News Commanders Team Notes

[Washington Commanders]

Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Week 4: Five Questions with The Falcoholic

It’s week 4 of the NFL season, and the Washington Commanders will be facing the Atlanta Falcons on the road at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA this Sunday at 1:00 pm EDT. The Falcons are in many ways a foil for the Commanders, with a defensive, 2nd-chance Head Coach in Raheem Morris, a 2nd-year QB in Michael Penix Jr, and an OC reportedly sought by many teams last year in Zac Robinson, yet sporting an 8-9 record in 2024, a 1-2 record this season, and the Falcons were shut out by the Panthers 30-0 last week.

On offense, the Falcons are coached by OC Zac Robinson, former QB coach and passing game coordinator of the Rams. Although Robinson was presumably brought in to implement a similar offense to that of the Rams, a big part of the Rams success has been due to Sean McVay’s personal ability to read defenses and audible for his QB as well as McVay’s ability as a playcaller (recently voted the best offensive playcaller by NFL coaches). The results for the Falcons offense have been less impressive thus far, with the Falcons scoring the 2nd fewest points in the NFL through the past 3 weeks. The offense has been criticized for being predictable, with a high number of passing plays called out of shotgun formation and a high number of running plays called out of pistol formation, making playcalls easy to predict based on formation. The passing game also seems to rely heavily on short passes, leading to a high completion percentage without first downs. The Falcons have relied very heavily on RB Bijan Robinson in both the rushing and passing game, as he can take even a short pass for a big gain with his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability. With 403 total yards from scrimmage, Bijan has personally accounted for a whopping 40% of the Falcons yards gained so far this season!

On defense, the Falcons are coached by DC Jeff Ulbrich, former DC and interim HC of the Jets following the firing, in 2024, of DC Jimmy Lake. Ulbrich has brought a philosophy of using multiple fronts, alternating between a 3-4 and 4-3 front and moving DL around the line to create mismatches. The Falcons also invested heavily in defense in the 2025 draft, taking defensive players with their first 4 picks (including taking two EDGE rushers in the 1st round of the draft: Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr). The Falcons defense is allowing the 2nd fewest scrimmage yards to opposing teams so far this year and held the Vikings to only 6 points in a week 2 blowout win.

I asked Saivion Mixon of The Falcoholic five questions to better understand the state of the Falcons and what to look for in this game.

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1) What’s your assessment of Michael Penix Jr and on a scale of 1-10, how certain are you he’s a franchise guy?

I’m not going to act like seeing every one of Penix’s shortcomings on full display at once didn’t make me uncomfortable. That said, I’m still optimistic about his long-term outlook. I’d put my confidence level around a 7.5 out of 10 right now. He has to get more comfortable attacking the middle of the field and navigating the pocket when pressure comes. Up until Sunday, he’d done a great job avoiding negative plays, and I believe he’ll learn from such a rough outing.

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2) Tell us about the Falcons revamped defense that was able to hold the Vikings to 6 points in week 2.

The Falcons have leaned heavily into Jeff Ulbrich’s aggressive approach. Atlanta leads the league with a 40.4% blitz rate, including 43.3% against Minnesota. They’ve also used the versatility of their defensive line to muddy protections, rotating nine different players for 13–26 snaps each, per Next Gen Stats. That group helped pressure J.J. McCarthy on 53.3% of his dropbacks, and it was a big reason why the Vikings never found a rhythm.

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3) What factors lead to the Panthers shutting out the Falcons 30-0 last week?

Honestly, it was a perfect storm of failures in all three phases. Penix struggled to push the ball, missing open reads and settling for checkdowns, one of which Chau Smith-Wade jumped for a pick-six. Bijan Robinson played well, but the run game never got fully established. Special teams were a disaster: Bad punts, two missed field goals, and multiple botched kick returns left the offense with terrible field position (an average starting spot under the 18-yard line). The defense actually held up reasonably well early, but with no help from the other phases, it eventually spiraled into a game Atlanta will want to forget.

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4) Who is one Falcons player on offense and one player on defense that Washington fans probably don’t know much about, but should?

On defense, keep an eye on the linebacker tandem of Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo. They’ve been effective in multiple roles: Blitzing, stopping the run, and reading quick passes, and Ulbrich moves them around constantly to create mismatches.

On offense, everyone knows Bijan Robinson, but Tyler Allgeier deserves more recognition. He’s a bruiser who complements Bijan perfectly, especially in 21 personnel looks. Against Washington, I’d expect his workload to tick up as Atlanta tries to establish the run early.

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5) How should Washington go about gameplanning this matchup on both sides of the ball?

When Washington has the ball: Run it. The Falcons didn’t give up many explosive runs, but Carolina controlled the trenches and dictated the game that way. With Washington’s rushing attack and both quarterbacks being threats on the ground, that’s the best way to neutralize Atlanta’s pass rush.

When Atlanta has the ball: Make Penix uncomfortable. Before last week, he was good at avoiding negative plays, but when rattled, he sped through progressions and defaulted to checkdowns. Bijan will get his regardless, but if Washington can stuff the run early, it forces Atlanta to play left-handed and lean more heavily on a rookie quarterback still adjusting.

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A companion article to this with my answers to Saivion’s questions will be linked here as soon as it is available.

Thanks again to Saivion Mixon for taking time out of his day to answer our questions about the Falcons. Also, if you want more knowledge about the Falcons, you should check out this Q&A by Falcons beat reporter Jeanna Kelley.

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/questions...ons-week-4-five-questions-with-the-falcoholic

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders vs Falcons Friday Injury Report: Two players questionable

The Washington Commanders held the team’s last full practice before they travel south to face the Atlanta Falcons. Dan Quinn spoke to reporters after practice and ruled out four players for Sunday’s game. Jayden Daniels(knee), Terry McLaurin(quad), John Bates(groin/calf), and Noah Brown(groin/knee) will all miss the Falcons game. Quinn said the Daniels wasn’t quite there yet, and wasn’t cleared by the medical staff to return to play. He described McLaurin as week-to-week with the quad injury he’s suffered in last week’s win over the Raiders. Bates and Brown(along with Daniels) are missing their second straight games, while McLaurin’s streak of 72 straight games ends this week due to injury.

Bill Merritt shows up on this week’s injury report with a new knee injury and he got his first practice in today. Dan Quinn said he looked good, and indicated that the rookie RB would be playing this weekend. He was at practice in uniform with a sleeve on his leg yesterday, but worked on the side field with other injured players. He was wearing a sleeve on his left leg. Percy Butler missed another practice after suffering a hip injury vs the Raiders. Bill and Percy are the only players listed as questionable for Sunday.

Rookie CB Trey Amos left the Raiders game with a calf injury. He was a full participant the last two days, and it looks like he’ playing in Atlanta vs the Falcons. TE Colson Yankoff was the only other player on this week’s report, and he’s been a full participant in practice all week with a new ankle injury.

#WASvsATL game status

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 26, 2025

OUT​

QB Jayden Daniels – Didn’t practice today, wearing a knee brace

WR Terry McLaurin – Suffered a quad injury vs the Raiders, sought second opinion

TE John Bates – Groin injury vs Packers, also listed with a calf injury

WR Noah Brown – Dealing with knee injury since June, groin injury vs Packers

Questionable​

S Percy Butler – Still not practicing from hip injury vs Raiders

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Had first practice of the week, working with sleeve on his injured knee

No Injury Designation​

CB Trey Amos – Second full practice with new calf injury

TE Colson Yankoff – Another full practice with a new ankle injury

Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/4i9inEpEDM

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) September 26, 2025

The Atlanta Falcons are also dealing with several injuries, and have ruled out three players for Sunday’s game. The big name on the list is CB A.J. Terrell who will be missing his second game in a row. The Falcons also ruled out RB Nate Carter and WR KhaDarel Hodge.

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/379043/commanders-vs-falcons-friday-injury-report-two-players-questionable

 

[Washington Commanders]

Washington Commanders Roster Moves: Two players elevated from the practice squad

The Washington Commanders are elevating CB Antonio Hamilton Sr and WR Tay Martin from the practice squad for tomorrow’s away game against the Atlanta Falcons.

They released their injury report on Friday, and ruled four players out: QB Jayden Daniels (knee), TE John Bates (groin), WR Noah Brown (groin), WR Terry McLaurin (quad). Percy Butler (hip) was downgraded to out earlier today.

The team also placed S Will Harris (fibula) on injured reserve after last week’s win over the Raiders. This led to the signing of veteran free agent S Darnell Savage, who will likely be needed tomorrow.

Washington’s secondary has been dealing with multiple injuries the last few weeks. Antonio Hamilton Sr. was called up from the practice squad last week and he played 5 snaps defense and 19 special teams snaps.

Tay Martin gets elevated for the first time this season, and, on Sunday, will join the four WRs on the roster who are healthy. Martin was signed in late July and was with the team during training camp and played during the preseason. He was elevated over Ja’Corey Brooks and Jacoby Jones who are also on the practice squad.

We have elevated CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. and WR Tay Martin from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/yzKedT57lF

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 27, 2025

The Atlanta Falcons aren’t elevating anyone for tomorrow’s game.

The Falcons are not elevating anyone from the practice squad for their Week 4 game against the Commanders.

— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) September 27, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/378094/wa...-two-players-elevated-from-the-practice-squad

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop – 27 Sep 25 – Commanders tried out an Australian punter on Thursday

Commanders links​

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)

The secret to the Commanders’ special teams: Players truly care​

Led by ‘The Flagship,’ Washington is getting big returns on its investment in the often-overlooked phase of football.

Larry Izzo is a special teams lifer. From his experience as a player and coordinator, the difference between a poor and great special teams unit is simple: players buying in.

“I mean, everyone has the ability,” Izzo said. “The thing that separates guys a lot of times is the buy-in and the understanding of: ‘This is my role. I’m owning that role and then trying to master that role.’ That’s what we have here is guys that have done that.”

The Commanders are so bought in they have a nickname for special teams: “The Flagship,” as Coach Dan Quinn calls it. A flagship is the lead vessel in a naval fleet that carries the commander. For Quinn, it’s a metaphor that drives home the importance of the unit to the Commanders’ overall success.

Washington is allowing just 23.1 yards per kick return allowed (fifth), and opponents have had an average starting field position of the 29-yard line after kick returns (10th).

The punting and punt coverage has been even better: Way has landed 58.3 percent of his punts inside opponents’ 20-yard line (fourth) and 33.3 percent of his punts inside opponents’ 10-yard line (second). When teams field his punts, they have hardly been able to go anywhere; the Commanders are allowing just 4.4 yards per punt return (fourth).

That has often forced opponents to put together lengthy drives. Opponents’ average starting field position after Commanders punts is the 17-yard line (second).

And that helps an injury-ravaged defense, which is allowing 19 points per game (12th).

And on kickoffs, the Commanders have no equal. With Samuel and McCaffrey splitting duties, Washington is averaging a league-best 34.1 yards per kick return. Their average starting field position after a kick return is their own 36.4-yard line (first).

What makes the Commanders’ feats on kick returns even more impressive is that opposing teams have done a good job of pinning them deep on kickoffs without committing touchbacks. On average, the Commanders field a kickoff around their own 3-yard line.

“It’s want-to,” Reaves said when asked about the key to their return exploits. “Kickoff return or punt return is very little scheme. Everybody runs the same stuff: middle returns, sideline returns, bounce returns. It’s want-to and a sense of my guy is not going to make the play. When you’ve got 10 guys that think like that, like, ‘I’m not going to let my guy make the tackle,’ then you get lanes like you did.”

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The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin ruled out for Week 4 vs. Falcons​

The team ruled out four players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and leading receiver Terry McLaurin, for Sunday’s game against the Falcons. Marcus Mariota will get his second start in Daniels’ place, and his first in Atlanta since his acrimonious exit from the team in 2022. Wideout Noah Brown and tight end John Bates will also both miss their second game because of groin injuries.

Without their top two guys, Washington will have Deebo Samuel, Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane and veteran Chris Moore, plus a potential practice-squad elevation (Ja’Corey Brooks, Tay Martin or Jacoby Jones) on Sunday.

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ESPN

Commanders have 4 players “out” and 2 “questionable” for Sunday’s game in Atlanta​

Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) was at Friday’s practice after not practicing Wednesday and Thursday. Quinn said he had a good practice, and the team later listed him as a full participant, giving him a questionable tag for Sunday’s game.

“He’s working incredibly hard round the clock to get back,” Quinn said. “Ultimately doctors haven’t cleared him just yet. He’s absolutely doing everything he possibly can.”

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Commanders.com

3 keys to Washington getting a win in Atlanta​

1. The defense must have a good day.

The Commanders’ patched-up offense ended on a good note last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, but it took them some time for the unit to find its footing. The defense gave them that luxury in Week 3, and they’ll need another solid performance from that side of the ball to win this week.

The Falcons have been a perplexing team to start the season. They have the firepower to be one of the best offenses in football with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson, and yet they are tied for 20th in yards per play. They clearly move the ball, as they rank 11th in first downs per game, but they’re also last in average points per play.

2. More contributions from depth players at receiver.

The Commanders are thin at receiver right now with Terry McLaurin dealing with a quad injury and Noah Brown still out with a groin issue. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Commanders need to get more out of their depth players to keep the offense running smoothly.

3. Give the offense short fields.

Deebo Samuel’s 69-yard kickoff return set the tone for the rest of the afternoon, and Washington’s special teams unit might have to provide that spark against the Falcons.

The Commanders currently have one of the best special teams units in the NFL. They’re first in punt return yards and kickoff return average. Samuel already has 221 yards on six returns, while Lane leads the league in punt return yards with the second-longest punt return of the year through three games.

Both units will need to deliver another solid performance against the Falcons, who have a strong group of their own.

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A to Z Sports

Bijan Robinson is one of the best, but the offense isn’t​

Robinson has already made his mark in the league as a top running back and even an offensive weapon, and it makes preparing for him a real headache. Commanders’ defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. praised the running back on Thursday when he spoke to the media.

“You know, we put up the key players each week,” Whitt Jr. said. “And you put your strengths and the weaknesses. And I didn’t have any weaknesses for the guy [Robinson], man. I was just like, man, he can do it all. He can run inside or outside. He can catch, he can block. He can run the screen game. He does it all very, very well.”

If you can stop Robinson and force a struggling Michael Penix Jr. to throw more than he’s comfortable doing, you have a real shot to win this game. The Commanders’ run defense has improved drastically compared to last year, and they’re ready for the challenge.

Robinson is clearly the best option for the Falcons’ offense right now, who can’t throw the ball to save their lives, and the Commanders can make this game a lot easier on the offense if they can get the Falcons off the field quickly by shutting down the run game.

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Riggo’s Rag

Commanders need safety help to contain Darnell Mooney’s downfield threat​

They got some help when Commanders general manager Adam Peters signed former first-round pick Darnell Savage Jr. to cover injuries at safety. The newcomer may have arrived at the perfect moment to help Washington’s paper-thin secondary keep Mooney at bay.

What the Commanders can’t do is fall into the same trap with Mooney, which they fell for against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3. When a defense naturally focused on containing All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and tough and resourceful wideout Jakobi Meyers, it forgot about Tre Tucker’s deep speed.

Mooney has the skills to inflict similar damage if the Commanders commit too many resources to keeping Pitts and London under wraps — any plan must involve making concessions for his speed.

They’ve travelled with a lot of man coverage on the back end so far this season, but the Commanders may need to adjust things this week. Starting with keeping two safeties deep.

[The Commanders] will miss injured Will Harris, but his perfect replacement is better suited for bodying Pitts down close to the line of scrimmage. Instead, the Commanders need Quan Martin and Savage to form a two-deep shell and take away the vertical strikes Mooney loves.

He’s averaged an impressive 10.7 yards per reception and 8.3 yards before catch per reception through two games. The former Chicago Bears playmaker’s potential to go downfield is obvious, especially now that he’s fully healthy for the first time this season. However, Mooney needs to see the last third of the field taken away from him this week.

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Heavy.com

Commanders Try Out Intriguing Australian Punter Oscar Chapman​

On Thursday, the Commanders [brought] in undrafted Australian punter Oscar Chapman for a tryout, even though the team already has a Pro Bowl-caliber punter, Tress Way, at their disposal.

You can never be too thorough in the NFL, and the Commanders are illustrating that by taking a look at another punter, despite having Way at their disposal. A two-time Pro Bowler who also earned a spot on the All-Pro Second Team in 2019, Way has spent his entire 12-year career with Washington, and he remains one of the top players at his position in the league.

If something happens to Way, though, Washington doesn’t have anyone on the depth chart who could come and fill in for him. That led to the team checking out Chapman, a former punter for the Auburn Tigers in college who is looking for his start in the NFL. Chapman didn’t get selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and while he spent time with the Minnesota Vikings over the summer, he ended up getting released in August.

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NFL.com

NFL Week 4 picks & predictions​

The most interesting question: What are the Falcons?

In Week 1, they barely lost to the back-to-back-to-back-to-back NFC South champion Bucs. In Week 2, they completely overwhelmed J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings. And then, this past Sunday, they were absolutely blown off the field by the Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. was benched; it was bad. So, what’s in store for Week 4? It’s important to note that Washington’s health issues go beyond Daniels. If Terry McLaurin (quad) is unable to go, that helps a Falcons secondary that’ll likely be missing CB1 A.J. Terrell (hamstring) for a second straight game. And while the Commanders’ defense looks pretty good on paper, I think the stats are inflated by lackluster offensive competition in two of the first three weeks. With Atlanta’s early bye on tap right after this game, Raheem Morris rallies the troops, gets the response he’s anticipating from Penix and denies Dan Quinn the satisfaction of beating his old team.

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Podcasts & videos​

Falcons vs Commanders Week 4 game preview ft. George Carmi: Atlanta must get back on track​

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Luke McCaffrey on Year 2, First TD & Falcons Game + Ricky Ervins’ Washington Legacy | Next Man Up​

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Five thoughts: on the Commanders’ injuries, Jacob Martin the unsung signing; good insight from Tress Way on punting to Jaylin Lane; Marcus Mariota; on the Falcons and what to do vs Michael Penix. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/afeNz4v8S3

— John Keim (@john_keim) September 26, 2025

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🎙On how the Commanders can down ATL without Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin and other offensive pieces. At least Bill Croskey-Merritt should be active. Also, hear from safety/special teams ace Jeremy Reaves on finally having his shot on defense.https://t.co/MaQBxAuDFN

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 27, 2025

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NFC East links​

Bucs Nation

Buccaneers vs Eagles Q&A with Bleeding Green Nation​

Which team will remain undefeated?

[W]here would you say the Eagles are the most vulnerable?​

“Assuming the offense has legitimately turned a corner (TBD), the Eagles’ biggest concern right now is the CB2 spot. The Eagles cut Darius Slay and let Isaiah Rodgers (reigning NFC Defensive Player of the Week) walk in free agency with the idea that Kelee Ringo was ready to take over as a starting cornerback. Unfortunately for them, Ringo struggled in training camp practices and preseason games to ultimately fall out of starting contention. He lost the battle to veteran Adoree’ Jackson, who didn’t even play well but managed to look less worse than Ringo. Jackson is now dealing with a groin injury but it seems like he might be able to play in Week 4. Jackson was already struggling prior to injury; he was a liability in Week 1 before settling in a little bit more in Week 2 and Week 3. If Jackson isn’t able to make it through the game, the Eagles won’t have their top backup cornerback available since they just placed Jakorian Bennett on injured reserve. And so it might be Ringo who has to play against the Bucs. The Eagles are lucky that Mike Evans won’t be playing in this game but Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. still figure to challenge this secondary.

The Eagles’ run defense has also been more leaky than expected but I’m looking to air it out if I’m the Bucs (though I’m also not privy to the extent of Baker Mayfield’s right biceps injury).“

The Eagles are currently road favorites. What is your score prediction for this one?​

“That’s interesting, right? The Eagles have consistently struggled to beat the Bucs since the Nick Sirianni/Jalen Hurts era began in 2021. And yet the Eagles opened as three-point road favorites and the line has since shifted to Philly being favored by 3.5 points. Call me a sucker for believing things will be different this time but it’s hard to bet against the Birds since they simply do not lose when Hurts starts and finishes the game. And whereas the Eagles have been “the hunted” in the sense of teams wanting to get revenge on them each of the past two weeks, now they’re in a spot with something to prove.

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Blogging the Boys

Costly turnovers are making the Cowboys appear worse than they really are​

The Dallas Cowboys are not doing so well. After three games, the team sits with a 1-2 record, coming off an embarrassing showing against the Chicago Bears. The defense has looked atrocious over the last two games and the offense just doesn’t seem to have enough firepower to keep up. Adding insult to injury is, well, injury, as the offense has lost three key starters in CeeDee Lamb, Cooper Beebe, and rookie Tyler Booker. Coincidentally, all three are out with high ankle sprains.

With problems on defense and injuries on offense, the word “bleak” has forced its way into our minds. Is this a team that’s in a lot of trouble? Are we witnessing what will become a common theme for this team, where close battles will become losses and losses will become blowouts?

Possibly.

With so much uncertainty with this football team, it’s hard to know how this one will play out. The team is not playing well, and there are no assurances that things will improve once the players become more acclimated to the teachings of the new coaching staff. Better health could be around the corner, but again, it’s a long season. It could get worse before it gets better.

One thing that does offer a glimpse of hope is that in all three games, the Cowboys have played well enough throughout the game to give them a fighting chance to win; however, self-inflicted miscues have derailed scoring opportunities. The team has turned the ball over in every game so far, and in many cases, those turnovers have proved costly. Let’s examine each case and try to understand its implications.

BEARS

The Cowboys lost to the Bears by 17 points, and there isn’t a play or two that would have changed that; however, the Dallas offense gave the ball away four times in this game, and each time they were in scoring position. Javonte Williams fumbled the ball on the Cowboys’ opening series. Instead of first-and-10 inside Chicago’s 30-yard line, it was the Bears’ ball.

View Link

Not only did it start off bad, but it ended poorly as well, as the Cowboys’ last three offensive possessions ended in interceptions, two of which were picked off in the end zone. If the Cowboys don’t turn the ball over and get into the endzone on half of those possessions (the ones there were deep in Chicago territory) and kick field goals on the other two, you’re looking at 20 more points on the scoreboard. They lost by 17. That’s a different ballgame.

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Bolts from the Blue

5 Questions with Big Blue View: Talent not enough for Giants thus far in 2025​

What are some silver linings you can pick out from the Giants’ 0-3 start? Are they as bad as their record suggests? Have you seen anything that makes you believe they could turn their fortunes around this season?

In all honesty, I believe this is the most talented Giants roster in the four years of the GM Joe Schoen/head coach Brian Daboll era. They are 0-3 and deserve to be because they have had opportunities to win all three games and missed them. But, the Commanders, Cowboys and chiefs are all quality teams. The Giants schedule is ridiculously hard, on paper.

They have a defense that has the talent to be a top 10 group in the NFL. They have the talent to be a middle of the pack team on offense. They “should” be a team that no one really wants to play. They quite simply, though, don’t seem to know how to win games.

If you were Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, how would you game plan against Dart and the Giants offense? Are there any other players aside from Malik Nabers that you would have to account for?

Well, first of all I think you look at the film from the first three games and throw most of it out. I think you game plan for the reality that the quarterback run game with zone reads and RPOs will be a big part of what we see. I think we will see a lot of shotgun, and a fair amount of hurry up/no huddle. Those are things Dart did a lot at Ole Miss, and they should be staples as he gets his feet wet.

The Commanders and Chiefs had success dealing with Nabers by playing a lot of two-high and not letting him get over the top. I think you want to see if the Giants have an answer for that. They did not last week. I think the Giants will target Nabers early and often. This will be a 12-15-target game for him.

If you are Minter, you want to try to confuse Dart. You want to stress the offensive line, especially the questionable interior of it, with stunts, twists and blitzes to see if you can break the Giants; offense down.

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Upcoming opponent​

The Falcoholic

Is the Falcons season on the line in Week 4?​

It’s easy to be swept up in the moment, but are the Falcons really in that much trouble?

The Atlanta Falcons lost 0-30, the offense is flailing, and coaches are being fired.

The special teams unit can’t make a kick or field a kick.

Zac Robinson and Raheem Morris provided differing quotes when asked about the offense’s predictability in their press conferences, which were held only minutes apart.

The team has set a must-win precedent against the Washington Commanders with its behavior. It’s only Week 4.

It’s the fourth week of the NFL season, and Flowery Branch is operating like it’s December. The loss to the Panthers was embarrassing, but does the season really hang in the balance against Dan Quinn and his team? That depends on your perspective.

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The Falcoholic

Offensive Failure: Why the Falcons fired their wide receivers coach​

In Penix’s three starts in 2024, the team generated 11 explosive passes of 20 yards or more, ranking third in the NFL during that span. 10 of which were produced by wide receivers, with Mooney and Drake London producing eight combined. However, that has dropped to just six explosive plays through the first three games in 2025, with only half provided by the wide receivers and one each for Mooney and London.

The team’s efficiency on third downs and in the red zone has also dipped dramatically. In 2024, when Mooney or London were targeted on third downs, the Falcons converted them into first downs at a 46 percent rate. That matched the sixth-ranked third-down offense in 2024, as seen in the Washington Commanders. However, when both receivers have been targeted in 2025, they only convert 29 percent of the time, which is equal to 2024’s worst third-down offense, the Cleveland Browns.

London was also the team’s primary red-zone threat in 2024, accounting for over 40 percent of the team’s throws in that area. When targeted, London scored about 25 percent of the time, a significant uptick from the 15 percent red-zone conversion rate when targeting any other receiver. Unfortunately, London has been a non-factor thus far in the red zone in 2025. He’s been targeted just twice and has yet to catch a pass, let alone convert one into a score.

Unsurprisingly, the Falcons’ red-zone offense has dipped to start the year. After converting 75 percent of their red-zone trips into touchdowns to close out the 2024 season with Penix at the helm, the team is only converting on 29 percent in 2025.

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Discussion topics​

NFL.com

NFL Week 4 picks & predictions​

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aBit o’Twitter​

Get ready. #Vikings vs #Steelers. The first ever NFL regular season game in Dublin!

MINvsPIT– Sunday 9:30am ET on @nflnetwork
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4dY90nGzGJ

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) September 27, 2025

Atlanta continued to send their blitz to the back vs Carolina.

Bill Croskey-Merritt has good tape from last week. McNichols is known for his pass pro abilities.

How will Washington handle the pressure on 3rd downs vs the Falcons?#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/jd5jLVQvgy

— Anthony Armstrong (@ratedarmstrong) September 27, 2025

He’s been WHAT?? pic.twitter.com/BwFPN9GUsO

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) September 26, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...rs-tried-out-an-australian-punter-on-thursday

 

[Washington Commanders]

Game Recap: Falcons lead from start to finish as they drop Commanders to 2-2

Washington is 19-10-1 against the Falcons, all-time, in a rivalry that dates back to 1966. Washington has won all four matchups with Atlanta in this decade, and are hoping to make it five-in-a-row this afternoon. History seems to be on the Commanders’ side — they have dominated the Falcons for decades aside from a 5-game losing streak from 2006 to 2018 — but the injury situation seems to favor the home team.

Washington will be without:

• QB Jayden Daniels
• WR Terry McLaurin
• WR Noah Brown
• TE John Bates
• S Percy Butler

Of course, the Commanders have already lost two starters for the season — RB Austin Ekeler and DE Deatrich Wise. They also have CB Jonathan Jones and S Will Harris on short-term IR and have been without RG Sam Cosmi since he injured his knee in the playoff win against the Lions in January.

The most significant injury for the Falcons is CB A.J. Terrell.

The Commanders come into Atlanta hot off of a dominating win against the Las Vegas Raiders in which backup QB Marcus Mariota and the Commanders running attack made Jayden Daniels’ absence seem to be of no real consequence. The Falcons, on the other hand, were shut out by division rival, the Carolina Panthers, and starting QB Michael Penix was benched in the 4th quarter for former Redskin and the NFL’s highest-paid backup, Kirk Cousins, who was tasked with handing the ball off 7 straight times on Atlanta’s final drive, possibly to avoid the possibility of the veteran leading a scoring drive that could have thrown gas on a possible QB controversy. Instead, head coach Raheem Morris threw cold water on it immediately after Sunday’s loss by proclaiming that Penix remains the Falcons’ starter.

The one aspect of the Falcons team that is crystal clear is the play of RB Bijan Robinson. He has been outstanding as both a ball carrier and receiver. He has accounted for 40% of Atlanta’s offensive yardage in the first 3 weeks of the season. Washington’s biggest challenge defensively will be to contain him — no small feat.

The Commanders enter the game with a ton of defensive metrics that indicate that Joe Whitt’s crew is doing its job the right way. For example, the Commanders defense leads the league in limiting opponents’ 3rd down conversion percentage. They are also getting pressure on the passer; per Ben Standig, Washington’s defense ranks 6th in sacks, 3rd in total pressures, and 1st(t) in total pressure rate.

The burgundy & gold defense may have an opportunity to lead Washington to a win by clamping down on an Atlanta offense that has scored only one touchdown in its past two game, and rattling a young quarterback who looked frequently confused last week against the Panthers.

Washington’s wounded offense may struggle against a solid Falcons defense that is ranked 2nd in the NFL in total yards per game surrendered, and 13th (right behind Washington) in points allowed per game.

The Commanders advantage could come down to special teams, which are at or near the top of the NFL rankings in a host of special teams metrics.

The Commanders' special teams (save for place-kicking) are crushing it.

*WAS field position after punts: own 35.1-yard line (3rd)

*Tress Way has landed 58.3% of his punts inside the 20 and 33.3% inside the 10 (4th and 2nd in NFL).

*WAS yards per punt return: 17.7 (3rd)…

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 22, 2025

The 2-1 Commanders are looking to close out the month of September with a win that will keep them in the hunt for the NFC East division crown and among the shrinking pool of NFL teams with a winning record. The 1-2 Falcons are fighting to avoid a loss that would bury them in 3rd place in a relatively non-competitive NFC South division and possibly seeing their season begin to unravel. It feels like the keys to the game will be the Commanders ability to pressure and harass Michael Penix on defense, and to find a way to move the ball against an extremely stingy Falcons defense. More explosive plays from Washington’s special teams unit could be what’s needed to tip the balance in favor of the visitors in what shapes up to be a fight between two tough defensive teams.

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First Quarter​

The first possession belonged to the Falcons at the 35-yard line following the opening kickoff which went into the end zone for a touchback.

After a Bijan Robinson run and an dropped pass, it was 3rd & 5. On the 3rd down play, Penix hit a wide-open Kyle Pitts who ran the ball to the Commanders 34-yard line. Not good from the NFL’s top 3rd down defense.

Michael Penix finds Kyle Pitts for the big gain on 3rd down

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/kJI5mmYgUf

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

A pair of Robinson runs added another first down. Two plays later, Daron Payne forced a fumble, but it went straight to Penix, who recovered for a loss of 6 yards.

Daron Payne with the textbook Peanut Punch on Bijan Robinson to force the fumble, but Atlanta recovers.

Close one.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/TVoz0Zt2Cg

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

On 3rd down, Lattimore stretched out for a near interception to force the 38-yard field goal attempt, which Parker Romo converted easily. Atlanta 3 – Washington 0.

Marcus Mariota led the offense out for the Commanders first offensive drive, which began at the 33-yard line after a Luke McCaffrey return.

With about 10 1/2 minutes to play in the opening period, the drive starts with a 4-yard loss when the Falcons swarm Deebo behind the line. On 2nd down, things got a bit worse with a sack of Mariota. On 3rd & 16, Mariota’s throw deep downfield hit the grass. 3 & out. Tress Way on to punt.

The Falcons took over at the 27-yard line with 9 minutes left in the 1st quarter.

Bijan Robinson got his 7th & 8th carries of the game to earn another first down — Atlanta’s 3rd. Two plays later, he ran for the team’s fourth 1st down of the game across midfield.

Penix then hit Drake London for another 1st down on a 15 yard completion against Mikey Sainristil.

Tyler Allgeier came on the field, earning 9 yards on 2 carries. On 3rd & 1 at the 25-yard line, Allgeier was stuffed for no gain.

On 4th & 1, Raheem Morris kept his offense on the field. This time Allgeier got the needed yard to earn a fresh set of downs at the 22-yard line.

The Falcons tried a gimmicky play that was read perfectly by Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and Wagner made the tackle for a loss of 7 yards. One play later, it was 3rd & 3 after another completion to London. On 3rd down, Penix hit Robinson for an easy thrown & catch on the sideline against Lattimore.

It was now 1st & goal from the 9-yard line. On 2nd down, Drake London caught a TD pass from Penix to stretch the home team’s lead to two scores. After the PAT, the score was 10-0, Atlanta in front. The drive covered 73 yards in 14 plays in 8:13.

Penix London for the TD!

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/hUd16gTzhl

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

With less than a minute left to play in the first quarter, the Washington offense needs to get on track. So far, the Falcons have out-gained the Commanders 118-6; Penix is 7-9 for 68 yards and a TD.

On the Commanders’ 2nd drive, the first running back carry of the day went to Chris Rodriguez.

On CRod’s 2nd carry of the game on 2nd & 7, he broke loose for a 49-yard run to end the quarter, setting his tam up at the Atlanta 19-yard line.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. rips off a 49-yard run for the @Commanders

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/z875X7V00w

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Second Quarter​

Kliff Kingsbury stayed with Chris Rodriguez. After a CRod run and a Zach Ertz catch, it was 3rd & 1 at the 10-yard line. Rodriguez got stuffed for no gain.

Dan Quinn, of course, never hesitated. On 4th & 1 (almost 2), Mariota hit Deebo Samuel on a sideline pass for the 1st down at the 6-yard line.

The #Commanders offense picks up the 4th down conversion deep in the redzone to keep this drive alive.

Deebo Samuel with the sideline catch. pic.twitter.com/iim8autYJx

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

McNichols came on the field and carried for a yard; then it was back to the passing game. Mariota hit Luke McCaffrey in the back of the end zone on a touchdown reception that looked exactly like several I’ve seen Jayden Daniels throw to Terry McLaurin! McCaffrey had his 2nd TD catch in as many weeks.

Mariota throws a dart to Luke McCaffrey to get @Commanders on the board

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/CR8Z4zwbNi

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Score: 10 – 7 with 11:31 left in the half. The Washington drive covered 70 yards in 8 plays.

Kick returner Natrone Brooks was injured on his return (he left the game with a concussion and never returned). There was a penalty on the Commanders on the kickoff to force a re-kick.

Penix and the Atlanta offense took the field at the 37-yard line for their 3rd offensive drive of the game having scored on each of the first two possessions.

The Commanders blitz on 1st down resulted in a 6-yard Frankie Luvu sack of Penix.

SACK

Frankie Luvu gets Penix from behind and brings him down hard. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/m1DWWI7XiJ

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

Penix had plenty of time on 2nd down, and hit London 43-yards down field on a double move. Falcons set up at the WAS 26-yard line.

Penix goes deep to London for the big pickup!

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/Axai2Dsb4Q

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Two plays later, Penix hit Mooney for 15 yards and another 1st down. Penix looks very good.

On the next play, Bijan Robinson ran right through the middle of the Commanders defense to score another Falcons touchdown.

Terrible tackling efforts here from the #Commanders. This felt like the kind of touchdown that Washington would give up under Jack Del Rio pic.twitter.com/cJDLF2ceZA

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

After the PAT, Atlanta led 17-7.

Washington’s defense simply isn’t getting the job done. The Falcons have been moving the ball at will on the ground and through the air.

Luke McCaffrey broke a huge 58-yard kick return across midfield to the Falcons 41-yard line.

Luke McCaffrey break out month?

Two games in a row he's made huge plays. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/HrEuZ0c1I1

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

For the 2nd week in a row, Mariota and his offense have great field position after a great return. The offense needs to score a touchdown here.

A pass to Jaylin Lane on 1st down was followed by a run by Bill Croskey-Merritt to earn a 1st down at the 29-yard line.

A penalty for intentional grounding pushed the ball back 10 yards — 2nd & 20. On the subsequent play, Mariota scrambled; hit Deebo for a completion. Deebo fumbled, but then recovered the ball himself.

Almost sacked.

Almost fumbled.

Short gain on 2nd and 20.

Annnndddd exhale.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/urgP4MzkYi

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

On 3rd & 17, Deebo had an 11-yard catch & run. Matt Gay came on the field for a 43-yard field goal attempt that split the uprights. New score: 17-10, Atlanta in the lead.

The Falcons offense returns to the field at the 33-yard line with about 5 1/2 minutes left before halftime. It’s time for Washington’s defense to force a stop.

Tyler Allgeier was stuffed for a loss by Javon Kinlaw, but on 2nd down, Drake London had another catch near the line to gain, earning a 1st down. Allgeier lost 2 (again) on 1st down with the clock ticking down towards 3 minutes. Penix hit Mooney waaay downfield, but the receiver bobbled it and went out of bounds. A defensive holding call against Trey Amos on the play gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs a their own 45 yard line.

Penix went deep again, but couldn’t complete the pass against tight coverage by Lattimore. London, however, took an underneath pass to the 46-yard line, where Eddie Goldman stopped Bijan Robinson cold on 3rd & 1 as the officials gave the 2-minute warning.

How about Eddie Goldman?!

The #Commanders D-Line stops Bijan Robinson on 3rd and 1 to force the 4th down.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/iL6zJdt88m

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

Following the time out, on 4th & 2, Atlanta’s offense lined up but took the delay of game penalty before punting.

Mariota would have the opportunity to tie the game by halftime, and Washington’s offense will get the ball to start the 2nd half.

Jaylin Lane muffed the punt, but fell on it. Washington’s drive would start at the 8-yard line with 01:51 on the clock.

Mariota completed passes to Ertz and Lane before nearly throwing an interception with about 01:20 to play.

McNichols carried the ball for minimal yardage and the clock kept ticking under 60 seconds. On 3rd & 8, Mariota was sacked inside the Washington 30-yard line to force the punt with 35 ticks on the clock.

This was almost a huge opportunity for Washington, but the #Falcons recovered this touched punt. pic.twitter.com/sKJfxcsct7

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

After the punt, Atlanta had the ball with 22 seconds on the clock at their own 25-yard line. They couldn’t move the ball, and the half ended with the Falcons punting the ball away on 4th & 7 with 00:07 on the clock. Lane didn’t handle the punt cleanly and took a huge hit, but the Commanders did not lose possession of the ball as halftime arrived.

Jaylin Lane has officially muffed two punts in the first half today.

Not ideal.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/7NtWjERUTx

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

Our ball after the break pic.twitter.com/XoL563WUw4

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 28, 2025

Halftime Stats​

Statistics via ESPN​

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Third Quarter​

The Commanders defense stopped Atlanta twice in the closing minutes of the first half; now, the Washington offense will open the second half with the ball at the 30-yard line, hoping to tie the game. Another Falcons player —- Xavier Watts — was shaken up on the kickoff return.

The Commanders attempted only 8 running plays, gaining 58 rushing yards in the first half. Perhaps the number of attempts can change with the team facing a deficit of just 7 points with the ball in hand.

Bill Merritt opened the half with a 16-yard run on a toss play. Mariota hit Jaylin Lane on the sideline for 31 yards, but a holding penalty on Ben Sinnott erased the play. It was now 1st & 20 at the WAS 35-yard line. Offensive pass interference against McCaffery made it 1st & 30. Goiong backwards is not good.

M1st & 30 – 16-yard completion to McCaffrey in the middle of the field

On 1st and 30 (yes, you read that correctly), Mariota connects with McCaffrey for 16 yards to make a more managable 2nd and 14.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6fMlLmQtQY

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

2nd & 14 – Incomplete pass as Mariota barely escapes a sack by Kaden Elliss

3rd & 14 – Mariota scrambles for 22 yards and a 1st down

Marcus Mariota picks up 22 yards with his legs on 3rd and 14

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/BFlDw5XdAv

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Two plays later, on 3rd & 2, Ertz was flagged for a bad false start penalty to bring up 3rd & 7 at the ATL 34-yard line. On 3rd down, Mariota was unable to complete the pass to Chris Moore.

Matt Gay nailed the 52-yard field goal to make the score 17-13.

The drive covered 37 yards in 8 plays with, I believe, 4 penalties against Washington’s offense.

Atlanta began their first possession of the second half at the 24-yard line leading by 4 points.

The first play was spectacular for the Falcons. Penix hit Bijan Robinson out of the backfield for 69 yards. Only a huge amount of hustle by safety Jeremy Reaves saved the touchdown.

Touchdown saving tackle from Reaves, on an inexcusably long catch and run from Bijan Robinson.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/tDIhpUM0il

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

Kyle Pitts scored a touchdown on the second play of the drive with Darnell Savage in coverage.

Penix. Pitts. SIX.

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/069pLA4C2V

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

With 9 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter, the Falcons led 24-13. The Commanders need to change the direction of this game in the remaining 24 (or so) minutes.

This key offensive drive for the Commanders opened with Deebo following Ben Sinnott around the end for 5 yards; on 2nd down, Samuel caught a pass for 14 yards to set the offense up with a fresh set of downs near midfield.

Rodriguez was next runner up with a 6-yard gain followed by an 8-yard Deebo run.

Mariota was intercepted in the end zone on the next play trying to hit Jaylin Lane on a 40-yard pass. Xavier Watts came down with the INT. This was a devastating turn of events on a drive that was going pretty well prior to the deep shot.

Xavier Watts picks it off for the @AtlantaFalcons

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/hzjo2Odcdt

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Starting from their own 20, the Falcons moved the ball to the 38-yard line before Mikey Sainristil came up with Washington’s first turnover of the season with an interception!

Mikey Sainristil picks off Penix

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/piI4pxW1hx

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Starting at the ATL 25-yard line, the offense now has a chance to make a game-changing score. It doesn’t really happen, though. Washington can’t move the ball, and Matt Gay comes out for his 3rd field goal attempt of the day. The 41-yard attempt slipped inside the left upright to make the score 24-16 with about 4 1/2 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. The scoring drive covered 2 yards in 4 plays.

Good kick coverage gave Atlanta the ball near the 28-yard line on a ST tackle by rookie Ale Kaho.

Penix continues to play well. Under heavy pressure, he hit Casey Washington for a 19-yard gain.

Two plays later, on 3rd & 2, he completed a 16-yard pass.

This coverage has simply not worked today. The #Falcons are picking it apart with ease and getting guys open.
Joe Whitt Jr needs to make an adjustment fast. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/9QZOdPpXf9

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

On 1st down from the 15-yard line, Tyler Algeier made it to the end zone to open the lead up to 31-16 as the game starts to feel like it’s getting out of hand.

What an effort by Tyler Allgeier for the @AtlantaFalcons TD!

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/F2tpqHHwsl

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

After the kickoff return (holding call on Ben Sinnott) the Commanders got the ball at the 24-yard line with 6 second left in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter​

There seems little reason for optimism as the Commanders take the field to open the final stanza of the game. Trailing by two scores, they’ve appeared outmatched for most of the game.

For a moment, it looked like Chris Moore had a long reception, but the Falcons DB punched the ball out; a flag for defensive holding on 2nd down gave Mariota a fresh set of downs to work with.

Tay Martin caught a 14-yard pass on 2nd & 12 to get the ball across midfield, and then Chris Moore added another 9 yards on the next play.

Bill Merritt earned the first down with a good run, then, bulled for another 9 yards on the next 2 plays.

On 3rd & 1, Chris Rodriguez lost 2 yards.

On 4th & 3, Mariota hit Deebo in the back corner of the end zone on a fade for the essential touchdown!

MARIOTA. DEEBO. TD.

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/VcvP6C7px5

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

On the subsequent 2-point play Mariota made a great play, hitting Zach Ertz in the end zone to close the deficit to 7 points.

Mariota finds Ertz for the 2-point conversion.

WASvsATL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXnxV pic.twitter.com/0andLH0u2H

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

The score is now 31-24 with the Falcons in the lead with 8:48 to play.

Atlanta started their next drive at their own 24-yard line. The Commanders defense must get a stop here!

Two plays later, the Falcons faced 3rd & 4; Penix scrambled and reached the line to gain for a crucial first down.

Two more plays and it was 3rd & 6 at the 37-yard line. Penix hit Kyle Pitts for a first down with a DPI penalty declined. Atlanta had the ball at the Washington 40, approaching field goal range with 4 1/2 minutes.

How do you commit DPI and still give up the catch like this?

Sigh. pic.twitter.com/ihGLXEc9aU

— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 28, 2025

Tyler Allgeier was stuffed to bring up 3rd & 7; Drake London made a wonderful catch on an out route for 9 yards and it began to feel like the score and clock were unbeatable.

https://t.co/ZaiOlCxDZ0 pic.twitter.com/3gdwaGhUbB

— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2025

Allgeier added another 19 yards on the ground. The Commanders will need to force a turnover if they hope to find a way to win this game.

Instead, after a 3rd down stop as the 2-minute warning arrived, the Falcons kicked a field goal to open up a 10-point lead with just 01:57 left in the game. The scoring drive to ice the game covered 69 yards in 14 plays and burned nearly 7 minutes of game clock. Score: 34-24.

Things looked grim for the good guys.

A DPI penalty against the DB covering Deebo Samuel gave the Commanders a huge gain to the ATL 40-yard line.

When they got to the 25-yard line, Dan Quinn sent Gay out for a 42-yard field goal attempt to cut the lead to 7 points.

The Commanders will need to recover the onside kick in a last-gasp attempt to steal victory from the jaws of defeat. Atlanta recovered the kick, and the game was over except for Penix kneeling out the final 86 seconds.

Not our afternoon pic.twitter.com/hFh2t9Velo

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 28, 2025

Full Game Stats​

Statistics via ESPN​

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...eek-4-final-score-results-statistics-analysis

 

[Washington Commanders]

Sunday Night Football: Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys

Week 4 is not over yet, and we’ve got one more game to watch on Sunday. This game has been circled on everyone’s calendar since the Dallas Cowboys traded LB Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. There was the usual Jerry Jones drama, and then the surprise trade before the season started. Now Parsons returns to Texas with his new team, and chip on his shoulder. The Cowboys only win of the season was an overtime win over the 0-3 Giants.

Matchup: Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Date/Time: September 28, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX

TELEVISION: NBC

Mike Tirico (play-by-play)

Cris Collinsworth (analyst)

Melissa Stark (sideline)

RADIO: Sirius XM NFL

Green Bay: XM/SXM 226, Internet 811

Dallas: XM/SXM 225, Internet 808

National: 88

Español: 227, Internet: 832

Live Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, fuboTV

FanDuel odds: Packers -6.5, 46.5 O/U

Green Bay: -320

Dallas: +260

Prediction: Packers 30 – Cowboys 10

SB Nation Blogs: Acme Packing Company | Blogging the Boys

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/379303/sunday-night-football-green-bay-packers-vs-dallas-cowboys

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders Vs. Falcons – Studs and Duds

Washington took a trip south to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on the struggling Falcons, and in typical fashion, allowed a team to get right against them. Atlanta failed to score a single point the prior week against their division rival Carolina Panthers, but righted that ship in front of their home crowd putting up 34 points against Joe Whitt’s defense. That defense allowed Michael Penix to throw for 313 yards and two touchdowns while giving up 128 rushing yards – 75 of those to star Bijan Robinson.

The banged-up Commanders will need to figure out a lot of things this week before heading out west to take on the 3-1 Chargers who are also experiencing some injuries of their own.

Below are my Studs and Duds of the game, followed by some notes.

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Studs:​

• Deebo Samuel: Deebo continues his excellent start to the season, again leading the Commanders’ wide receiving corps with six receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown, while adding 9 more yards rushing.

4th and 3 – Mariota hits Samuel for the TD! pic.twitter.com/j1le2UoFUb

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

4th and 1 – Deebo with the great catch pic.twitter.com/op1nxH3iVo

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Luke McCaffrey: Although the passing game was not very good against the Falcons, Luke had a solid game as a starting wide receiver, blocker and kick returner. He had two receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown while blocking his butt off for the ball-carriers and returned six kicks for 199 yards (including a 58 yarder). He even had two special teams tackles.

HUGE kickoff return by Luke McCaffrey for 58 Yards!!! pic.twitter.com/lDaSSIf1W8

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

Mariota with an absolute LAZER to McCaffrey for the TD! pic.twitter.com/b60QIyzLj3

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Mike Sainristil: Sainristil corralled the Commanders’ first turnover of the season when he picked off Penix in the third quarter. He also had seven tackles and a pass defended on the afternoon.

First turnover of the season for Washington is a pick by Mikey Sainristil pic.twitter.com/PXQhxzDSmT

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Matt Gay: Kicking inside for the first time this season, Gay connected on all four of his field goal attempts, including a 52 yarder.

Matt Gay perfect from 52! pic.twitter.com/MYWBNgjE6c

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

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Duds:​

• Bobby Wagner: Despite leading the defense with 10 total tackles, Wagner also missed a few and was HORRIBLE in coverage allowing easy receptions to whoever he was ‘attempting” to cover. It’s VERY CLEAR that he needs to become a part-time player at this point of his career.

HOW IN THE WORLD IS BOBBY WAGNER MATCHED UP ON BIJAN ROBINSON!!!!!

This is RIDICULOUS! pic.twitter.com/2yRnOcQqjH

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Marshon Lattimore: Lattimore was picked on all afternoon, and he allowed Michael Penix and the Falcons receivers, mainly Drake London, to go off. Not only is he allowing separation, but he continues to commit penalties – and STILL allow receptions. I have been a defender of the trade, but I’m quickly starting to doubt the move.

Lattimore gets absolutely TOASTED by London. He was also called for holding on the play pic.twitter.com/20RZjnPpex

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Quan Martin: Martin played his worst game since his rookie season, allowing easy completions and missing a bunch of tackles. He was late a few times getting over the top to help and he looked just as poor covering the middle in zone.

Quan Martin holding and STILL can’t stop Pitts pic.twitter.com/jBZ2rnK3t9

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

Horrible tackling by Reaves and Martin allows Bijan to score pic.twitter.com/wh1b4xECY2

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Defensive line’s missed tackles: The defensive linemen missed an absurd number of tackles on the afternoon – many of which would have been for a loss in the backfield or a short gain. I understand the entire defense was missing tackles, but I feel this group stood out more than others that I didn’t already call out.

Goldman missed the tackle in the hole, but watch the HORRIBLE tackle attempt by Quan Martin (who is having a bad game). pic.twitter.com/4Dzd9VrGBN

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

Von Miller misses tackle in the backfield on Algier and no one else is in the lane to stop him.

VERY POOR DEFENSE pic.twitter.com/zKNquMrFEe

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Joe Whitt Jr.: Whitt’s defensive scheme was horrible all afternoon as he let the Falcons completely control the game. Any scheme that has the 35-year-old Wagner matched up in coverage on 4.3 athletes is a HUGE miss! Dan Quinn needs to have a “coming to Jesus” moment with his defensive coordinator.

Whitt and this defense needs to be held responsible pic.twitter.com/8WkgmUSIqM

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

3rd and 2 – gotta ask what our defense is doing… pic.twitter.com/WhA6a2gQUI

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

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Notes:​

• Marcus Mariota did what he could to keep Washington in this game, despite getting ZERO help from his defense besides the Sainristil interception. For as poorly as the defense played all afternoon, we were just one late stop (the reception Lattimore allowed on the out-route to London) from getting the ball back to either tie or win the game.

3rd and 14 – Mariota runs for a huge pickup of 22yds! pic.twitter.com/Yhi1n3p2rM

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Frankie Luvu was very active during the game, recording eight tackles, one for a loss, a sack and four pressures, however he missed too many tackles to make my Studs list.

Luvu nice job disrupting the play pic.twitter.com/2mteeoxXOP

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• CRod and Bill combined for 106 yards on just 14 carries (including a 48 yarder by Rodriguez). I think Kliff was forced to pass more being down by two scores.

Nice run by Bill! pic.twitter.com/OnSxXfRPh0

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

MASSIVE 43yd run by Rodriguez to end the 1st QTR! pic.twitter.com/kIlAgd5Lsa

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Ben Sinnott has stepped in for the injured John Bates and has done a real nice job blocking. He NEEDS to start seeing some targets in the passing game.

Ben Sinnott blocking his A$$ off! pic.twitter.com/GPcfg8M731

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Trey Amos continues to be Washington’s best cover man – and it’s not even close.
• Why is Chris Moore still on this football team?

WHY IN THE HELL is Chris Moore on this team?????

This is the same he did all offseason pic.twitter.com/SjYxzyD26o

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Jaylin Lane had two receptions for 18 yards but also fumbled two punts (none of which were recovered by the Falcons).
• I love Jeremy Reaves the person and special teams player, but he shouldn’t be seeing that much playing time with the starting unit. We need to get Savage up and running sooner than later.
• Daron Payne had a relatively quiet game; however he did have a nice forced fumble that unfortunately went tumbling right back to Penix.

Payne forces the fumble – that unfortunately roles right back to Penix pic.twitter.com/ogJ8NEyogb

— Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) September 28, 2025

• Adam Peters’ roster building with these aging vets has gotten me quite concerned. The injuries are PILING up, and many are happening to the older players he’s brought in or re-signed. Soft tissues injuries are more common in the NFL as players age and seeing how many are now hitting our roster, I contemplated giving Peters Dud status – HOWEVER, looking at the big picture, most of this is on Ron Rivera for missing on so many high draft picks. I have already declared Ron as a PERMANENT Dud, so no reason to add him to this list again.
• Coming into this game, the Commanders defense ranked 24th in the league in receiving yards allowed to opposing receivers. I have to imagine this game will drop them into the 30’s.

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/studs-and-duds/379521/commanders-vs-falcons-studs-and-duds

 

[Washington Commanders]

All aTwitter: 30-Sep-25 – Don’t tell anyone but Commanders defense struggles with pre-snap motion on pass plays

The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.

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Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed​

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Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed​

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Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.​

Will land on IR and have surgery. Beyond that, tbd, but a torn pec is usually months, not weeks," Quinn said. https://t.co/B0EdycB8gX

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 29, 2025

This is all 7 of Jacory Croskey-Merritt's carries yesterday.

So dynamic. Special vision. Powerful. He is the truth. I don't remember being this impressed with a Commanders running back in years.

I see only 1 play where he didn't get MORE than was schemed up. pic.twitter.com/hdHOoVMtKW

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 29, 2025

Marcus Mariota was fine yesterday. Wasn't why Washington lost. But this pick was costly.

1st down in plus territory.
Lane wins big, is open for a TD
Bad ball leads to takeaway

** Lane looked good Sunday with increased work. ** pic.twitter.com/ra0fKchHeO

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 29, 2025

The Commanders have allowed an NFL-high 11 pass plays of 15 yards or more when the opposing offense uses motion. Only two teams have allowed more yards from scrimmage when the O uses motion (Philly and Chicago)

— John Keim (@john_keim) September 29, 2025

The Falcons watched the Packers tape apparently.

On this 3rd and 7, they pulled Lattimore away from the sideline, got him running at the snap, ran a quick out that he couldn't possibly defend based on where he was coming from.

The Packers did this to WSH a few times. pic.twitter.com/iusmnIVhXR

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 29, 2025

On the 43-yard completion Lattimore allowed to London.

1) Late pre-snap motion by ATL changes assignment.
2) Zero pressure. Penix climbs; throws seed.
3) Lattimore's looking at QB.
4) Bets on shorter throw; 70% of targets to DL on year were 0-10 YDS. Bet wrong. pic.twitter.com/paDOXPbJwI

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 29, 2025

#Commanders defensive struggles summed up here. 1st play, Falcons motion into a corner-flat combination. WAS rotates into Cover-3, but Amos and Reaves both play flat, leave Pitts free. 2nd play, same concept from Falcons. WAS plays man this time, Quan gets beat by Pitts pic.twitter.com/EcsB01C81w

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 29, 2025

Can't be more basic than Cover-3 or man coverage. Players have to take responsibility for the busts/getting beat in man.

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 29, 2025

Does anyone see what’s wrong with this photo? pic.twitter.com/fsx4MeOTH6

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) September 28, 2025

Washington's defense so far this season compared to the first four weeks last season … pic.twitter.com/wtsFEp1LNK

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 29, 2025

I'll get yelled at for this but whatever – keep in mind Washington without 2 defensive starters (Wise, Harris) and key contributors (Butler, Jones) and JJB went down

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 29, 2025

"They need to fix this tackling, because it's getting on my damn nerves!"@BMITCHLIVE30 is NOT happy with the Commanders' inability, or unwillingness, to make a tackle! pic.twitter.com/WBIWG98q4p

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) September 29, 2025

Week 4 Commanders CB snap counts:
– Lattimore 100 percent
– Sainristil 92 percent
– Amos 91 percent
– Igbinoghene 6 percent

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 29, 2025

Week 4 Commanders LB Snap Counts:
– Luvu 100 percent
– Wagner 100 percent
– Magee, Medrano, Kaho got zero defensive snaps.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) September 29, 2025

Week 4 snaps:

* RBBC: Rodriguez 20, JCM 20, McNichols 19

* Zero catches for Moore (3 targets) despite playing 70% of snaps (40 of 57).

* With 17 and 85 out, Deebo played zero ST snaps

* Savage, signed this week, played 9 def. snaps.

* Zero def. snaps for Owens, Magee pic.twitter.com/LqLharjrf1

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 29, 2025

The McCaffrey family in Weeks 3-4:

257 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
101 rushing yards
224 kick return yards

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 29, 2025

The Chargers have been without their star left tackle all season. They lost the other elite tackle yesterday.

Joe Whitt needs to find a way to get to Justin Herbert early and often. That’s the path to fixing their coverage woes. https://t.co/vGnik6AORM

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 30, 2025

No Joe Alt, no Rashawn Slater for the #Chargers at OT.

No Khalil Mack. They cut Bosa at edge.

Also lost Najeh Harris at RB.

Home field advantage should be no big deal. #Commanders getting teeth in all week. Jayden expected back.

This is not a should win but….

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) September 29, 2025

Jim Harbaugh said LT Joe Alt is getting imaging today on his right ankle and they’ll learn more about the severity of his injury when they get those results.

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 29, 2025

Demetrius Knight Jr. picks off Nix in the end zone

CINvsDEN on ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/2gDr1tttx9

— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2025

Behind the back flip?!

NYJvsMIA on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/6eelRB8lGG

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2025

Beautiful punch to knock it out

NYJvsMIA on ESPN
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/OCtFipNEsx

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2025

Jayden's insta story post about his best friend Malik Nabers. I know it hurt his heart seeing his guy like that #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/4LoJiHyWeV

— Matt Seabrook (@Seabiscuit_62) September 29, 2025

Coach Daboll confirms Malik Nabers has torn his ACL and will be out for the season. Wishing 1 a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/6w2b5OwDxR

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 29, 2025

Touched on this in Pick Six column today—Jaxson Dart at risk https://t.co/NDn0btacXE pic.twitter.com/JDuySGkqB1

— Mike Sando (@SandoNFL) September 29, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s exit after a gruesome leg injury: pic.twitter.com/z9jXpJzFrF https://t.co/Puorwljpev

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 30, 2025

Welcome back, Darren Waller.

What a play. pic.twitter.com/JytLuBBl3V

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 29, 2025

Consistency remains elusive, but Justin Fields can still produce highlights like virtually no one else. pic.twitter.com/Y7sCjuCWnQ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 30, 2025

Doesn't have to be helmet to helmet to be a dirty hit/flag .. Forcible contact about shoulders counts. https://t.co/rXZwqmZ4fP

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

pic.twitter.com/Mia1gUFTUj

— New York Giants (@Giants) September 29, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...-struggles-with-pre-snap-motion-on-pass-plays

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop – 30 Sep 25 – Another good day by Commanders special teams was overshadowed by bad defense vs Falcons

Commanders links​

Articles​

Washington Post (paywall)

Evaluating these Commanders is an exercise in perspective​

“[W]e lost three in a row last year,” safety Quan Martin added. “We’re not worried.”

But … should they be? The answer might be in the eye of the beholder. Through four games, these Commanders have shown a bit of everything — giving their most optimistic fans plenty of evidence to expect a midseason surge once quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin return from injuries while also leaving plenty of ammunition for their critics.

In games at home against the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, Washington put up at least 400 yards of offense — including more than 200 yards on the ground — and manhandled opposing offensive lines. They pummeled New York, 21-6, with a mostly healthy roster, then cruised against Las Vegas, 41-24, without Daniels and a host of other key pieces.

Road losses to Green Bay and Atlanta, though, were wildly different — with slow starts, less effective line play and sloppy tackling on defense, particularly Sunday in Atlanta.

Injuries, of course, have been a factor. The defense already has lost four key contributors to injured reserve, including starting defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr., who suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury at Green Bay, as well as one of the men tasked with replacing him, Javontae Jean-Baptiste. Coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Jean-Baptiste needs surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the Falcons game. While Quinn didn’t rule out the possibility that the second-year player could return this season, he said the recovery from such an injury is “usually something that’s months, not weeks.”

On offense, the absences of Daniels (sprained left knee), McLaurin (quad), wide receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) and tight end John Bates (calf/groin) have made it difficult to get a read on how strong the unit is — or can be. Running back Austin Ekeler, who tore his Achilles against Green Bay, is out for the season.

You could argue Sunday’s performance exposed a lack of offensive depth. Former practice squad wide receivers Chris Moore (40 snaps) and Tay Martin (nine snaps), for example, got substantial playing time and were targeted a combined four times. Or you could argue that it was actually a promising showing to score 27 points with so many key pieces out.

The tape from this loss might be ugly. But what does the result say about the rest of the season? Well, that’s still a question of perception. Daniels, the reigning offensive rookie of the year, has been ramping up in practice and could return as early as next weekend at the Los Angeles Chargers. The proverbial seesaw could flip back.

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Commanders.com

5 takeaways from Washington’s loss to Atlanta​

Special teams is still performing well.

No unit was perfect for the Commanders, but their special teams group had another solid showing against the Falcons.

Most of the success came on the kickoff return unit, which featured Luke McCaffrey as the primary returner since Deebo Samuel took on more offensive snaps. McCaffrey had six returns for 199 yards, including a 58-yard return that set up Washington’s offense at the Falcons’ 41-yard line. That helped put the Commanders at the top of the league in average kickoff return yardage (33.7) and sixth in total yards (506).

Washington’s other special teams units delivered strong performances as well. Gay had his best game of the season so far with four field goals, giving him his first perfect day of the season. The punt team allowed zero return yards, and Tress Way had 89 yards on two punts.

It wasn’t a mistake-free day on special teams — Jaylin Lane was held in check as a punt returner and nearly gave the ball away on a muffed punt — but the group has continued to find ways to help put the offense in good positions.

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Commanders.com

Final thoughts | The ups and downs of a 2-2 start​

— The Commanders had 12 missed tackles against the Falcons, which Quinn said was “too high” of a number, even though they knew going into the game that was one of Bijan Robinson’s strengths. Quinn said there’s plenty they can do to fix that issue, like working on improving their angles, but the team is not pleased with how it tackled on Sunday.
— The Commanders’ pass rush has generally been effective so far this season, but last Sunday’s game was a different situation, as Michael Penix Jr. was sacked just one time for six yards. Quinn thought the Falcons did a nice job early of getting rid of the ball quickly, but as the game went on, Penix had more time in the pocket than the Commanders would have liked. He thought the front could have run more stunts to put the offensive line in more disadvantageous situations. They couldn’t capitalize on the several chances they had to put pressure on Penix, and that will be something for the group to work on later this week.

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Heavy.com

Frankie Luvu : Notches first sack of season Sunday​

Luvu finished Sunday’s Week 4 loss to Atlanta with eight tackles (five solo), including 1.0 sacks. Luvu tied for second on Washington with his eight stops. Among his tackles was a second-quarter sack of Falcons QB Michael Penix. It was Luvu’s first sack of the campaign after he recorded a career-best 8.0 regular-season sacks over 17 contests in 2024.

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ESPN

Problems mount for Commanders’ defense, particularly against motion​

It’s still early. They’ve just got to execute better. They just have to get off the field.

That’s what the Washington Commanders’ defensive players say needs to happen. It’s why they say they’re not panicking. But it’s also what’s not happening enough — certainly not in the 34-27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

They didn’t get off the field. They didn’t execute. And if they’re not careful, it’ll get too late.

The problem wasn’t so much that the Commanders lost to Atlanta. They were missing five offensive starters, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and top wideout Terry McLaurin. Rather, it was how the defense played — and how many big plays it allowed — that was concerning.

In each of the next six weeks Washington’s opposing quarterback ranks in the top 15 for Total QBR — and four in the top nine. Five of them rank in the top 12 for pass plays that gain 15 yards or more; Washington ranks last in number of such plays allowed.

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Commanders Wire

Communication breakdowns still plaguing Commanders’ secondary​

The secondary looked lost and or beaten much of the day, Sunday, as Michael Penix had his best day by far this season.

More than a few times, Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has mentioned that communication is a necessity.

Whitt discussed it during training camp, the preseason, last season, and this season. However, with the Commanders’ pass defense leaving the Falcons open repeatedly on Sunday, the question about communication in the secondary was bound to be raised on Monday when Dan Quinn conversed with the media.

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Washington Post (paywall)

The good and the bad from Washington’s loss to the Falcons, including the first takeaway of the season and a punchless pass rush​

Hail: Matt Gay​

On a day when not much went right for the Commanders, their struggling kicker was (almost) perfect. Gay connected on all four of his field goal attempts, including one from 52 yards, to improve to 7 for 10 on the season. The only thing that could have made his performance better was if his onside kick after his 42-yard field goal with 1:29 remaining hadn’t bounced directly to Pitts.

Fail: Commanders’ pass rush​

The Commanders saw their streak of eight consecutive regular season games with at least two sacks snapped; Frankie Luvu registered the only takedown of Penix. With ample time to operate in the pocket, Penix was 20 for 26 for a career-high 313 yards and two touchdowns. He completed nine consecutive passes during one stretch in the first half and led scoring drives on Atlanta’s first three possessions. The Falcons played nothing like the team that was shut out by Carolina last week.

Hail: Luke McCaffrey​

After scoring the first touchdown of his career in last week’s win, the Commanders’ second-year wideout found the end zone again, on a five-yard pass from Mariota in the second quarter. McCaffrey, who finished with two catches for 21 yards, was even more impressive as a kick returner. He averaged 33.2 yards on six returns, including a 58-yarder he nearly took to the house. Washington managed only a field goal on that drive.

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Riggo’s Rag

Commanders need to unleash Preston Smith after latest injury blow​

It further depletes a position group that isn’t exactly blessed with great depth, to begin with. This leaves the Commanders with one move to offset the blow.

The Commanders recently signed veteran Preston Smith after a season-ending injury to Deatrich Wise Jr. This is his second spell in Washington after being drafted by the franchise at No. 38 overall in 2015. He spent four profitable years in D.C. before taking his game to new heights with the Green Bay Packers. Now, he’s back, and his get-up-to-speed process needs to increase significantly.

Smith has been a healthy scratch over the last two games as he gets himself into genuine football shape. With Jean-Baptiste now set for an extended spell on the sidelines, the Commanders have to get him ready to log reps this weekend on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Although Smith’s powers have declined over the last two years, he’s still got 70.5 career sacks to his name. No other pass-rusher in Washington boasts those credentials, so throwing him into the rotation is imperative with options dwindling.

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Pro Football Focus

Top 15 NFL rookies through Week 4​

RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders (83.4)

Croskey-Merritt played only eight snaps against the Falcons, but he carried the ball seven times for 47 yards. He opened up the second half with a 16-yard carry, one of his three first downs on the day. He also forced a missed tackle and averaged 4.4 yards after contact per attempt (eighth best). Despite the light workload, he produced a 78.0 PFF rushing grade (sixth best).

Croskey-Merritt leads all running backs in PFF rushing grade (90.6) entering Week 5. He has now gained 172 yards on 29 carries and is averaging 3.97 yards after contact. Croskey-Merritt has forced seven missed tackles and has tallied four rushes of 10-plus yards, with his longest gaining 42 yards.

#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/2HaDR1oKze

— johnwicc (@wicccsterr) September 30, 2025

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Regardless of if they played man, zone or match, the #Commanders had so many issues in coverage against the Falcons yesterday. I did my best to try and break down all of those issues: https://t.co/Bz8vLjriAr pic.twitter.com/rvQsMxrpvD

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 29, 2025

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Podcasts & videos​

NFL Week 4 Recap: Commanders fall to Falcons 27-34 | Booth Review | Washington Commanders | NFL​

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Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons Game Highlights | 2025 NFL Season Week 4​

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NFC East links​

Inside the Star

Offense ranks 1st, but Cowboys defense is dead last after 4 weeks​

Last night, the Dallas Cowboys went blow for blow with the Green Bay Packers without CeeDee Lamb or Tyler Booker in a game that nobody gave them a chance to win.

I totally understood why that was the case, but through four weeks, the Cowboys have the No. 1 offense in the NFL entering Monday Night Football at 404.3 yards per game.

They have the WORST defense, sitting at No. 32 defense at 420.5 yards given up per game.

Something Has To Give

Let’s be honest with ourselves here, this was probably the best game Dak Prescott has ever played.

They needed everything they got from him, and he went blow for blow with the team everyone had as Super Bowl champs after three weeks. A defense that was second in scoring coming into this game.

Dak lit them up and that is what he is going to have to do every single game if this team wants a chance.

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Bleeding Green Nation

Seriously, what is going on with this Eagles offense?​

You could envision a scenario this year where, under a first time play-caller in Kevin Patullo, the offense struggled to find its identity in the early part of the season, struggling to move the football and put up some low-scoring efforts. You could also envision a scenario where an offense that returned 10 of 11 starters, most of them Pro Bowlers who have played with each other for the last three seasons, led by a franchise QB who is beginning his fifth season as a starter with more talent around him than any team in the league, would hit the ground running, even with a first time play-caller.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen both scenarios play out, segmented into two separate halves in each game. The differences between the two version of the offense have been jarring to watch, and confounding.

What is going on here?

The offense shouldn’t be like this. It makes absolutely zero sense for it to be like this.

t’s mystifying that an offense that is this familiar with each other and that has shown the ability to play at a high level, could also be as hot-and-cold as they are, in-game. It hasn’t cost them yet, but the concern is valid that, one of these weeks, it will.

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Big Blue View

Giants lose star wide receiver for season with torn ACL​

An MRI Monday confirmed the New York Giants’ fears that star wide receiver Malik Nabers is out for the remainder of the 2025 season with a torn ACL suffered Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Nabers collapsed to the MetLife Stadium with 6:18 left in the first half Sunday when his right leg buckled while he was trying to compete for a long pass from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Nabers was carted off the field.

Nabers had two catches for 20 yards before being injured in the 21-18 victory over the Chargers.

How will the Giants replace him?

That is virtually impossible. There is no way to acquire a receiver as talented as Nabers right now.

The Giants turned to the little-used Jalin Hyatt and undrafted rookie free agent Beaux Collins during Sunday’s game. Hyatt played 29 snaps and Collins 21. Neither was targeted.

On the free agent market, of course former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. is still looking for work. Beckham, though, is 32 and a shell of the great player Giants fans remember. He caught nine passes in nine games for the Miami Dolphins a year ago.

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Upcoming opponent​

Bolts from the Blue

2 winners, 2 losers from Chargers-Giants: Hampton, Johnston put up numbers despite loss​

Losers​

Pass protection (again)

Left tackle Joe Alt left the Giants game in the first quarter after getting rolled up on. Later it was deemed that he suffered a high ankle sprain that will likely sideline him for a handful of weeks.

Without him, Austin Deculus took over at left tackle. That wasn’t idea after the Chargers already entered the game without right guard Mekhi Becton who is still in the concussion protocol.

By the end of the game, Herbert was pressured 21 times. Deculus allowed a team-high six. Jamaree Salyer was behind him with five and Bozeman was third with four.

That’s just no acceptable. At all.

Herbert has been hit 40 times in the last two games. At some point, these guys up front have to look within themselves and decide whether or not they’re going to continue being punching bags on the way to the quarterback or if they’re gonna put their foot down and say enough is enough.

WR Ladd McConkey

I’m really not sure what’s happening with the team’s WR1 from a year ago. This was the first game in his young career that McConkey had less than two receptions and certainly his first where he had more drops than completions his way (two). When McConkey dropped the surefire first down on the opening drive, you just knew it was going to be a day to forget.

Through four games, McConkey has 16 catches for 174 yards and zero touchdowns. The numbers will grow as the regression to the mean hits, but right now things are not looking all that hot.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

ESPN

Broncos, defense jump on Bengals early, snap 2-game skid​

By winning their first two games of the season, the Bengals were off to their best start during coach Zac Taylor’s tenure. But that feels like a distant memory, even though it was just two weeks ago.

Last week, Cincinnati was handed its worst loss in franchise history, a 38-point defeat on the road against the Vikings. Monday’s loss to the Broncos didn’t feature the turnovers that plagued Cincinnati a week ago, but the longer the game went on, the more it carried the same vibe. Both games had one thing in common: The offense mustered just three points through the first three quarters.

But this defeat could be more concerning. This was as comprehensive a defeat as the Bengals have suffered in some time. Cincinnati’s offense never got rolling. The defense was gashed throughout the night. And the Bengals were whistled for 11 penalties for 65 yards, with several of those coming while the outcome was still in question. And it will not get any easier with games against NFC powers Detroit and Green Bay coming up next.

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ESPN

Tyreek Hill injury: What it means for recovery, the Dolphins​

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill likely will miss at least the remainder of the 2025 regular season after suffering a dislocated left knee in Monday night’s 27-21 win over the New York Jets.

All we can say at this point is that Hill’s 2025 season is over. The timetable for recovery is dependent on which structures are specifically involved and the extent of surgical repair.

The expectations for recovery are predicated on the specifics of the injury and the surgery or surgeries. There have been athletes who have returned to their sport following a knee dislocation, but it is hard to compare one player’s situation to another’s given the variance between injuries.

Marcus Lattimore comes to mind as a player who suffered a memorable in-game knee dislocation that resulted in his leg being visibly repositioned. Lattimore, a running back at South Carolina at the time, took a helmet to the knee against Tennessee in 2012 that resulted in an immediate dislocation. He was fortunate to not suffer either arterial or nerve damage, but it was still a complex multiple-ligament injury that required months of rehabilitation. Prior to getting hurt, Lattimore was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft. He fell to the fourth round, where the San Francisco 49ers selected him, but would never play in an NFL game.

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb also dislocated his knee in college. In 2015, as a sophomore at Georgia, Chubb dislocated his left knee, tearing the MCL, LCL and PCL — three of the four primary stabilizing ligaments of the knee — and sustaining cartilage damage. As devastating as that injury was, Chubb also was fortunate to not suffer nerve or arterial damage. He underwent reconstructive surgery, rehabbed his knee and returned to play the 2016 season, during which he posted over 1,000 yards rushing for the Bulldogs.

Hill agreed to a restructured contract last offseason that added $65 million in guaranteed money to the four-year, $120 deal he signed in 2022. Without knowing his recovery timetable, it’s tricky to speculate on his future with the team — but there is a digestible out for the team next offseason.

A post-June 1 cut or trade would save Miami $36 million in salary cap space, while creating roughly $15.9 million in dead cap in 2026 and $12.4 million in 2027. Hill will be 32 years old when the 2026 campaign begins and coming off the worst two-year stretch of his career (1,224 yards and seven TDs in 21 games).

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Discussion topics​

ESPN

Judging biggest overreactions for NFL Week 4 games​

This is the year the Falcons overtake the Buccaneers to win the NFC South

The Bucs almost orchestrated yet another late-game comeback but fell short for the first time this season. While the Falcons were racking up touchdown after touchdown in Atlanta, the Bucs were at home giving up special teams touchdowns and falling behind 24-3 to the Eagles before their offense got going.

Verdict: OVERREACTION

The Giants are cursed

What do you mean? They won their first game of the season on Sunday! They beat the previously unbeaten Chargers to do it! Rookie QB Jaxson Dart looked as exciting as we all hoped he would! Cam Skattebo!!!! What’s there to be upset about??? Oh … right.

Star wide receiver Malik Nabers injured his knee, and it sounds like it could end his season. Dart had to leave the game because of an injury, too, but he returned, so that was some good news. But if you’re a Giants fan, you’re probably at least as upset about the Nabers injury as you are happy about the win.

Verdict: OVERREACTION

But only because I don’t believe in curses.

The Titans will have the first pick in the draft again next year

Wow, do the Titans look bad. They lost 26-0 on Sunday to the previously winless Texans, who hadn’t done much on offense in the first three weeks. Houston has a really good defense, but still, 175 total yards of offense and 10 first downs is not a representative performance from an NFL team in the 2020s. The 1920s, maybe, but not the 2020s.

Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the top pick in the 2025 draft, shows a lot of promise but hasn’t gotten going as his teammates have failed to come together in any meaningful way. Tennessee is 0-4 and has been outscored 120-51 this season. If there’s a turnaround coming, it will need to announce itself soon because September didn’t leave Titans fans with much reason for optimism.

Verdict: NOT AN OVERREACTION

Someone must pick first, and no one has looked worse than the Titans.

---

aBit o’Twitter​

#Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill is set to undergo major reconstruction surgery of multiple ligaments today, putting his status for 2026 in question. Meanwhile, the status of #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and #49ers QB Brock Purdy for Sunday is up in the air. The latest on @gmfb @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/j2OuOf8idt

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 30, 2025

"That is way too much talent and way too much money on the field at one time to not have the ability to get them the ball"

– Manti on Tee Higgins & Ja'Marr Chase pic.twitter.com/eI2EP7mAVm

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 30, 2025

On a quick scan of the offensive plays vs the Falcons, these are the non-running plays that I spotted.

To me, the list doesn't look rife with bad play-calling decisions.

On which of these do you think Kliff should have handed off to a RB instead? pic.twitter.com/I9eMIoDLze

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

Ben Sinnott or John Bates #RaiseHail
pic.twitter.com/27g30cJ9xi

— Wizskins (@Itswizskins) September 30, 2025

The cleat flip by Luvu at the end of this play… pic.twitter.com/hS1W2uuTnH

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

---

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...ms-was-overshadowed-by-bad-defense-vs-falcons

 

[Washington Commanders]

All aTwitter: 1-Oct-25 – Jaw-dropping blocks by Commanders OL & TE in Falcons game

The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.

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Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed​

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Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed​

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Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.​

The Commanders tried out two other veteran WRs before signing Robbie Chosen to the p-squad: River Cracraft, who was on their training camp roster for a couple of weeks, and Willie Snead.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 30, 2025

The Dolphins are expected to sign WR Cedrick Wilson off the Saints practice squad, per sources.

Wilson has tied to Washington’s staff and the WR depth need is clear. Not sure if Commanders were actually interested but Wilson is signing to the Dolphins 53 and Robbie Chosen is…

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) September 30, 2025

On the call for Sunday’s Commanders-Chargers game on Fox: Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play), Tom Brady (analyst), Erin Andrews (sideline) and Tom Rinaldi (sideline).

— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) September 30, 2025

The national radio broadcast team for Sunday's Commanders- Chargers game. pic.twitter.com/77kLItHcJX

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 30, 2025

Coolest double team you’ll ever see. Great job by Laremy Tunsil and Chris Paul.#commanders #raisehail pic.twitter.com/l99U4wxrxM

— Logan Paulsen (@LoganPaulsenNFL) September 30, 2025

BIG 100 Exclusive@bigrig98rock visits with @LoganPaulsenNFL and a Week #5 Preview @Commanders vs @chargers #RaiseHail

Listen to the Full Interview > https://t.co/5Mem9kkejg pic.twitter.com/Uc2XgKxngB

— BIG 100 – Home of the Washington Commanders (@BIG100Radio) September 30, 2025

Idea here is to get the line to slide to Armstrong so the RB (or TE in this case) has to stay in and protect leaving 4 eligibles running routes. That TE then has to block Luvu rushing from the other side, so 6 blockers vs 4 rushers and still get a good matchup. Nice design https://t.co/erS4VZanYx

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 30, 2025

Play worked too. Was 3rd&4, got a good rush matchup while playing zone behind it. Covered all 4 options, Penix had to scramble. Sometimes a good call does everything right and a QB can scramble, causing you to lose the down anyway.

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 30, 2025

For anyone that says “SHOULD NEVER DROP A DE INTO COVERAGE!” Go watch just about any of Bobby Wagner’s sacks while here in Washington, including his 2 last week vs Raiders. Always drop a DE, rush Wagner from other side and he either comes free or runs over a RB in pass pro.

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 30, 2025

Just for numbers sake because people are freaking out, Dorance has dropped into coverage 4 times all year. For comparisons sake, TJ Watt did it 33 times last year.

I cant believe people dont understand how normal this is and how every team/DE does it

— Jared (@Jared_NFL89) September 30, 2025

Hell of a rep from Javon Kinlaw here. Trap scheme from the Falcons. Kinlaw bursts upfield off the snap but quickly recognizes both LT and LG leave him free. He immediately locates trap from TE and blows it up pic.twitter.com/5xmRqKFDxR

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 30, 2025

Loved this play from TE Ben Sinnott. End-around to Deebo, Sinnott sifts back across the line and initially blocks the guy Jaylin Lane misses. Runs him over, then carries on to pick up a 2nd block after. Nice patience from Deebo too pic.twitter.com/l9YXcGCr06

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 30, 2025

#Commanders’ defensive ranks so far this year:

– 25th in EPA per play
– 28th in dropback EPA
– 28th in passing YPG
– 32nd in time to throw#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/KbkefDF1Zg

— SleeperCommanders (@SleeperWSH) September 30, 2025

Every loss leads to "this team is too old!" talk. here's a look:
Washington has 16 players age 30+. Of those, 5 are full-time (McLaurin, Wagner, Tunsil, Wylie, Ertz) while two others play (Von Miller, Eddie Goldman).
On D: 3 players are 30+. One starter.
Process how you want.

— John Keim (@john_keim) September 30, 2025

Almost every draft pick the last two years is playing. Not all are ready. They def need more of the 26-28 year olds that were lost during prior regime drafts. Always felt needed another strong draft in 2026 to feel better about the roster. Yes some look older then their age

— John Keim (@john_keim) September 30, 2025

"Do defenses pick on these O-line deficiencies and replacement players?"

"100 out of 100 times, defenses will find the lame duck… they'll find the replacement or the injured player."@cfrelund and @RealLoganRyan go behind the scenes on NFL defenses https://t.co/anG9y01NL6 pic.twitter.com/IQXu7lQu9F

— NFL IQ With and Cynthia Frelund & Logan Ryan (@NFLIQShow) October 1, 2025

New DVOA commentary is here. Seattle Seahawks remain No. 1 followed by the Lions and Rams. How are the 4-0 Eagles only 12th in DVOA with ratings lower than last season?https://t.co/S4UOLC88e2

— Aaron Schatz (@ASchatzNFL) September 30, 2025

Roster Moves | We have waived CB Cam Smith off the reserve/non-football illness list. pic.twitter.com/pdEQtqLqF8

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 30, 2025

Update from Drew Rosenhaus on Tyreek Hill post-surgery: “All of the torn ligaments went back into place, there is no nerve damage, there is no blood flow issues or broken bones and his knee cartilage is fine- the goal is for him to be ready next season.” #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/pg4JgydovM

— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) September 30, 2025

18 penalties for a combined 137 yards accepted in Denver..

19 penalties for 141 yards accepted in Miami. https://t.co/DiYboAf85H

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

7x All-Pro Cowboys guard Zack Martin shares his thoughts on offensive line play this season

"The amount of time we had as a unit in the offseason [in 2014]… it's a night-and-day difference from what we had the past couple of years."

@NFLIQShow & @thegob70 https://t.co/PV7zKcAUJp pic.twitter.com/YBUin3xPLg

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 1, 2025

Very sad to report the death of local hoops standout Lawrence Moten. Moten was born in DC and played at @ACHSWashDC High before becoming leading scorer at @Cuse_MBB He played 1 year at @WashWizards @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/noJpmQaM4i

— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) September 30, 2025

We lost Lawrence Moten today. He was a @Cuse_MBB and a @BIGEASTMBB legend.

Moten was a darn good football player, as well.

R.I.P.@YahooSports pic.twitter.com/suYqVbnImm

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) October 1, 2025

---

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Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

Twitter: Follow @HogsHaven

Instagram: Follow @Hogs_Haven

Threads: Follow @hogs_haven

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Buy Washington gear at the Hogs Haven Fanshop

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...ng-blocks-by-commanders-ol-te-in-falcons-game

 

[Washington Commanders]

Jayden Daniels: I feel good. I plan on going out there Sunday.

Jayden Daniels has been medically cleared and returned to fields of Ashburn for his first full practice since injuring his knee injury Week 2. The injury has been described as a knee sprain, but details gave been limited. Daniels had a knee brace on today, something he’s not a fan of wearing.

LIVE: QB Jayden Daniels speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/kyikeaIn6m

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 1, 2025

Watching the team from the sidelines/home:​

Jayden Daniels says the last few weeks have been really tough but he tried to be the best teammate he could from the sideline pic.twitter.com/dzvDJ8qAXL

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 1, 2025

Jayden Daniels is addressing the media. Said it’s been tough for him as a competitor to watch from the sideline, but DQ and his teammates were there for him through the process

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) October 1, 2025

Jayden Daniels on sitting out: "Been tough. … But DQ and my team were there for me because they knew how much it meant to me [to be on the field]."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2025

Playing Sunday:​

Jayden on if he will play Sunday pic.twitter.com/AId9MedcXu

— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) October 1, 2025

Daniels on whether he’ll play: I guess we’ll have to see on Sunday

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) October 1, 2025

Jayden Daniels on if his knee feels better than it did a week ago: "I plan on going out there Sunday, so yeah."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2025

Wearing a brace:​

Jayden Daniels on wearing a brace: "I'm not the biggest fan of it, but if that's what I have to wear, I'll do anything. But we'll have to see on Sunday."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2025

Playing in Southern California:​

Jayden Daniels says to play back in Southern California as a pro "it would mean everything"

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 1, 2025

Sunday's game will be Jayden Daniels' first back in his hometown. He said he's expecting a lot of family/friends to attend.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2025

Felt good at practice:​

Daniels says he felt good out at practice and felt like he could have played two weeks ago

— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) October 1, 2025

Daniels said if it was up to him he would have wanted to play two weeks ago. But, he said, in the team's eyes it was "probably thie past weekend when I started to feel like myself."

— John Keim (@john_keim) October 1, 2025

Playing more cautious:​

Jayden Daniels on playing cautious coming off the injury – You got be balanced, play smart but if the game is on the line I'm going to do everything I can

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 1, 2025

Mets failure:​

Jayden Daniels, the Dodgers fan, giving Commanders director of football comms Charlie Mule, a Mets fan, crap about his team failing to make the postseason. pic.twitter.com/tGdpVlZfSJ

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 1, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/379413/jayden-daniels-i-feel-good-i-plan-on-going-out-there-sunday

 

[Washington Commanders]

All aTwitter: 2-Oct-25 – TE John Bates returns to full practice mode ahead of Chargers game

The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.

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Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed​

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Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed​

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Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.​

Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/FgbB9wk4mf

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) October 1, 2025

We have made the following roster moves:
– Signed CB Antonio Hamilton Sr. from the practice squad
– Placed DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste on the Reserve/Injured List
– Signed WR Robbie Chosen to the practice squad

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 1, 2025

Washington Commanders WR Robbie Chosen (@chosen1ra) is wearing number 12. Last assigned to Michael Gallup. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/jvQy8u8H9t

— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) October 1, 2025

Whole building's pumped to have @SamCosmi back in the fold @NWFCU | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/KcxJeEqqqi

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 1, 2025

SAM THE MAN: Sam Cosmi returns to practice

Cosmi's 21 day window to return to the active roster has begun

The guard tore his ACL in the playoff game vs. DET

Dan Quinn on Cosmi: "He has worked his a** to get back on the field with his teammates"@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/f7YUUjEBQT

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) October 1, 2025

Commanders RG Sam Cosmi is working his way back to the active roster.

Tough knee injury. Tough rehab.

I asked Sam if he trusts his knee out on that field.

He told me, "practice was good today, being able to really put some weight into it and take some reps." pic.twitter.com/nipQjNOtHQ

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

I'm going going back back to Cali Cali!! My son is back on the field. #RaiseHail #httc #HTTR pic.twitter.com/m5C1nJjbzt

— Mz Jackson (@LovelyMzJackson) October 1, 2025

Jayden Daniels is BACK.

Wearing a brace on his left knee, the Commanders quarterback has been medically cleared.

He practiced in full today at team headquarters in Ashburn. All signs point to Jayden playing against the Chargers.

Please enjoy these 96 seconds. pic.twitter.com/0OSBFiiQAH

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

Pretty much the entire country will be watching #Commanders vs #Chargers https://t.co/BhvetWwDOW pic.twitter.com/XehQNbVHxf

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) October 1, 2025

I caught up with Commanders rookie WR Jaylin Lane today.

On bouncing back from the Falcons loss, Jaylin told me,
"we're just getting back to work. DQ preached to us just getting back to work and just continue to have fun with it regardless of the outcome." pic.twitter.com/Ba6dW2CRf4

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

Commanders DT Daron Payne splitting the double team & punching through the pocket.

Great rep. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/lTNpxtvxjS

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) October 1, 2025

Commanders fans,

Here is your favorite weekly interview with DT Javon Kinlaw.

On the performance of the defense, JK said, "we take it super personal. We're going to come in and correct the mistakes…moving forward I'm always going to find a way to be the tone setter." pic.twitter.com/EsKlumLB7x

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

Really pretty Counter from the Commanders here on C-Rod’s long run.

End up hitting in the A-gap bubble.

The rookie Conerly with a good base with the help of the RG Wylie.

Just have to make the Safety miss and #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/sbyl6U25rj

— Last of the Fullbacks (@TheLastFullback) October 1, 2025

Commanders kicker Matt Gay has been locked in the last couple of games.

He told me, "I just stuck to my process and trusted that it would come around. I had a good game and I just want to keep having good games." pic.twitter.com/17CouQJQEX

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

Jayden Daniels and John Bates were full-go at #Commanders practice today. But the team added WR Deebo Samuel (heel) and CB Mike Sainristil (knee) to the injury report. Both were DNPs today.

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) October 1, 2025

Jeremy McNichols – 40% of carries#RaiseHail https://t.co/YtNkJTRkfY

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) October 2, 2025

10+ yards
Jeremy McNichols 60%
Bill Croskey-Merritt 13.7%#RaiseHail

(source: PFF) https://t.co/1kjpJQydF5 https://t.co/NYRbHDaKvT

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) October 2, 2025

Catching up with Commanders rookie RB Bill Croskey-Merritt in the locker room today.

On bouncing back from the loss, Bill said, "it's a long week for us right now. We're definitely ready to get back out there and play our brand of football." pic.twitter.com/fa7x9sXtNo

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

The #Commanders have been struggling with miscommunication all season.

Even with basic concepts, Washington fails to stay disciplined and play sound coverage.@MarkBullockNFL & @PFF_NickAkridge go through a failed Cover-3 Zone that led to a big play. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Yq1cW6wuPQ

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) October 1, 2025

I asked Commanders LB Bobby Wagner about improving the communication on defense.

He told me, "it starts with myself. It starts making sure everybody understands what we got to do. Make sure the back end see's the same way the front end see's it and just do more." pic.twitter.com/3CveMHb3k1

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

One on one with Commanders rookie CB Trey Amos.

Talked a lot about the defense and the communication.

Trey told me, "just be confident in what we're doing, knowing our jobs, roles…starts in practice. I feel like when the game comes, we'll be ready." pic.twitter.com/99vwzdNeZV

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) October 1, 2025

Would you say that Joe Whitt's seat is hot as defensive coordinator?

I posed the question to @MarkBullockNFL & @PFF_NickAkridge and their answer made me laugh.

They reacted in unison. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/RzcvfxMn5y

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) October 1, 2025

A Dolphins duo top the charts in tackles after 4 weeks pic.twitter.com/1c2txDq9RT

— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2025

#1 & # 7 on the same field Sunday. https://t.co/InApWJtBER

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) October 2, 2025

Underdogs this week #RaiseHail

(:@CamMingo) pic.twitter.com/8oInusf4Oo

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) October 1, 2025

Commanders Nation,

Help me get this to @joshuaconerlyjr!

We’d love for you to consider supporting the @TheHogfarmers as your charity of choice for #MyCauseMyCleats. Our foundation serves kids & families fighting pediatric cancer. 🎗 #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/nuFNi9tccJ

— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) October 1, 2025

Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders only pantomimed answers to questions about the QB change and his role as QB3. pic.twitter.com/YmXjvj6YYc

— 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚛 𝙶𝚎𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@Spencito_) October 1, 2025

My new way of answering the honey-do list! #Raisehail pic.twitter.com/TY8sBOHgp6

— Deuce_Redzone (@redzoneinthelab) October 1, 2025

---

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Manager: Scott Jennings: Follow @ScottJenningsHH

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...-to-full-practice-mode-ahead-of-chargers-game

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders vs Chargers Thursday Injury Report: Three players ruled out

The Washington Commanders held the team’s second full practice as they prepare for a road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The team will be traveling on Friday, so Dan Quinn said injury decisions would be made for Sunday’s game today. The Commanders ruled out three players and they won’t travel with the team. WRs Terry McLaurin(quad) and Noah Brown(groin) won’t be on the field when Jayden Daniels makes his return to the field and to his home state of California. McLaurin is missing his second game, while Brown is out for his third straight.

Sam Cosmi’s 21-day practice window was opened yesterday. This gave him three weeks to get back on the active roster, or he gets shut down for the season. Cosmi tore his ACL during a divisional round playoff win over the Detroit Lions. Cosmi talked ab out getting back into football shape, and prepared for the rigors of an NFL season in the locker room yesterday. He’ll get another week of practice and won’t be making his season debut vs the Chargers. The Commanders will be able to make this decision two more times before having to activate him or place him on IR.

Jayden Daniels was medically cleared and was on the field for another full practice today. He told reporters yesterday that he expects to be on the field vs the Chargers, and he’s feeling good at practice. Daniels missed the last two games, with backup QB Marcus Mariota filling in.

John Bates got another full practice in today, and looks to be in line to make his return to the field this week. He’s missed the last two games due to a groin injury from the Commanders’ Week 2 loss to the Packers. Second-year TE Ben Sinnott has been taking on some of Bates’ blocking responsibilities, and OT Trent Scott has been used as a 6th OL. Bates is considered one of the best blocking TEs in the league, and his return will be a boost to the offense.

CB Mike Sainristil(knee), and WR Deebo Samuel(heel) missed another practice after showing up on the injury report yesterday. Wide receivers and the secondary have been dealing with a lot of injuries early in the season, and missing either of these starters will be an issue in LA. They will both be on the team’s flight, and they will be given the chance to show they can play.

UDFA rookie S Ale Kaho is in the concussion protocol after a hard hit last week. He didn’t practice yesterday, but was a limited participant today. That might not be enough to get cleared in time to be avaialable on Sunday. S Percy Butler didn’t practice at all last week due to a hip injury, and he was limited again today.

Thursday injury report

WR Terry McLaurin, WR Noah Brown and G Sam Cosmi are not traveling with the team to Los Angeles today and are ruled OUT for Sunday's game

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 2, 2025

OUT​

WR Noah Brown – Missing third game since suffering a groin injury vs Packers

RT Sam Cosmi – 21-day practice window opened yesterday, won’t be activated this week but full participant all week

WR Terry McLaurin – Missing second game with a quad suffered injury vs the Raiders in Week 3

DNP​

CB Mike Sainristil – Misses second practice with a new knee injury

WR Deebo Samuel – Misses second practice with a new heel injury

Limited​

S Percy Butler – Limited again with hip injury that kept him out last week

DT Daron Payne – Limited with a knee injury

S Ale Kaho – Suffered concussion vs Atlanta, progressing in protocol

Full​

DE Dorance Armstrong – Illness yesterday

TE John Bates – Another full practice, groin injury vs Packers, also still listed with a calf injury

LB Nick Bellore – Vet rest day yesterday, but listed with a quad injury both days

QB Jayden Daniels – Another full practice with knee sprain, wearing a knee brace

TE Colson Yankoff – Full practice last two weeks while listed with an ankle injury

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/380307/co...hursday-injury-report-three-players-ruled-out

 

[Washington Commanders]

All aTwitter: 3-Oct-25 – Deebo & Luke rank 1st & 2nd in a key NFL stat thru 4 weeks

The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.

---

Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed​

---

Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed​

---

Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.​

DT Daron Payne was added to the injury report with a knee injury. He was limited in practice today but did travel to L.A.https://t.co/njDS7SLLpf

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 2, 2025

Hopped on the plane to LAX @united | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/AtXUbo3mdq

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 2, 2025

Jayden Daniels practice pre-Chargers, Thursday edition@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail#Commanders pic.twitter.com/uiyLkc0PXC

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) October 2, 2025

Kliff Kingsbury on Jayden Daniels and his return from injury:

"We didn't want to put him out there until he can be Jayden, and that's what he's going to be and that's how he's going to play"@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail #Commanders pic.twitter.com/m84xsNl4R9

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) October 2, 2025

Talking w @mattmoneysmith about Chargers' D struggles vs QB runs: "That's been really the only issue for them this year…It happened against Mahomes, Geno got a couple scrambles against them, you saw what Jaxson Dart was able to do even though he couldnt throw the ball."

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 2, 2025

From today’s new Take Command episode, previewing Commanders – Chargers.

A healthy Jayden Daniels should be able to run effectively this weekend. pic.twitter.com/8TNe2TatGl

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) October 2, 2025

Justin Herbert thru 4 games:
– Weeks 1 & 2: 72 percent, 280 YPG, 5 TD 0 INT
– Weeks 3 & 4: 58 percent, 251 YPG, 2 TD 3 INT

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 2, 2025

#NFL KICKOFF RETURN LEADERS AVG with at least 5 KICKOFFS #Commanders Deebo Samuel – 36.8 #Commanders Luke McCaffrey – 31.7#Jets Isaiah Davis – 29.4#Patriots Antonio Gibson – 29.3#Bills Brandon Codrington – 29#Eagles Xavier Gibson – 28.4#Bears Luther Burden – 27.9… pic.twitter.com/uATiJaIYw5

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 2, 2025

The #Commanders have a 27.7% blitz rate this year per Pro Football Reference (@pfref).

That number should be in the high 30's to low 40's Sunday if they have any chance to limit the #Chargers.

Last year, they finished at 31.5% in 17 regular season games. @team980

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) October 2, 2025

The #Chargers use motion less than 50% of the time based on these analytics from @SumerSports @SyedSchemes , which if that holds – is good, because as @john_keim noted – the #Commanders really have struggled with that. pic.twitter.com/mY37cOK13X

— Chris Russell AKA the ! (@Russellmania621) October 2, 2025

For anyone that just listened to the Joe Whitt presser, this is the opened 3rd down play he was talking about. We broke it down last night. https://t.co/AuCWSV0Y5K

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) October 2, 2025

Jayden Daniels wasn’t totally wrong. But he didn’t have to say it like that. #LGM. pic.twitter.com/jGLVYwv7Fa

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2025

The Bengals keep expressing confidence in Jake Browning. Should they instead be trying to trade for Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston or Kirk Cousins?… https://t.co/BZgVilzW5r

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) October 2, 2025

This is shocking and honestly unacceptable pic.twitter.com/v3FFvTdrqW

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) October 2, 2025

what
a
play

FOOTBALL! pic.twitter.com/fgKXfFU6jF

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025

Since Week 3, Joshua Karty has attempted five fourth quarter kicks. THREE of them have been blocked.

• Field goal attempt vs. Eagles: BLOCKED
• Field goal attemptFG vs. Eagles: BLOCKED
• Extra point vs. 49ers: BLOCKED#Rams #49erspic.twitter.com/QokewQ2Xqd

— John Breech (@johnbreech) October 3, 2025

The Rams suffer a three-point loss in overtime in a game in which they missed a field goal and an extra point and fumbled going into the end zone in regulation, then were stopped on fourth and one at the 11-yard line in overtime. They keep finding unbelievable ways to lose.

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) October 3, 2025

10 catches. 142 yards.

Kendrick Bourne BALLED OUT. pic.twitter.com/eXCLa7FGzZ

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025

POV: the @49ers win it on 4th down and it's madness! pic.twitter.com/SoSswkPlHC

— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025

The Nevada Supreme Court unanimously rejected the NFL's petition seeking a rehearing of an August decision that said former Raiders HC Jon Gruden could not be forced into league arbitration in his lawsuit alleging the NFL leaked emails.

Via @DVNJr:https://t.co/2aai4je5aH

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 3, 2025

Hosted a Girls Flag Coaching Clinic for @fcpsnews to prepare for their inaugural season of girls flag this fall! pic.twitter.com/tVlqK2DYew

— Washington Commanders Community (@commandersCR) October 2, 2025

Just a routine post-practice interview from the 90s that I probably watch twice a year pic.twitter.com/bHbJMO2FXh

— Mike Sando (@SandoNFL) October 1, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...e-rank-1st-2nd-in-a-key-nfl-stat-thru-4-weeks

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders vs Chargers Friday Injury Report: Everyone in LA is ready to play

The Washington Commanders traveled to Los Angeles yesterday after practice, and were back on the fields today. They were using the facilities at the Coliseum, and everyone there was a full participant. Three players didn’t travel with the team, and were ruled out yesterday[Terry McLaurin(quad), Noah Brown(groin), Sam Cosmi(knee)].

Jayden Daniels was medically cleared and was on the field for another full practice today. Dan Quinn said he was the starter on Sunday, but he will be wearing the same brace during the game that he’s been practicing with. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in Week 2, but there haven’t been many details. He missed the last two weeks, with Marcus Mariota getting the start in his place.

WR Deebo Samuel(heel) and CB Mike Sainristil(knee) didn’t practice the last two days, but were on the field today and will play on Sunday. Deebo was also named a team captain by Quinn. Daron Payne was also limited on the injury report yesterday with a knee injury. He will play on Sunday, but Quinn gave him a rest day today.

TE John Bates has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, but is set to make his return vs the Chargers. He has been a full participant last week, and will step back into his role as the team’s No.2/blocking tight end. The Commanders have been using TE Ben Sinnott and OT Trent Scott more with Bates out.

UDFA rookie S Ale Kaho was in the concussion protocol after a hard hit last week. He has been progressing throughout the week, and is cleared to play. S Percy Butler didn’t practice at all last week due to a hip injury, and he was limited the last two days. He’s good to return after a full session today.

Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/wLGmH8lnbT

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) October 3, 2025

OUT​

WR Noah Brown – Missing third game since suffering a groin injury vs Packers

RT Sam Cosmi – 21-day practice window opened yesterday, won’t be activated this week but full participant all week

WR Terry McLaurin – Missing second game with a quad injury suffered vs the Raiders in Week 3

No Injury Designation​

DT Daron Payne – Limited with a knee injury yesterday, vet rest day today

DE Dorance Armstrong – Illness Wednesday, full practice since

TE John Bates – Full practice all week, groin injury vs Packers, also still listed with a calf injury

LB Nick Bellore – Vet rest day Wednesday, full practice with a quad injury

S Percy Butler – First full practice since hip injury that kept him out last week

QB Jayden Daniels – Full practice all week with knee sprain, wearing a knee brace

S Ale Kaho – Suffered concussion vs Atlanta, cleared protocol

CB Mike Sainristil – First full practice with a new knee injury

WR Deebo Samuel – First full practice with a new heel injury

TE Colson Yankoff – Full practice last two weeks while listed with an ankle injury

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/380386/co...injury-report-everyone-in-la-is-ready-to-play

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders fans have grim outlook for what lies ahead

The NFC East​

As you can see from the standings, the Eagles have scored 1 more point this season than the Commanders, while Washington’s defense has allowed 3 more points to be scored than the Eagles D. With only a 4-point difference in net points, the Eagles managed an unblemished 4-0 record while the Commanders limped to a 2-2 record in September.

The Cowboys, despite being 31st in points allowed, have somehow managed to stay within a half-game of Washington (and Dallas faces the 0-4 Jets this week). After this week’s trip to New York, the Cowboys travel to Carolina to take on the 1-3 Panthers before hosting Washington in Week 7.

In the next 4 weeks, the Eagles play Denver and Minnesota, but they also play the New York Giants twice. The prospects for closing the gap between Washington and Philly in the month of October don’t seem great unless Jaxson Dart finds a way, even without New York’s top offensive player, Malik Nabers, to transform his Giants into a more dominant force.

If the Commanders are going to have a successful 2025 season, they probably need to have a relatively successful October. Washington, of course, is in LA to play the 3-1 Chargers tomorrow — a game that most of the country will watch in the late afternoon. They will return home to play the Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 6. After the road trip to Dallas, they close out the month with another away game on another Monday night versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

The combined record of these four opponents is 8-7-1, which doesn’t sound too intimidating, but the Bears seem to be ascending, the Chiefs are always dangerous at home, and Washington has struggled in both of its road games so far this season.

October’s travel schedule alone — LA, Dallas, Kansas City — is pretty daunting. The prospect of beating the Chargers on the road — even after the Giants beat those Chargers with a rookie quarterback in his first start just 6 days ago — seems remote after the brutal performance by Washington’s defense in Atlanta.

In this week’s Reacts survey, we asked Hogs Haven readers to predict Washington’s record for the month of October.

The most popular projection, by far, was for a .500 record of 2-2 that would see the team approach the halfway point of the ‘25 season with an overall record of 4-4. Interestingly, 22% of respondents predict one additional win while another 22% predict an additional loss. Very few respondents expect either a winless or undefeated month.

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Based on the comments from the survey article, I’d say the greatest pessimism centers on this week’s upcoming game against the Chargers, while the greatest optimism is focused on the Week 7 trip to Dallas. The prediction of 1, 2 or 3 wins largely seems to depend on how readers viewed the two Monday night opponents — Chicago and Kansas City.

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Confidence​

Washington fan confidence in our Hogs Haven Reacts polls through the first month of the season was quite strong. In fact, a common comment in the first two weeks involved wondering why fan confidence wasn’t 100%.

Not so much following a 7-point road loss to the Falcons in which Washington’s defense appeared overmatched in every aspect of the game.

Confidence about the team’s direction fell to a season-low of 62% this week; it was at 89% following the victory over the Raiders.

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Interestingly, the relatively pessimistic view of Commanders fans is just slightly more so than that of Philly fans, only 65% of whom expressed confidence in the direction of their undefeated team this week.

Cowboys fans are the gloomiest of the four NFC East fan bases; after falling to just 7% a week ago, Dallas fan confidence ‘rebounded’ to 39% this week — its second-highest level of the season.

Giants fans are finding reasons for optimism despite the team’s 1-3 record in September. Following New York’s win over the Chargers in Jaxson Dart’s first-ever NFL start, fans of Big Blue logged a confidence reading of 72%.

Week 5 expectations​

As mentioned above, fans seem pessimistic about Washington’s prospects for a win in Los Angeles tomorrow despite the return of the Commanders starting QB, Jayden Daniels, who missed the last two weeks with a knee injury that occurred in the Packers game in Week 2.

It appears that fans in SB Nation’s national email survey agree with that pessimism.

Check the odds at FanDuel

Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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With four teams on byes this week, there are only 14 games being played. Fans from across the 32 fan bases have picked the Chargers to win this week, but they are clearly not infallible — they incorrectly projected the Rams to win at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night. Let’s hope the stadium juju holds through Sunday.

Fans in the national survey picked the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys to win this week. If they have correctly predicted all the game outcomes for NFC East teams, then the Commanders could find themselves with the same overall record as the Giants, and sitting in 3rd place in the division behind an undefeated Philly team when Washington hosts the Bears in Week 6. Let’s hope that doesn’t come to pass!

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...rs-fans-have-grim-outlook-for-what-lies-ahead

 

[Washington Commanders]

Sunday Morning Football in London: Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns

Good morning! Hopefully you’re up, or remembered to check your fantasy football lineup if you have anyone from either of the teams playing in London this morning. The Cleveland Browns are hosting the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in the second game of the NFL International Series for the 2025-26 season and Vikings second game in the UK, playing in Ireland last week.

The Vikings and Browns are both coming off losses. The Vikings failed to come back and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland, and the Browns were taken apart by the Detroit Lions 34-10. Both teams are starting backup QBs with Carson Wentz getting another start for Minnesota and rookie Dillon Gabriel getting his first NFL start.

Who: Minnesota Vikings (2-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | London, England

When: October 5, 2025, 9:30 a.m. ET

TV: NFL Network

Kenny Albert (play-by-play)

Jonathan Vilma (color analyst)

Sara Walsh (sideline)

Sirius XM NFL

Minnesota: Sirius 380, XM/SXM 820

Cleveland: Sirius 227, XM/SXM 807

National: 88

Online Stream: Fubo.TV, ESPN+, NFL+,

FanDuel odds: Minnesota -3.5, 35.5 O/U

Vikings -188

Browns +156

Prediction: Minnesota 24 – Cleveland 17

SB Nation Blogs: Daily Norseman | Dawgs by Nature

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NFL News twitter feed

Washington Commanders twitter feed

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/379393/su...-london-minnesota-vikings-vs-cleveland-browns

 

[Washington Commanders]

Commanders vs Chargers NFL Week 5: How to watch, TV schedule, online stream, injury report and more

The Washington Commanders are visiting the Los Angeles Chargers, and they’re looking for a win after last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Jayden Daniels has missed the last two games with a knee sprain, but returns to the field on Sunday. He’ll be missing some of his weapons on offense, with WRs Terry McLaurin(quad) and Noah Brown(groin) still out with injuries. Deebo Samuel missed most of practice this week with a heel injury, but will play along with TE John Bates who is returning from a groin injury that kept him out of the last two games.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 3-1 and coming off their first loss. They were upset by the New York Giants who started QB Jaxson Dart for his first NFL game. They are also dealing with injuries, and are missing both of their starting OTs. Justin Herbert is having another good season, and he has a new RB in rookie Omarion Hampton.

Wearing white on the West Coast@SeatGeek | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/WB6VyyjLv7

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 3, 2025

Injury Report​

Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/wLGmH8lnbT

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) October 3, 2025

Commanders vs Chargers Friday Injury Report: Everyone in LA is ready to play https://t.co/a4Q0Xixjq1

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) October 3, 2025

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Matchup: Washington Commanders (2-2) @ Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

Location: SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA

Date/Time: October 5, 2025, 4:25 p.m. ET

TV: Fox

Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play)

Tom Brady (analyst)

Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi (sideline)

(via 506sports)

RADIO: Big 100(iHeart Radio)

Bram Weinstein (play-by-play)

London Fletcher (analyst)

Logan Paulsen (sideline)

Spanish Broadcast

Moisés Linares (play-by-play)

Juan Romero (analyst)

Sirius XM NFL

Washington: XM/SXM 381, Internet 831

Los Angeles: XM/SXM 225, Internet 817

Online Stream: Sling TV, NFL+, fuboTV

FanDuel Odds: Washington +2.5 , 47.5 O/U

Commanders +130

Chargers -154

Prediction: Washington 27 – Los Angeles 24

Enemy Blog: Bolts from the Blue

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Washington Commanders 2025 Schedule​

Week 1 – vs New York Giants (Sunday, September 7th, 1 p.m., FOX) W 21-6

Week 2 – @ Green Bay Packers (Thursday, September 11th, 8:15pm, Amazon) L 27-18

Week 3 – vs Las Vegas Raiders, (Sunday, September 21st, 1 p.m., FOX) W 41-24

Week 4 – @ Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, September 28th, 1 p.m., FOX) L 34-27

Week 5 – @ Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, October 5th, 4:25 p.m., FOX)

Week 6 – vs Chicago Bears (October 13th, 8:15 p.m., Monday Night Football double header on ESPN)

Week 7 – @ Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, October 19th, 4:25 p.m.)

Week 8 – @ Kansas City Chiefs (October 27th, 8:15 pm, MNF on ABC/ESPN)

Week 9 – vs Seattle Seahawks (November 2nd, 8:15 p.m., SNF on NBC)

Week 10 – vs Detroit Lions (Sunday, November 9th, 4:25 p.m., FOX)

Week 11 – @ Miami Dolphins (November 16th, Madrid, Spain, 9:30 a.m., NFLN)

Week 12 – BYE WEEK

Week 13 – vs Denver Broncos (November 30th, 8:15 p.m., SNF on NBC)

Week 14 – @ Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, December 7th, 1 p.m. FOX)

Week 15 – @ New York Giants (Sunday, December 14th, 1 p.m., FOX)

Week 16 – vs Philadelphia Eagles (Saturday, December 20th, FOX)

Week 17 – vs Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, December 25th, 1 p.m., Christmas Day, Netflix)

Week 18 – @ Philadelphia Eagles (Date/Time TBD)

Purchase Washington Commanders tickets at StubHub!

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Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

Twitter: Follow @HogsHaven

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Manager: Scott Jennings: Follow @ScottJenningsHH

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NFL News twitter feed

Washington Commanders twitter feed

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/379395/co...schedule-online-stream-injury-report-and-more

 

[Washington Commanders]

Sunday Night Football: New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

Week 5 is not over yet, and we’ve got one more game to watch on Sunday. The New England Patriots are visiting the Buffalo Bills in a big AFC East matchup. The Patriots blew out the Panthers last week 42-13, and are looking to keep that momentum going. The Bills are the last undefeated team in the AFC, and they’re on track for a strong playoff push, and potential Super Bowl berth.

Matchup: New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)

Date/Time: October 5, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, NY

TELEVISION: NBC

Mike Tirico (play-by-play)

Cris Collinsworth (analyst)

Melissa Stark (sideline)

RADIO: Sirius XM NFL

New England: XM/SXM 226, Internet 821

Buffalo: XM/SXM 225, Internet 803

National: 88

Español: 227, Internet: 832

Live Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, fuboTV

FanDuel odds: Bills -8.5, 49.5 O/U

New England: +360

Buffalo: -460

Prediction: Bills 30 – Patriots 17

SB Nation Blogs: Pats Pulpit | Buffalo Rumblings

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Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

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Manager: Scott Jennings: Follow @ScottJenningsHH

Buy Washington gear at the Hogs Haven Fanshop

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NFL News twitter feed

Washington Commanders twitter feed

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...ootball-new-england-patriots-vs-buffalo-bills

 

[Washington Commanders]

Daily Slop – 6 Oct 25 – Quan Martin’s 2nd-quarter forced fumble was key play in win over Chargers in LA

Commanders links​

Articles​

ESPN

Jayden Daniels returns, sparks rally in Commanders’ victory​

Daniels, playing for the first time in two weeks — and for the first time near his hometown of San Bernardino — reminded everyone the danger he provides to the Washington offense. He threw for 231 yards and a touchdown while rushing for another 39 yards in the Commanders’ 27-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

“It means a lot,” he said. “First game back to be in my hometown. You can’t write a better story.

“I dreamt of moments like this.”

It was a tale Washington needed. The Commanders (3-2) were coming off a loss to Atlanta and had numerous injuries impacting the starting lineup. Receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown missed the game with injuries. The team needed Daniels to provide a spark.

Daniels missed the past two weeks with a sprained left knee and had to play Sunday with a brace.

But it didn’t alter his game a lot: He still carried the ball eight times and took some shots from the Chargers’ defense but never stayed down on the ground.

“You all tell me. How did the knee look?” Daniels said when asked about his recovery.

The answer: pretty, pretty good.

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Commanders.com

Instant analysis | Fumble recovery sparks Commanders to 27-10 win over Chargers​

The Commanders set up at their own 1-yard line and went 99 yards to ice the game. They kept their offense on the field for a fourth-and-7, and Daniels found Samuel near the right corner of the end zone, marking the first time all season that the Chargers had given up more than 21 points.

The Commanders have played unevenly to start the year, switching back and forth between satisfying wins and frustrating losses. Week 5 was another high for the team, as they took down one of the AFC’s better teams and got to 3-2 for the second straight season. They have a difficult stretch of games over the next month, including three primetime games against the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.

The Commanders needed something to stabilize them as they tried to fight through injuries and slow starts. Perhaps the fumble recovery that helped flip the switch against the Chargers will be enough to help them even out the roller coaster they’ve been on to start the year.

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Washington Post (paywall)

Knockout blow: Commanders force fumble, and Chargers crumble​

With Jayden Daniels back under center, Washington takes charge after a second-quarter turnover and rolls past Los Angeles.

Quinn said he remembered looking up at the scoreboard at that juncture and thinking to himself: “S—.” For a second week in a row, his team had put itself in a hole.

“But it felt different,” Quinn said. “Our energy, our speed — although [we were] down, it didn’t feel the same. I don’t know how to explain that exactly.”

Then, at some point in the second quarter, two things changed. Daniels traded the pink cleats he had been wearing for black ones. And Martin crashed into Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston, knocking the ball free. He said he wasn’t trying to force a turnover, exactly. Just hit Johnston as hard as he could. “Violence solves everything,” Martin said.

That play gave the ball back to Daniels, who orchestrated the first of the team’s five scoring drives. But it also took some pressure off a defense that was burned a week ago by a middling Atlanta team and had struggled to force turnovers and prevent big plays through the season’s first four weeks.

“It’s like a gasp of air,” linebacker Frankie Luvu said. “Getting the turnover and just having an extra breath of ‘Okay, we’re still in this.’ Getting the ball back to our offense. We know what they’re going to do.”

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Washington Post (paywall)

This isn’t 2024, but the 2025 Commanders are proving resilient, too​

The game was over except for the 68 obligatory seconds left on the clock. The Washington Commanders had Daniels and their joy back. They had gone from being dominated in the first quarter to dominating the final three quarters, erasing an early 10-point deficit in a rousing 27-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Finally, against a quality opponent on the road, they looked like a team with a playoff pedigree. This isn’t the 2024 Commanders. They won’t have a 12-5 record this time. They’re not a safe bet to advance to the NFC championship game again, let alone take another step toward glory. But there’s still something about this team. And just when it seemed that last season’s resilience was fading, they redefined the difficult start to their 2025 campaign with an impressive triumph against the Chargers, who may very well win the rugged AFC West.

Midway through the second quarter Sunday, they were a 2-2 team facing their third double-digit deficit in three road games this season. They seemed one more bad defensive series from a 2-3 record. Los Angeles was rumbling toward the red zone again. And then Washington decided to show what kind of team it can be.

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The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders-Chargers takeaways: Jayden Daniels returns from injury to rally Washington​

Daniels looks a lot like himself

Daniels looked a lot like the Daniels most became accustomed to seeing last season, with the deep passing, drive-extending runs, smart decisions and a full command of the offense. He quashed any doubts about his ability to play like himself with a knee brace. — Nicki Jhabvala, Commanders beat writer

Rookie tops 100 yards

Croskey-Merritt notched his first 100-yard rushing game, showing his quick cuts and rare vision behind the line. He also had a pair of catches for 39 yards. His fumble at the start of the fourth quarter nearly led to a Chargers touchdown, but Mike Sainristil picked off Herbert at the goal line to preserve Washington’s 10-point cushion. The Commanders didn’t think twice about putting Croskey-Merritt back out there, a clear show of faith in the young back. — Jhabvala

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Heavy.com

Luke McCaffrey is finally starting to fulfill his potential with the Commanders​

In 2025, through the first 5 games, McCaffrey has seemed like a different player and has established himself as a key piece of the offense. He is fourth on the team in receiving with 7 receptions for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns headed into a Week 6 Monday Night Football game against the Chicago Bears.

In a much needed win over the Chargers in Week 5, McCaffrey set up a score with a 50-yard reception from fellow 2024 rookie Jayden Daniels.

Luke McCaffrey three weeks in a row showing why the Commanders staff have stayed consistently high on him,” Last of the Fullbacks wrote on its official X account on October 5. “A lot of potential in a guy still only in year 2 of learning to play WR full time.”

Jayden connects on a deep ball to Luke McCaffrey!

WASvsLAC on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Fzk0ycZbdc

— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2025

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Heavy.com

Jacory Croskey-Merrit Promises More​

Underlying numbers showed he was already playing at an elite level, but Croskey-Merritt needed a showcase game to prove he’s more than a rotational back. The 24-year-old delivered by ripping off “gains of 13, 15, 27, 10, 15, 21, 28, 11, and 18 yards” against the Bolts, according to Underdog’s Josh Norris.

His best gains occurred on runs around the corner that allowed Croskey-Merritt to show off some elite speed. Like when he “hit 20 MPH on his way into the end zone” for this first TD, according to Next Gen Stats (h/t NFLPlus).

Jacory Crosky-Merritt hit 20 MPH on his way into the end zone, per @NextGenStats

Watch live local games on #NFLPlus
Blackout restrictions may applypic.twitter.com/xP7shMLkZf

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) October 5, 2025

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Riggo’s Rag

5 winners (and 2 losers) from Commanders’ emphatic success at the Chargers​

Winner No. 2

Commanders offensive line

Any team coached by Jim Harbaugh is going to be strong in the trenches. The Washington Commanders had to match fire with fire, and the offensive line stepped up to the challenge with a phenomenal performance.

Laremy Tunsil was almost flawless once again. The Commanders had to give up significant resources to acquire the stud left tackle, but he’s worth all that and more. Josh Conerly Jr. is improving rapidly, giving Washington a tackle tandem that is quickly becoming a strength.

Washington’s interior also held up, providing assured pass protection and crushing running lanes as the Commanders averaged 5.8 yards per carry. Jayden Daniels was sacked just once and got enough time in the pocket to go through his progressions consistently. And the glue that holds it all together, veteran center Tyler Biadasz, was exceptional.

With prolific right guard Sam Cosmi set to make his return in the not-too-distant future, this unit is only going to get better.

Winner No. 3

Deebo Samuel Sr. – Commanders WR

Adam Peters drew some raised eyebrows for his decision to trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason. Just five games into the 2025 campaign, it looks like an absolute masterstroke.

Samuel appears to be a different player from the one whose time with the San Francisco 49ers fizzled out. The Commanders had to give up a fifth-round pick to seal the deal, which is absolute chump change compared to his influence so far. And with second-team All-Pro wideout Terry McLaurin out through injury, the former South Carolina standout has stepped into the alpha role flawlessly.

Jayden Daniels trusts Samuel to deliver the goods. They’ve formed a close bond early, and the signal-caller looked to him early and often once he’d shaken off some early rust. The pass-catcher responded, bringing in eight receptions from 11 targets for 96 receiving yards and one touchdown to put the exclamation point on proceedings.

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Riggo’s Rag

Noah Igbinoghene is quickly becoming a Commanders afterthought​

The Commanders made their stance on cornerback Noah Igbinoghene crystal clear. The former Auburn standout showed signs of life last season, his first in Washington. He got another deal from the Commanders and made the 53-man roster. However, this hasn’t been accompanied by the required consistency in a competitive environment.

Igbinoghene’s influence has waned. The 2020 first-round selection looks lost in coverage and is a liability against the run. That’s a dangerous combination, and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has seen enough.

Washington allocated just one defensive snap to the player in Week 5 at SoFi Stadium. He saw the field for just two special teams snaps. Igbinoghene is rapidly descending into an afterthought, and it could be a long road back for the player.

Quinn and Whitt know Igbinoghene well. This is their third season working with the defensive back, the first of which was with the Dallas Cowboys. He’s always had the athleticism and length to be more impactful, but putting it all together remains a problem he hasn’t solved effectively enough.

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Riggo’s Rag

Jordan Magee made a strong case for more involvement on Commanders defense​

Magee’s been an innocent bystander, for the most part, this season. Washington’s linebacking corps was crying out for an extra injection of explosiveness, but Whitt remained cautious when it came to the 2024 fourth-round pick. He finally got a chance to stake a claim at SoFi Stadium, and he took full advantage.

It was only 12 defensive snaps, but Magee made the most of them. His athleticism and quickness off the snap were considerable assets to call upon. And the physicality displayed to secure a tackle for loss would have been a massive confidence boost for the second-year pro.

Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu remain entrenched as the starting linebacker duo. However, this is further proof that Whitt has to find ways to get Magee onto the field.

His physical gifts cannot be taught. He’s gradually earning the trust of his coaches, and Magee is always ready for the moment when his number is called. That is the sort of influence the Commanders should reward accordingly.

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The Athletic (paywall)

Chargers have lost 2 straight — and aren’t playing like a Jim Harbaugh-coached team​

Soon, Allen’s teammates followed suit. Ladd McConkey looked to the sideline and raised his hands in the air, too — the international sign for, “What the hell are we doing?” Rookie running back Omarion Hampton started waving his hand toward the sideline. Coach Jim Harbaugh stared back as the clock ticked — 19 seconds, 18, 17, 16, 15. He looked from side to side. Finally, tight end Tyler Conklin, the 11th man the offense needed, sprinted onto the field.

Keenan Allen stood near midfield, his hands raised toward the sky as he stared at the sideline. The Los Angeles Chargers only had 10 players in their offensive huddle. It was fourth down, late in the third quarter of an eventual 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders, and the play clock was winding down.

By the time Conklin got to the huddle, there were 11 seconds on the play clock, and quarterback Justin Herbert was already midway through his play call. The Chargers broke the huddle with nine seconds on the play clock. They rushed to the line. Herbert got the snap off with four seconds to spare.

Herbert rolled to his right off play action. The Chargers needed 2 yards for a first down. Herbert threw a fastball to Conklin on a stop route. It went through Conklin’s hands, hit him in the helmet and fell to the turf for an incompletion and a crucial turnover on downs.

The play was a microcosm of the Chargers’ performance Sunday.

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Podcasts & videos​

On video wrapping up a huge Commanders win in Los Angeles. Jayden Daniels returns. The Martin forced fumble. Croskey-Merritt. The OL. More. ⁦@ESPNRichmond⁩ https://t.co/wH0LMgVjjv

— John Keim (@john_keim) October 6, 2025

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Commanders STEAL a Win in Jayden Daniels L.A. Homecoming as Defense Blanks Chargers in Second Half​

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Commanders Postgame: Jayden Daniels, Bill Croskey-Merritt lead comeback win in LA | Beltway Football​

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Washington Commanders vs Los Angeles Chargers Game Highlights | 2025 NFL Season Week 5​

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Photos​

Commanders.com

PHOTOS | Commanders vs. Chargers, Week 5​

Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium for their matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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NFC East links​

Bleeding Green Nation

Eagles vs. Broncos: The good, the bad, and the ugly​

Highlights and lowlights from Philadelphia’s Week 5 loss.

The silence of Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday spoke. All Nick Sirianni could do was look down and shake his head. His sun glasses were hiding what had to be beaming red eyes, after the Eagles’ coach watched his team blow a two-score, fourth-quarter lead in losing their first game of the season, 21-17, to the Denver Broncos.

The Buffalo Bills are now the only undefeated team in the NFL [Note from BiB: Not any more!], while Eagles saw their franchise-tying 10-game winning streak and 12-game home winning streak come to a screeching halt. It marked the Eagles first home loss in over a year, when the Eagles lost to Atlanta (22-21 on Sept. 16, 2024).

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ESPN

Ranking bad NFL Week 5 losses for Cardinals, Eagles, Rams​

[T]his was a chance for Nick Sirianni’s group to prove it is more like the 2024 vintage. Facing a great defense in the Broncos, the Eagles had finally thrown the football effectively in the first half. Saquon Barkley‘s first big play of the year arrived on a 47-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. And with Bo Nix struggling badly and his Broncos trailing by two touchdowns midway through that third stanza, the Eagles were in position to close out the game and put what has been the most frustrating 4-0 start possible for a defending Super Bowl champion in the rear view.

That didn’t happen. It was the Eagles who imploded.

The 2024 Eagles were typically able to rest by the time they got to the final few minutes of the fourth quarter; while there were occasional scares against the Jaguars and Panthers and eventual losses after late drops against the Falcons and Commanders, the eventual Super Bowl champs were typically able to extend or maintain leads in the fourth quarter last season.

This year’s team has not been able to do that, in part because it hasn’t been able to reliably run the football. Strip out scrambles and kneel-downs, and the Eagles are 23rd in success rate on the ground in the second half of games this season, down from 10th a year ago.

Success rate doesn’t matter as much if a team is generating big plays, but those haven’t been around, either.

[T]he Eagles essentially abandoned the run in the second half. Holding a lead for much of the final two quarters, the Eagles dialed up just two designed runs, one of which was called back for holding. They dropped back 26 times. Four of those dropbacks were RPOs where Hurts could have chosen to hand off the ball, but the most devastating run game in football last season simply didn’t run it in the second half of this game.

No offensive coordinator is going to be on the hot seat after a 4-1 start, but there are understandable questions about whether Patullo is finding the answers the Eagles need on the offensive side of the ball. This is the most expensive offense in NFL history in terms of cash spending, returning 10 of 11 starters from a devastating 2024 attack.

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Big Blue View

Giants-Saints ‘things I think’: Game, good vibes slip away from Giants​

The Giants had a good thing going … until they didn’t

The Giants fumbled some of that optimism away. They threw some of it away. They took whatever was left of it after the fumbles and interceptions and torched it with penalties, drops and other assorted mistakes.

This was a game the Giants should have won. Clearly. They had a 14-3 lead and it looked like the good times were rolling. Then, they took the victory they had in hand, put it in a nice box, wrapped it with some pretty paper, put a bow on it, walked it across the field and gifted it to a previously winless Saints team.

They also pretty much wrecked any chance their season had of not resembling something like the 3-14 disaster that nearly got head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen fired a year ago.

The Giants turned the ball over on five straight possessions. Per the CBS broadcast, they are the first team to accomplish that ignominious feat since the Jets did it NINE years ago. They had eight penalties for 95 yards. They had drops. They had missed opportunities.

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Big Blue View

Eagles-Giants odds: New York expected to lose by more than a touchdown​

After losing to a winless team, the Giants get to host the Super Bowl champions on national television

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Philadelphia Eagles are 7.5-point road favorites entering Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium. The Giants (1-4) are coming off a 26-14 loss to the Saints, a game marred by turnovers on five straight possessions. The Eagles (4-1) suffered their first loss of the season on Sunday, falling 21-17 to the Denver Broncos.

A loss would send the Giants to 1-5, putting them in a familiar and difficult position early in the season. Head coach Brian Daboll has faced growing questions about the offense’s identity, and there’s increasing speculation that his job and others could be on the line if things don’t get better in the coming weeks.

The Giants haven’t beaten the Eagles since 2021, losing six straight in the rivalry.

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Blogging the Boys

Cowboys odds: Dallas is a Week 6 favorite on the road against Panthers​

The Cowboys are favorites for the second week in a row.

Dallas now takes their show on the road again in Week 6 to face the Carolina Panthers. Just in time to visit a 2-3 Panthers team coming off a win over the Miami Dolphins. In that game, our old friend Rico Dowdle ran for 206 yards. Yes, 206 yards. He surely will want a repeat performance against his old team.

FanDuel has the Cowboys as 3.5-point favorites on the road which is a pretty good positive spread in the NFL.

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NFL.com

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle warns Cowboys to ‘buckle up’ after 234-yard performance​

Dowdle exploded for 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and added 28 receiving yards for 234 total yards from scrimmage, helping power the Carolina Panthers’ frantic comeback in a thrilling 27-24 win over Miami.

With Sunday’s career-best performance still fresh, Dowdle knows the Cowboys can’t ignore him as they prepare to face the Panthers in Week 6.

“They got to buckle up,” Dowdle said of the Cowboys after the Panthers’ win, via ESPN. “I think they know for sure. They didn’t keep me there for five years for no reason.”

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Upcoming opponent​

Windy City Gridiron

Questions about the Bears Offensive Line​

If there’s one thing that this coaching staff has been reevaluating during the bye, it’s the offensive line.

Offensive tackle Braxton Jones was benched last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. When asked about the offensive tackle switch in the postgame presser, Johnson replied, “We were just at the point where we weren’t doing a whole lot on offense, and we felt like that might give us a little spark and ignite us a little bit on offense.”

Jones has not been playing up to his full potential, likely due to still not being fully recovered from the ankle injury he suffered at the end of last season.

Last week, the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs reported that the Bears are expected to make a change at left tackle after the bye.

“A source said Jones is not expected to start Oct. 13 at Washington. The situation remains fluid, and Benedet is the likely replacement,” Biggs reported.

Through four weeks, there’s been a clear improvement from the offensive line compared to last season, but there are still questions looming around the unit. The coaching staff still has wrinkles to iron out, such as working on the pre-snap penalties and finalizing the front five for the remainder of the season.

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NFL league links​

Articles​

ESPN

Finding the Travis Hunter, two-way threat for every NFL team​

[W]e asked our 32 NFL reporters to find the best player on every team who could have the skills to be a two-way player. Many played multiple positions in college or have been used in more than one spot already in the NFL. Some picks might surprise you.

CB Mike Sainristil

Sainristil already has shown he can be an effective corner in the NFL — he’s best suited inside but played outside out of necessity last year and handled it well. He has intercepted three passes in the NFL and has started 20 games. But his versatility wasn’t a surprise to Washington because of what he showed at Michigan. He was a standout receiver — with 28 career touchdown receptions — and defensive back in high school and started his career on offense in college. Sainristil played receiver his first three seasons and caught 38 passes for 546 yards and five touchdowns. He then moved to corner for his final two years and intercepted seven passes. — John Keim

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Discussion topics​

NFL.com

NFL Week 5 takeaways: What We Learned from Sunday’s 12 games​

Giants 14​

Saints 26​

Dart whiffs in second start. Fresh off his first victory in his first career start, rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart carried the momentum built from his first triumph with him into Sunday’s showdown in the Big Easy. The same couldn’t be said by the time the clock expired. Dart led two impressive touchdown drives in the first 17 minutes of game action, completing six of his first seven passes for 52 yards and a touchdown while rushing twice for 26 yards in the first quarter. After that, the wheels began to fall off. Dart fumbled away possession early in the third quarter, tossed two interceptions while trying to throw the Giants back into the lead and missed a handful of excellent opportunities along the way. The worst was a well-timed flea flicker called by Brian Daboll, which freed Darius Slayton deep downfield. Attempting to make what appeared to be a layup of a pass, Dart underthrew the ball, leaving it hanging for a defensive back to swat away. His first interception came in a desperate moment on fourth-and-6 in the fourth quarter in which Dart didn’t have anywhere else to go with the ball, and his second pick was largely the fault of receiver Beaux Collins, who stopped his route short of Dart’s intended target. Both halted New York’s comeback attempt and illustrated how a once-promising outing became a frustrating day that will require the Giants to regroup entering Week 6.

NFL Research: The Giants became the first team to commit a turnover on five consecutive possessions in a game since the Jets did so in Week 3 of the 2016 season.

Cowboys 37​

Jets 22​

Next Gen Stats Insight for Cowboys-Jets (via NFL Pro): Javonte Williams forced seven missed tackles and gained 76 yards after missed tackles, both season highs. He also generated 92 yards after contact in the game, contributing to his 357 yards after contact on rushing attempts this season, the second-most in the NFL entering Sunday afternoon.

NFL Research: Javonte Williams became the fifth Cowboys player with five-plus rushing touchdowns in the team’s first five games of a season, joining Ezekiel Elliott, DeMarco Murray, Emmitt Smith and Calvin Hill.

Broncos 21​

Eagles 17​

Eagles’ offense once again goes into a shell. Early on Sunday, the Eagles were doing pretty much whatever they wanted, staying ahead of the chains with good early down gains and taking a 17-3 lead early in the third quarter on Saquon Barkley’s 47-yard catch. But Philly punted on its next four possessions, converting only one first down. It has mirrored the Eagles’ offensive issues this season, often looking competent for one half and downright icy in the other. They handed off only nine times all game, and eight of those came in the first half. It appeared as if the Eagles wanted to test Denver’s secondary, and they narrowly missed connecting on a few deep shots that could have changed the game’s complexion, but it wasn’t to be. The Broncos sacked Jalen Hurts six times and batted down nine of his 38 pass attempts. It was the first loss with Hurts starting in more than a calendar year, and though the sky isn’t suddenly falling, the Eagles’ offensive concerns cannot be dismissed.

NFL Research: The Broncos had 15 sacks coming into Sunday’s game, adding six more against the Eagles to raise their season total to 21 through five games.

Commanders 27​

Chargers 10​

Daniels led Commanders to impressive victory after early drought. Jayden Daniels wore pink cleats to start the game as a nod to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but he needed to make an equipment change after a few series. Daniels had completed only 1 of 3 passes for 7 yards and was having trouble getting his footing as a runner, with Washington in a 10-0 hole early. It was all Chargers at that point, but Daniels – with black cleats – looked like the quarterback who took the league by storm as a rookie, and not the one who returned from two weeks off with a knee injury. The Chargers opened the door with some critical mistakes, and Daniels and the Commanders took advantage. His 50-yard pass to Luke McCaffrey in the waning seconds of the first half set up a shocking field goal to tie the game, and the opening touchdown drive of the second half shifted the tides, with Washington scoring 27 unanswered points. And for the cherry on top, Daniels hit Deebo Samuel on a lollipop TD to beat the blitz. Daniels’ composed play after the footwear change — and without Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown — was impressive and a sign the Commanders are back.

Croskey-Merrit has taken the lead role, even with a fumble. The Commanders had maintained some semblance of backfield parity the first four games, divvying up the carries a bit. But Sunday felt like a breakthrough for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who did more as a runner (111 yards) and receiver (39) than he had to this point. His two TDs and a brilliant 27-yard run in the third quarter helped the Commanders wrest back control of the game. But the most telling moment about his status was when Croskey-Merritt fumbled on the first play of the fourth quarter, giving the Chargers life when it looked like they were about to be choked out. This was Croskey-Merritt’s fifth NFL game, and it might have been easy for Dan Quinn to give the rookie the hook. Instead, they fed him more. Protecting a 20-10 lead, Croskey-Merritt rewarded his coach’s faith and atoned for his mistake by ripping off runs of 10, 9 and 15 yards to close out the game. There’s no doubt who the Commanders’ RB1 is now: It’s the seventh-rounder known simply as “Bill.” Bill paid off in a big way Sunday.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Commanders-Chargers (via NFL Pro): Justin Herbert was sacked four times, took nine QB hits and was pressured 12 times before being replaced by Trey Lance. Herbert averaged only 3.0 yards per pass attempt and threw his only INT when pressured by the Commanders.

NFL Research: With 39 rushing yards Sunday, Jayden Daniels became the first player in NFL history with 4,000 or more pass yards and 1,000 or more rush yards in their first 20 career games.

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aBit o’Twitter​

Quite the homecoming for 5 @JayD__5 | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/y7ayYDJWmO

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2025

A very Victory Monday @MDLottery | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/MQ1Xoe02Sa

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2025

Goodnight Commanders fans#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/aT1FEGOEJO

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) October 6, 2025

https://t.co/2MAw9oeANu pic.twitter.com/GNw2GhDqSw

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 6, 2025

BILL. @JamieErdahl hands out her Game Ball from Sunday @Commanders | #RaiseHail | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/osK41cgEr3

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) October 6, 2025

Like father, like son. pic.twitter.com/nQqIdLhj8U

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 6, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...umble-was-key-play-in-win-over-chargers-in-la