows that he can be productive, like when he had 548 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 with the Texans.


Commanders Wire

NFL insider explains ‘bumpy’ road for Commanders’ negotiations with Terry McLaurin


Another NFL insider, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, spoke further about the negotiations between McLaurin and the Commanders, calling them “bumpy.”

“I don’t think it’s in a great place right now,” Breer told 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. “If you ask me where this is, and I think it’s just sort of.......I hate to say normal course of things, but I do think to some degree these things do get bumpy, and I think they’ve gotten bumpier as the market’s exploded over the last couple of years, with the cap going up as fast as it has. So, if you’re Terry McLaurin, I think you look at it, and you’re saying, ‘don’t even come at me with anything that doesn’t start with a three.’”

Commanders schedule 2025: Study the Washington Commanders week-by-week schedule with times, TV and more.

Breer is referring to the $30 million mark, which several receivers have surpassed since McLaurin signed his last deal in 2022.

“I think it’s fair of him to ask for something in that range, just based on where the market’s gone,” Breer continued. “Obviously, last year, Justin Jefferson gets 35 (million), and CeeDee Lamb gets 34, but I’d say the real comp is probably DK Metcalf, who gets traded to Pittsburgh, and he gets 33 per year on a four-year deal. I think those comps are out there, and I think they will eventually get something done. Terry is too important to what they’ve built there, but sometimes do things get a little messy along the way and I think that’s where we are right now.”


What is Albert Breer hearing about Terry McLaurin contract talks? "I don't think it's in a great place right now." pic.twitter.com/bbidXlEfx4

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) June 5, 2025

A to Z Sports

Commanders have a special plan for promising youngster that could help the defense unlock its full potential


One guy that could really help turn things around is second-year linebacker Jordan Magee. Not many people are considering him after a knee injury pretty much derailed his rookie season, but he was having a very good training camp before the aforementioned injury. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and head coach Dan Quinn had even developed a special package to take advantage of Magee’s athleticism and other abilities.

Per Sports Info Solutions, the Commanders led the NFL by defending 139 rushing attempts via their nickel defense. Unsurprisingly, they allowed a league-high 658 rushing yards, which was 157 more than the second-place Bills, who also defended the run while in nickel the second-most at 117 rushing attempts.

Even if it’s Big Nickel (which means a safety is your fifth DB), this is not ideal for any defense. The whole idea of nickel defense is to have smaller, quicker bodies on the field to defend the pass. The team lining up in 12 personnel has an automatic advantage that can easily get bigger as the game goes on and bodies wear down.

At 6-foot-3, 226 pounds, Magee certainly offers more size than your typical safety or cornerback. The key, however, is he has far-superior speed, athleticism, and range than most guys that play linebacker. He’s the perfect Quinn safety-linebacker hybrid that we’ve known the Commanders head coach to utilize during his time in the NFL.


Podcasts & videos


Solo episode. Topics:

What is going on with the Terry McLaurin extension talks?

Joint practice updates

DL coach Darryl Tapp and RB coach Anthony Lynn shared with me insight into their position groups (BRob, JCM, Payne, DE depth)https://t.co/PoUDgL1FML

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) June 6, 2025


Misses Are Relevant- Scheme fits for the Washington Commanders and New York Giants https://t.co/jNPR8Ko6rt

— draftprofessor.com (@nfldraftfanatc) June 6, 2025

Photos


Rep by rep

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2025

Trench work

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2025

NFC East links

The Athletic (paywall)​

C.J. Gardner-Johnson claps back at Vic Fangio’s comment that Eagles traded DB for salary cap reasons


Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson took to social media Wednesday to respond to a comment his former coach and current Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made regarding Philadelphia’s decision to trade Gardner-Johnson to Houston.

The Eagles received offensive guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round selection in the exchange, while the Texans also added a 2026 sixth-round pick. When asked about the trade during OTAs on Tuesday, Fangio called it “a salary cap thing.”

“Howie (Roseman, Eagles GM) made that decision. I was fine with it,” he added.

Gardner-Johnson reposted a graphic featuring the quote to his Instagram story and added text that read, “Just don’t do them young guys like y’all did me.” He also included a 100 emoji and a flexed bicep emoji.

Gardner-Johnson had signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Eagles in 2024 and put up solid numbers in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning season: Six interceptions with one returned for a touchdown, 12 pass breakups, one forced fumble and 59 tackles. But the 27-year-old also has a reputation for getting under other players’ skin. In 2024, he was voted the most annoying player in The Athletic’s anonymous NFL player poll after taking the title of “biggest trash talker” in the 2023 poll.



The Giants had to end practice early because of a fight that included OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux ripping off his helmet and throwing a punch

“Thibodeaux ripped off his helmet and threw a punch. Hudson immediately charged and tackled Thibodeaux. Burns went after Hudson.

(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/64Chjcsc9r

— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) June 5, 2025

Riggo’s Rag

Giants fight at OTAs is the kind of chaos the Commanders can laugh about


The Giants, who used a first-round pick on a quarterback who is unlikely to play this season in Jaxson Dart, have created a situation that is so dire that head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen could both be fired if they start losing. It seems like those tensions are rolling over to the players.

Giants practice ended early thanks to a very chaotic fight. Pass rusher Brian Burns and offensive tackles James Hudson got things started by pushing and shoving to a point where they had to be pulled off the field. Former Top 5 pick Kayvon Thibodeaux managed to take things up to 11.

Thibodeaux and offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor got into a scuffle in which Thibodeaux pulled Eluemunor’s helmet off and threw a punch at him. Hudson retaliated by charging at Thibodeaux, which prompted a reprisal from Burns. Remember when the Commanders were the chaotic, crazy team?


NFL league links

Articles​

ESPN

Lions’ St. Brown expects to be ready for camp after knee surgery


“I had a surgery on my knee after the season just to clean some stuff up, so I’ve been rehabbing that, but I should be good to go for training camp,” St. Brown said following Thursday’s practice. St. Brown, 25, is entering his fifth season as one of the league’s premier receivers.

Campbell also provided an updated time frame on the return of linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who suffered a torn right ACL in last season’s Thanksgiving Day game.

“Conservatively? November. ... Yeah, that’s probably the best way to say it. Probably November. Somewhere in there.”


Pro Football Talk

Steelers got what they wanted, even if many fans are dismayed


The Steelers wanted him. Their fans weren’t quite as committed.

While plenty of Steelers fans surely support whatever the team chooses to do, a sense of dismay emerged from more than a few Terrible Towel wavers. Whether they regard Rodgers as a barnstorming opportunist who is hoping to exit the NFL with a better final chapter or whether they resent his failure to pounce on the team’s interest in signing him (Cam Heyward’s words resonated in Steelers Nation) or whether they simply don’t like him, the anti-Aaron sentiment has been palpable.

Beyond the anecdotal evidence of fans complaining about Rodgers, we posted a couple of polls that posed a simple question. The first one, in late March, generated a 55.9-percent “no” vote. The second, a day after he appeared with Pat McAfee and aired grievances and spewed conspiracy theories, saw the negative response spike to 70 percent.

If the Steelers play well, the naysayers will change their tune. But if the Steelers struggle and/or if Rodgers doesn’t play dramatically better than the team’s quarterbacks in recent years (the bar is fairly low), the fans will not keep quiet.


The Athletic (paywall)​

With Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers risk doing exactly what they said they wouldn’t


“I have a cliche that the guys oftentimes throw back to me in jest, but it’s true: ‘Two is a pattern,’” Tomlin said. “I say that because there’s an expiration on adjusting, adapting. So, I use that phrase to reflect urgency, to reflect how quickly it is that we need to adapt and adjust and move.

“We have had similar results,” Tomlin continued. “Rest assured that we’re not doing the same things hoping for a different result.”

The Steelers appeared to be making that change ahead of free agency, when general manager Omar Khan pulled off a blockbuster trade for former Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf.

The big splash for a star receiver represented a philosophical shift in several ways. An organization that has long believed in its draft-and-develop approach instantly upgraded at a critical position with a proven veteran. By handing Metcalf a five-year, $150 million extension, the Steelers made him by far the highest-paid external acquisition in team history. Simultaneously, a franchise that has led the league in defensive spending the past three seasons began to redistribute some of its payroll to the offensive side of the ball.

Perhaps things really were changing in Pittsburgh. Or maybe not.

On Thursday, 85 days after he was released by the New York Jets, four-time NFL MVP and one-time Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers decided to join the Steelers on a one-year deal, league sources told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.

Yes, Rodgers is a different quarterback. But the Steelers have been here before, relying on an aging, past-his-prime veteran and expecting the NFL’s highest-paid defense to prop him up. They tried that model last season with a 36-year-old Russell Wilson, and before that with a late-30s Ben Roethlisberger. In both instances, the results were a mix of flashes and fool’s gold.

Is adding Rodgers doing the same thing and expecting a different result?


All aTwitter


Fine-tuning the details pic.twitter.com/O1lbWRygH7

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2025

Leading by example pic.twitter.com/CFC7VEO1qc

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2025

Daron Payne on the #Commanders being on an upward trajectory, getting a lot of primetime games next season:

"I know they used to single us out, because they think they'd get an easy win, now they want to beat us, so it's just been fun"@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/rmFijbokYb

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) June 4, 2025

Fun Fact: Terry McLaurin led all NFC East WRs in All-Pro Votes last season.

Terry McLaurin: 41 Votes
CeeDee Lamb: 37
AJ Brown: 24
Malik Nabers: 12

McLaurin was second in the league with 13 receiving TDs, only trailing JaMarr Chase (17).

CC: @Marcus_Mosher#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/KhAldHRjGQ

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) June 5, 2025

Jayden Daniels side arm throw ‍ ‍ #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/roESMIs03r

— PAIN (@Xommanders) June 4, 2025

#Commanders asst. Brian Johnson is pleased with the team's desire to get better during OTAs.

Johnson adds it's been excited to have all of the assistant coaches back for another year. Says he's most proud of the environment where everyone is having a blast while working hard. pic.twitter.com/TwRj08YgXk

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025

"Wake me up when we get close to training camp and something still isn't done," @BenStandig's response to a report on Terry McLaurin's frustration over extension talks with the Commanders. pic.twitter.com/Eu8lI6pXmR

— The Team 980 (@team980) June 5, 2025

Tyler Biadasz is a top 5-10 center in the NFL. Don’t try and let anyone tell you otherwise! pic.twitter.com/wd6hbwg7PA

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) June 5, 2025

"Everyone wanted to be back for more."#Commanders asst. Tavita Pritchard is a staple on Washington's coaching staff.

He spoke on how the coaching staff wanted to stay put, the advantages of that continuity, and the chemistry between him and Kliff. pic.twitter.com/xXpZIyd8S1

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025

Pt. 2 with #Commanders Tavita Pritchard.

Says he really likes the way the quarterback room is competing with everything they do. Adds coaches are enjoying the day-to-day progression and development of Daniels here in year two. pic.twitter.com/kwQF3f59cF

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025

"That's the wolf." @Commanders found the right man to lead them last season pic.twitter.com/KgtwcVc4rv

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) June 5, 2025

#Commanders asst. Darryl Tapp always brings the energy.

In year two, the Virginia native/former Redskin takes a lot of pride in what Washington is building.

"I want to make sure we're putting our best foot forward, that we're representing the area that right way." pic.twitter.com/NIbhUTr3Gn

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025


RD 5 | PK 139 - Commanders: Jordan Magee LB, Temple

With the 139th overall pick, the @Commanders select the linebacker with the highest athleticism score (87) in the 2024 class.

Magee had an impressive Combine, running a 4.55-second forty while jumping a 10' 4" broad jump at… pic.twitter.com/OQ4uSEmNAv

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) April 27, 2024

The @seniorbowl is looking live at Temple vs. SMU. We’ve gotten plenty of agent calls on Owls LB Jordan Magee this fall, which usually means they’re getting good feedback from NFL scouts. We spoke to @Temple_FB coaches during pre-game and here’s what they had to say about Magee:… pic.twitter.com/1kHHuKEPkU

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_Sooners) October 21, 2023

I've watched a lot of undersized, projected day 3 LBs this week and Temple's Jordan Magee is by far the stand out

Very aggressive play style, moves well, constantly around the ball pic.twitter.com/82uDpHOV6E

— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) April 2, 2024

Finishing up LB’s & really enjoyed watching Temple’s Jordan Magee. His name hasn’t come up one time in my talks with GM’s/personnel directors. What am I missing? He’s instinctive, twitchy and tough. pic.twitter.com/G5PTXzMDlM

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) February 22, 2024

We have agreed to terms with QB Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract, pending the completion of a physical. @BordasLaw

: https://t.co/9WFkSoVnD7 pic.twitter.com/lF8OtgHgXi

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 6, 2025


Devastating: Rams safety Kam Curl says he is DONE playing Madden after they published a trailer of him getting juked by Saquon Barkley:

“Lmao I ain’t playing madden this year … Been playing all my life and this how my first time being on the trailer gone be ”

Now he’ll… pic.twitter.com/AqXuvlpCAM

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 6, 2025

Remember what I said… the Pacers beat every team they’ve faced on the road during the Playoffs and they kept that streak going tonight against OKC! https://t.co/XXVozlNCVA

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 6, 2025

.


NBA players in the play-by-play era to record 3 game-winning shots with 5 or fewer seconds left in the game in a single playoff run:

2025 Tyrese Haliburton pic.twitter.com/BjZ0EVTiSk

— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) June 6, 2025

Don’t miss out on the Martelli Basketball Camps this summer

https://t.co/RmAA2fs8qy pic.twitter.com/TsC6oSxAiq

— VCU Basketball (@VCU_Hoops) June 6, 2025

PURE athleticism pic.twitter.com/ieZS6R7ZyB

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) June 6, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/6/...aft-excitement-about-2nd-year-lb-jordan-magee
 
Daily Slop - 7 Jun 25 - Laremy Tunsil, Marshon Lattimore, Jaylin Lane, and Luke McCaffrey lead today’s headlines

temp_jaylin_lane.0.jpg


A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles​

Riggo’s Rag

ESPN analyst thinks the Commanders got a bargain with Laremy Tunsil


The Commanders prioritized (and rightfully so) the options around quarterback Jayden Daniels this offseason. Adam Peters started this bold strategy in the trenches, acquiring Tunsil in a blockbuster trade and spending the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Josh Conerly Jr. Couple this with the wide receiver upgrades and continuity elsewhere, and it’s not hard to see why optimism is so high.

Bill Barnwell from ESPN agrees. The analyst lauded the trade and alleviated concerns about Tunsil’s high penalty numbers last season. Considering what other left tackles are getting paid around the league, he thought that Washington would have pulled off a major heist if the former first-round pick maintains his supreme performance levels.

“The Commanders, on the other hand, probably see a player who has another contract or even two ahead of him. The illegal formation penalties were all in one game, suggesting they might have been from an overzealous officiating crew. [Laremy] Tunsil has had issues with flags in the past, but 2024 was the first time he led the league in penalties or came close since 2019. And frankly, in an offseason when Dan Moore Jr. and Jaylon Moore signed for at least $15 million per season to play left tackle, Tunsil making $21 million per year in 2025 and 2026 might feel like a bargain.”

Bill Barnwell

The Texans had their reasons for parting ways with Tunsil. DeMeco Ryans felt that a younger, more vibrant protection in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud was desirable. Washington made them an offer they couldn’t refuse, and the rest is history.

Tunsil is a game-changing addition to the Commanders. He’s an elite pass-protector and a five-time Pro Bowler. Offensive tackles tend to play well into their 30s, so Peters will see this as a long-term investment in addition to someone who can improve their immediate aspirations.


Commanders Wire

Washington Commanders’ CB Marshon Lattimore in a make-or-break season


Lattimore dominated the Saints’ secondary during his rookie campaign, recording five interceptions and a touchdown. The next four years were decent, he didn’t suffer a major drop-off until 2022. Since then, though, he’s been riddled with injury and had his attitude called into question. Given his absence from the Commanders this spring, it’s no wonder that NFL.com says this is a make-or-break season for the veteran corner.

This is about earning the final year of his contract. Lattimore moved to Washington as a coveted trade acquisition but struggled to find the same form with the Commanders, posting some truly dreadful Pro Football Focus grades in the postseason. There’s reason to believe a full year with Dan Quinn will fix things, and Lattimore is under pressure to do so this fall because the Commanders can cut ties with zero financial penalty in 2026. However, Lattimore has not joined the team for the offseason program, per defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. At 29 years old, Lattimore could still earn decent money on a new deal, but the main goal is to prove himself as a trusted corner for a team that aims to build on its surprise run to the NFC Championship Game last season. If he does that, he’ll be much easier to keep or at least consider for a contract restructure that’s friendlier to the team’s salary cap.

The Commanders have depth at corner this season, and if Lattimore doesn’t get it together, you can believe rookie Trey Amos is itching to take the starting job. And if not him, others are waiting in the wings, such as veteran Jonathan Jones and the returning Noah Igbinoghene. Rookie sensation Mike Sainristil proved he could play on the outside, too.

What the Commanders would love, though, is for Lattimore to come out swinging this fall. Show up and be the veteran leader that any team would need him to be at this point in his career. The way he presents himself in 2025 will dictate the direction of his career when the season is over.


Commanders.com

Top quotes from Commanders’ assistant coaches


Wide receiver coach Bobby Engram on what gets him most excited about Jaylin Lane:

“Every aspect of being a better receiver, honestly. Jaylin’s a super smart guy. He’s a coach’s son, so he gets to exercise on different level. Love his work ethic, but my job is to help him prepare just to kind of tap into every ounce of potential that he has, and he’s willing to work and do that. So, I’m excited about that.”

Engram on Luke McCaffrey in his second season:

“Just continued growth as a receiver. Route running, run after the catch, contested catches, really everything. But I thought Luke did a great job of just staying the course last year. Got out, took a bit of a hot start and then things kind of cooled off a little bit. But he never wavered in his approach and his work ethic. So, I think naturally the biggest jump will be between year one and year two. And I really like the speed and the way he’s attacking football out there right now. He’s made some really tough catches.”


Riggo’s Rag

Jaylin Lane projected to solve Commanders No. 3 wideout weakness in 2025


Alex Ballentine from The Bleacher Report added his name to the ever-growing list of analysts who believe Lane could thrive immediately. But instead of focusing on the player’s talent, he thought questions around others in Washington’s wideout room should see him come to the fore quicker than anticipated.

“The Commanders brought in Deebo Samuel Sr., but there’s still room for another receiver to emerge as part of the offense this summer. Noah Brown is a fairly niche receiver as the third option behind Terry McLaurin and Samuel. That’s where Jaylin Lane could wind up setting himself up for a successful rookie season. Lane is a burner who should at least capture the role of return man throughout preseason activities. But he also has the potential to become a part of the offense.”

Alex Ballentine

Opportunity knocks for Lane; there’s no getting away from that. Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are the established starting duo who could be among the league’s best if everything comes together. After that, there’s nothing that should strike fear into the rookie as he goes in search of prominent targets.


Hogs Haven

Looking Back at the “Best Punt Returner in the Draft”


Since the day he was picked in the 2025 NFL Draft, much has been made of how former Virginia Tech wide receiver Jaylin Lane was considered by Washington to be the best punt return prospect in the draft.

This was a case where at least one draft prognosticator, Mel Kiper, agreed:

Jaylin Lane is an intriguing Day 3 wideout. At 5-foot-10, he looks like a running back — and he took some snaps from the backfield in college. If Kliff Kingsbury can figure out how to get the ball in his hands, he has some juice after the catch. He’s also the best punt returner in this class.

While Lane put up good return numbers over 5 years in college (avg 10.9 yd/punt & 21.8 yd/kick), his numbers as a wide receiver tended to be much more muted, despite his elite athleticism metrics. Over his 5 college seasons, he broke 550 yards receiving only once - his sophomore year - and his final two seasons, both at Virginia Tech, he ended up under that total.

Much has been made of his, apparently, wretched QB play at VT, but I was curious to see if we could gain any insights about his potential projection into the NFL based on the performance of other top college punt returners taken in the draft over the past several years. What follows below is a brief investigation into how the top return men in the draft fared both in college, and in the pros.


Podcasts & videos

Heart And Soul Of The Commanders | Sports Junkies​


NFC East links

Blogging the Boys

Micah Parsons may see less hybrid work under Matt Eberflus


While the 2024 season saw Parsons’ highest percentage of snaps on the line of scrimmage, Zimmer essentially built his scheme around Parsons having the discretion to line up wherever he wanted, with the star pass rusher saying this early in the season:

The fact that I got the creativity to control things where I know I got to be on my A-game always because I got these other guys depending on me now to like controlling that [alignment]. It kind of gets me more excited, it gets me more into it. It gets that drive, that hunger just a little bit more. Now I feel like I just can’t let this guy [Zimmer] down. He’s giving me the keys to the system.

Parsons still primarily played out on the edges, where he’s most comfortable and most effective, but the freedom to move around at will helped unlock a different animal for the Lion. It became common for Parsons to work as a linebacker mugging the A-gap on third downs, a popular front for Zimmer. He even took 17 charted snaps at defensive tackle, an alignment so unique that offensive linemen didn’t quite know what to do with it.

Zimmer is gone, though, and he’s replaced by Matt Eberflus. While there are some philosophical similarities between Eberflus and Zimmer - they both come from 4-3 backgrounds and call a lot of zone coverage - there are more differences than similarities.

Eberflus has generally been more rigid in his schemes. While Zimmer is hellbent on doing anything and everything to confuse the quarterback - sometimes at the cost of confusing his own players, too - Eberflus has always prioritized simplicity in scheme, preferring to let his players’ natural athleticism do the work for them.

That begs the question of how Eberflus will deploy Parsons. In looking at Eberflus’ defenses in the past, the most we’ve seen in terms of creativity with his pass rushers is having hybrid defensive ends who shift inside on passing downs. Hardly akin to the multiplicity that Parsons is capable of.

That said, Eberflus has never worked with a player like Parsons.

Earlier in the offseason, Eberflus was asked about his plans for the perennial All Pro. While he didn’t give anything specific - not atypical for coaches in February - Eberflus did say this:

“Micah is a premier pass rusher. We’re going to use him that way, certainly, and he’s one heck of an athlete that can do a lot of different things for us on defense. And when you have a guy like that, you want to be able to utilize his skill set.

As we’re around him more, we’ll see what that skill set is, and really take advantage of that. … He knows that we’ll just make him in the best light that he can be in terms of position, in terms of pass rush, and really utilizing what he does best, and that’s rushing the passer.”

Big Blue View

Giants’ John Michael Schmitz considered a bottom-tier starting center


Two years into his NFL career, John Michael Schmitz of the New York Giants is considered a bottom-tier NFL starting center.

In a ranking of the starting centers for all 32 NFL teams, Pro Football Focus ranks the 2023 second-round pick No. 26.

PFF says:

Although the former second-round pick hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, he did show growth during his second season. After posting just a 41.4 PFF overall grade in his rookie season, Schmitz earned a 61.4 mark this past season.

Schmitz’s improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 bodes well for his potential. His pass-blocking grade rose from 26.9 in 2023 to 50.2 in 2024 — still not good enough, but an indicator of progress. His PFF run-blocking grade also increased by nearly 16 points, another good sign.

Are the Giants actually among the NFL’s best drafting franchises?


One of the biggest is health, and that’s been a consistent problem for the Giants. Many — most — of the Giants’ most important picks have dealt with persistent injuries. Andrew Thomas, Kadarius Toney (though that pick seemed to be a disaster right from the start), Azeez Ojulari, Evan Neal, and John Michael Schmitz have all missed real time with injuries.

Those injuries have impacted development and also forced the Giants to rely on depth players to an unhealthy (and often frustrating) degree.

When the injuries are combined with a lack of development and poor performance from players who were highly regarded in college, the picture starts to come into focus. Those factors also help to explain the feeling I, and others, have had that the Giants should be better than they’ve been. That they aren’t untalented so much as failing to live up to their potential.

[T]he elephant in the room: 2020 through 2025 was dominated by Daniel Jones.

And while we don’t need to relitigate that all again, but it’s also undeniably true that a quarterback sets the ceiling and floor for a team. Quarterback play touches on, and influences, every other aspect of the team.


NFL league links

Articles​

ESPN

What Aaron Rodgers means for the Steelers’ offense


At this point in his career, though, Rodgers comes with more thorns than petals.

As a four-time NFL MVP, 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion — in a win over Tomlin’s Steelers — Rodgers is an undeniable future Hall of Famer. But after two decades in the NFL and an Achilles rupture that cost him the 2023 season and a triumphant second act in New York, Rodgers enters Pittsburgh as a shadow of the quarterback who won back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021.

Since last earning the NFL’s highest individual honor, Rodgers’ performance has been in sharp decline. In 2022 and 2024, his past two seasons as a starter, he ranked 26th and 25th in QBR and 21st and 26th in yards per attempt.

Beyond being the ringmaster of New York’s off-field circus for the better part of two seasons, Rodgers’ on-field performance in his lone complete season as the starter declined from the gold standard set during his Green Bay career. Though Rodgers finished the season completing 63% of his attempts for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, he posted a 48.0 QBR. His career low QBR as a complete-season starter was 41.3 in 2022. That year, his final season in Green Bay, he completed 64.6% of attempts for 3,695 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as the Packers went 8-9.

Perhaps the lowest point in a reel of Rodgers’ Jets-era lowlights came in a 40-14 Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, when he recorded a career-worst 1.2 QBR, threw two interceptions and was sacked four times to surpass Tom Brady as the most-sacked quarterback in NFL history. By the time Rodgers benched himself with the Jets trailing 40-0 at the start of the fourth quarter, the offense had gone 14 straight possessions without a touchdown. The unit finally scored a touchdown — Rodgers’ 500th career TD strike — in the second quarter of an eventual regular-season finale win against the Dolphins in Rodgers’ last game as Jet.


UFL

Front Office Sports

UFL Ratings Dropped 20% in Second Season


After strong ratings in its debut last year, the UFL struggled to keep its momentum in its second regular season, which concluded Sunday.

The league’s second season, following a merger with the XFL and USFL saw viewership decline by 20% with an average of just 645,000 viewers per game across Fox and ESPN-affiliated networks. ESPN platforms averaged just 651,000, a network spokesperson told Front Office Sports.

The figure was down from an average of 812,000 viewers in 2024, with multiple games passing 1 million viewers.

A regular season game between the Houston Roughnecks and D.C. Defenders was the UFL’s most-watched contest with 1.35 million. The game followed the Indianapolis 500, which helped its viewership. Six games had more than a million views.

The UFL playoffs start this weekend, with the championship game scheduled for June 14.


All aTwitter


Zoomin' pic.twitter.com/E97lZTYfru

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 6, 2025

93 days away @Commanders #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/n1OPglgI7h

— DLacks21 (@Cheddarbob804) June 6, 2025

"We really feel like we're building something really strong."#Commanders asst. Ken Norton Jr. told me last year he wanted to be a part of what Washington was building.

One year later that hasn't changed.

Norton also talks about the state of Washington's linebacker room. pic.twitter.com/QBXhLAZCNo

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025

The #Commanders offensive line is going to be fun to watch this season.

Asst. Bobby Johnson loves what he sees from Josh Conerly Jr. He has a desire to work hard and learn from the guys around him.

Johnson says Laremy has the ability to provide Josh with answers to the test. pic.twitter.com/jR6iuOAiPH

— Natalie Spala (@_nataliespala) June 6, 2025


Concern level about Terry McLaurin's "frustration" over contract extension talks. #Commanders

— Kevin Sheehan (@kevinsheehanDC) June 6, 2025

Freaking out over a player not here in June because of a contract situation is … not healthy. Carry on.

— John Keim (@john_keim) June 6, 2025


Next up: minicamp pic.twitter.com/rjYSJpyxs0

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 6, 2025


“We’re talking about Washington being a model NFL franchise”

Imagine hearing this last year before the season started#RaiseHail

pic.twitter.com/Ky4Lbu23Wg

— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) June 6, 2025

"Gotta get this deal done sooner than later - He should get paid and will" @BenScottStevens and @RightSideVP discuss #Commanders WR Terry McLaurin being upset with contract talks...#NFLOffseason #HTTC #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6jtfM6QTPm

— SportsGridRadio (@SportsGridRadio) June 6, 2025

@TomPelissero

With Rodgers officially heading to Pittsburgh, where does this leave Kirk Cousins and his playing future? Will he stay in Atlanta? Will a mystery team come calling in Training Camp?#NFL #HereWeGo #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/KHY8MtHg1M

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 6, 2025


years since last defensive shutout

1 - DEN, GB
2 - CLE, MIA, TB, DAL, JAX, LAC, NO, MIN
3 - SF, NE
4 - BUF, TEN, IND
5 - CAR
6
7 - LAR, DET, PHI, BAL
8 - ARI
9
10 - SEA
11 - CIN
12
13 - ATL, LV
14 - PIT, KC
15 - CHI, HOU
16 - NYJ, NYG
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 6, 2025


IT'S HERE‼️

️ Every important date for the 2025 @NFL season!

Take a look: https://t.co/Lv3YxfKfbQ pic.twitter.com/FBG81bDpcA

— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) June 6, 2025


QOTD: what age is considered old?@SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Fp1s7CrbqY

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 6, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/2025/6/7/...lin-lane-luke-mccaffrey-lead-todays-headlines
 
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